Hydrolates, hydrosols, floral waters... why are they so exceptional and versatile?
Hydrolates, hydrosols and floral waters: universal cosmetic products
Hydrolates or floral waters are probably the most versatile cosmetic product you can have in your bathroom. They replace facial water, hair tonic, micellar water or mouthwashes. Some even have food-grade quality and European BIO certification. They are so gentle that they can be used even for the smallest children. You can also use them in cooking and aromatherapy. What exactly is a hydrolate and how is it made?
What is a hydrolate and how is it created by distillation
The word hydrolate comes from Latin and French, where hydro means water and lait means milk. The true hydrolate flows from the distillation apparatus as a milky liquid.
A hydrolate is a pure aqueous distillate from flowers, leaves or other parts of plants. It contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in low concentrations and consists of 99.95% water. Distillation is carried out so that hot steam passes through plant material, binds aromatic compounds, which are then cooled and condensed into hydrolate form.
Hydrolate production technology
Distillation is performed in glass or copper devices. Quality hydrolate is hermetically sealed and stored away from heat and light, ideally below 20 °C. After opening, it should be kept cool and consumed within 2–6 months.
Properties and uses of genuine hydrolates
Hydrolates have an acidic pH, are very well accepted by the skin, suitable for sensitive skin and children. They do not disrupt the skin's natural microflora and support it.
Practical uses
- Safe for children, pregnant women and allergy sufferers, suitable for aromatherapy
- Use as facial water and component of homemade masks and balms
- Natural conditioner and hair tonic
- Care for children's skin, soothing eczema and diaper rash
- Refreshing after shaving and calming irritation
- Soothing insect bites
- Adding flavor to dishes, creams, sauces, beverages
- Suitable for cocktails and drinks for aroma
- Gentle use in aromatherapy and diffusers
Quality and verification of hydrolates
True hydrolate must not contain alcohol, essential oils or preservatives. Quality is verified by the manufacturer with detailed documentation and production description. The Armina brand offers genuine hydrolates from fresh organic raw materials with emphasis on freshness and quality.
Production factors affecting hydrolates
Quality and scent may vary depending on plant type, plant part, harvest time and season, weather or soil type.
Discover hydrolates in the Wereco e-shop
At wereco.store you will find the Armina brand, producer of premium hydrolates and essential oils. Further articles will provide detailed overview of hydrolate types and their uses.
Your WERECO
Sources: (1) https://tisserandinstitute.org/beginners-guide-essential-oils-part-1-essential-oil-extraction/ (2) https://phytovolatilome.com/hydrolats-demystifying-mystical-waters/ (3) https://phytovolatilome.com/hydrolats-demystifying-mystical-waters/