Have you ever been lost browsing through the many natural skincare products available on the market? Have you ever wondered what the difference is between aromatic hydrosol and floral water ? These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually have subtle but important differences.
When it comes to natural beauty and wellness products , you may have heard of aromatic hydrosol and floral water. These two types of products are used evasively in various skincare recipes and remedies, but what really sets them apart? This article aims to demystify these two terms.
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An aromatic hydrosol , also called distilled water, is a product obtained from the steam distillation of plants. It is a diluted form of essential oil, containing the same beneficial compounds but in much lower amounts.
During the distillation of a plant to obtain an essential oil, the distillation water becomes loaded with aromatic molecules. It is this water, loaded with aromatic molecules, that is called aromatic hydrosol .
Hydrolats are therefore waters impregnated, by steam distillation, with the volatile active principles of plants. The classic apparatus used is a still . Fresh plants must sometimes undergo division and maceration before being distilled . The volatile principles, soluble in the water of the plants used, can pre-exist in the plant or arise during the preparation (rose water).
Aromatic hydrosols are very versatile and can be used for skin care, general well-being, or even in the kitchen.
Floral water, often called hydrosol, is the aqueous residue that remains after the distillation of flowers to obtain an essential oil. It is a water loaded with plant active ingredients.
The process of producing floral water is similar to that of aromatic hydrosol. However, as its name suggests, floral water is produced only from flowers.
For example, helichrysum floral water is obtained by steam distillation of immortelle flowers . The flowers are placed in a still, where the water is heated to become water vapor. This water vapor extracts the aromatic compounds from the flowers , then is cooled down to become water again, carrying with it the precious aromatic compounds of the flowers.
Floral water is generally used as a tonic lotion for the skin, but it can also be used to flavor food or as a component in beauty products.
Although both are produced by distillation, the main difference is in the raw material used. Aromatic hydrosol can come from any part of the plant, while floral water is produced only from flowers.
Floral flavored waters are obtained by dissolving flavors in purified water followed by decantation and filtration . This process being less expensive than distillation , it is much easier to find floral flavored waters than hydrosols , and they are also quite easily confused. However, one has therapeutic properties ( hydrolate ), the other cosmetic ( floral flavored water ).
A hydrosol is distillation water obtained during the steam distillation of an aromatic or medicinal plant, in order to obtain an essential oil . During the distillation process in the still , the aromatic molecules of the distilled raw materials are entrained with the steam, condensed and collected in a decanter . The distillate obtained is composed of supernatant essential oil and distillation water , in which a tiny part of the essential oil has dissolved.
Aromatic hydrosol has a wider range of uses than floral water, due to the diversity of plants from which it can be produced.
Hydrosols can be used:
Precautions for use :
Both products have similar benefits, although the aromatic hydrosol may offer a greater variety of properties due to the diversity of botanicals used.
A hydrosol is not as powerful as an organic essential oil online , however, being made up of water ( floral water ), it retains water-soluble fragrant molecules and remains slightly perfumed, while possessing certain therapeutic properties; such as orange blossom water used to regulate children's sleep.
We will prefer a hydrosol to put in cooked dishes rather than an essential oil , and we will also prefer to treat babies, children, pregnant women, animals or sensitive people with hydrosols rather than with essential oils .
The aromatic hydrosol and floral water are therefore two natural beauty and well-being products that have their own unique characteristics. Although they have differences, they are both beneficial for the skin and general well-being, making them must-haves in any natural skincare routine.
No, although often used interchangeably, aromatic hydrosol and floral water have subtle differences. The aromatic hydrosol can be produced from different parts of the plant and contains a lower concentration of aromatic compounds compared to the essential oil of the plant. Floral water, on the other hand, is produced exclusively from flowers and contains the aromatic compounds of distilled flowers.
Both benefit the skin, but in slightly different ways. The aromatic hydrosol offers various properties depending on the plant used, it can be more moisturizing, soothing or even purifying. Floral water , on the other hand, is generally softer and therefore suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive. It is always recommended to do an allergy test before using them regularly.
Yes, aromatic hydrosols and floral waters are often used in the kitchen to add an aromatic touch to various dishes. They can be used to flavor cakes, creams, drinks, and even some savory dishes. However, it is important to ensure that they are pure and without harmful additives.
It is important to note that even though aromatic hydrosol and floral water are natural, they can cause allergic reactions in some people. It is therefore recommended to do an allergy test before using them regularly. In addition, it is best to store these products in a cool, dark place to preserve their properties.
You can buy quality aromatic hydrosols and floral waters in natural product stores, and in our online pharmacy. It is recommended to choose 100% pure and natural products, and to verify the provenance to ensure the quality of the product.
