Steam + plant
This article was originally published in May 2016
Hydrosols, or floral waters, are like very diluted essential oils. They’re produced by the steam distillation of herbs and flowers like lavender, rose geranium, holy basil and rose petals. They can be a by-product of essential oils or distilled solely to produce a hydrosol.
Hydrosols are most commonly used as facial toners — sometimes on their own and sometimes blended with other ingredients to complement the fragrance or benefit to your skin.
Over the years, the most common floral water has been simple rosewater, but one of the main differences is that plain rosewater is typically added to glyercin, lotion or even bath water by the user.
Modern hydrosols have done that for you; they’re ready to mist on your skin (or frizzy hair) for moisture, specific herbal benefits or the emotional lift that a lovely natural fragrance can provide.
Floral waters
Evan Healy Facial Tonic Hydrosoul
Distilled in copper over low temperatures, these floral waters are exceptional quality. Suggested use of these facial tonics include minimizing pores with lemon thyme, soothing sensitive skin with lavender, or hydrating with rose petal.
Heritage Rosewater
This gentle, fragrant rosewater is food grade, in addition to having a range of cosmetic uses. It’s a blend of two ingredients: Rosa Damascena flower oil and vor-mag water, which has been vortexed and magnetized.
Kensington Apothecary Facial Tonic
These tonics blend hydrosols with additional ingredients for combinations like Sake Skin Detox (with brown rice vinegar, chamomile and olive leaf) and Environmental Defense Tonic (combining alpine rose, witch hazel, aloe and cactus pear).