Hydrolats, also known as floral waters, are by-products of the distillation of plants for the purpose of obtaining essential oils. They contain trace amounts of essential oils and water-soluble plant substances, so they have gentle yet effective properties and are suitable even for sensitive or children's skin. Gentle care from plants in the form of floral waters can therefore become the basis of your formulations.
About this article
We will go through what hydrolats (floral waters) are and how they are produced, where you can use them in natural cosmetics and around the home, and which hydrolats are the best known — including what you can expect from each floral water for your skin. Hydrolats are a great first step towards making your own natural cosmetics.
Key benefits
- Gentle yet effective
Hydrolats contain trace amounts of essential oils and water-soluble plant substances — which is why they have gentle yet effective properties.
- Also for sensitive and children's skin
It is precisely their gentleness that makes them suitable for sensitive or children's skin as well.
- Versatile use
They work in facial toners, creams and gels, body sprays, hair tonics and homemade cleaning agents.
- Higher bioactive value
In creams and gels they replace demineralised water and increase the bioactive value of the product.
- Delicate scent
Floral waters create a reliable base for formulations with a delicate scent, and they add a subtle aroma or antibacterial effects to homemade cleaning agents.
Ingredient properties
What are hydrolats (floral waters) and how are they produced?
Hydrolats, also known as floral waters, are by-products of the distillation of plants for the purpose of obtaining essential oils. In this process, plant material (flowers, leaves, stems or fruits) is exposed to steam. The steam extracts aromatic and active substances, which, after cooling, separate into two parts: an essential oil and an aqueous condensate, which we call a hydrolat.
Hydrolats contain trace amounts of essential oils and water-soluble plant substances. Thanks to this, they have gentle yet effective properties and are also suitable for sensitive or children's skin.
Use of hydrolats in natural cosmetics and cleaning products
Hydrolats are extremely versatile and are used in many types of products:
- Facial toners – floral waters hydrate, soothe and prepare the skin for the application of creams or oils. You can apply them directly to the skin using a cosmetic pad.
- Raw material for creams and gels – they replace demineralised water and increase the bioactive value of the product.
- Body sprays and mists – refreshing and lightly fragranced sprays that you can also enrich with mica and enjoy a pleasant refreshment during hot summer days.
- Base for hair tonics – they support the health of the scalp and create a reliable base for formulations with a delicate scent.
- Base for homemade cleaning agents – they add a subtle aroma or antibacterial effects.
Hydrolats are used on their own or as an ingredient in more complex formulations. It is important to choose a high-quality, pure product free from preservatives, such as you can also find on our website.
The most well-known hydrolats and their benefits for the skin
Below we go through the five best-known floral waters and what your skin can expect from them — so that you can choose the hydrolat that suits you best.
Rose water
Rose floral water is a classic in skin care. It soothes, tones, reduces redness and gives the skin a fresh radiance. You will be enchanted by its characteristic floral fragrance.
Lavender hydrolat
Lavender hydrolat has antibacterial and regenerating effects, ideal for problem skin or after sun exposure. The soothing scent of lavender floral water creates a relaxing feeling.
Chamomile hydrolat
Chamomile is an exceptionally gentle hydrolat for sensitive and children's skin, it reduces itching and supports skin regeneration.
Rosemary water
Rosemary stimulates the skin, is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, and supports microcirculation. Rosemary water is very popular in hair care.
Neroli hydrolat
Neroli is a luxurious floral hydrolat for mature skin, bringing refreshment and a gentle citrus note.
Our tip
Get inspired by the use of floral waters in cosmetics and explore the tutorials on our blog. You can find lavender hydrolat in the Micellar water tutorial, rosemary water in the Aftershave tutorial for men, or get inspired by the Day cream tutorial using rose water.
Frequently asked questions about hydrolats
Practical questions about floral waters — how they are made, who they are suitable for, what you can replace with them in formulations and which hydrolat to choose.
How is a hydrolat produced?
A hydrolat is a by-product of the distillation of plants for the purpose of obtaining essential oils. Plant material (flowers, leaves, stems or fruits) is exposed to steam, the steam extracts aromatic and active substances and, after cooling, two parts are formed: an essential oil and an aqueous condensate, which we call a hydrolat.
Are hydrolats suitable for sensitive and children's skin?
Yes. Hydrolats contain only trace amounts of essential oils and water-soluble plant substances, so they have gentle yet effective properties and are also suitable for sensitive or children's skin. Chamomile hydrolat, for example, is exceptionally gentle.
Can I replace demineralised water in a cream with a hydrolat?
Yes — as a raw material for creams and gels, hydrolats replace demineralised water and increase the bioactive value of the product. They are used on their own as well as an ingredient in more complex formulations.
How do I use a hydrolat as a facial toner?
Floral waters hydrate, soothe and prepare the skin for the application of creams or oils. You can apply them directly to the skin using a cosmetic pad.
Which hydrolat should I choose for oily and acne-prone skin?
Reach for rosemary water — rosemary stimulates the skin, is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin and supports microcirculation. Lavender hydrolat also has antibacterial and regenerating effects on problem skin.
How do I recognise a high-quality hydrolat?
It is important to choose a high-quality, pure product free from preservatives. Hydrolats are also a great first step towards making your own natural cosmetics.
Hydrolats are a great first step towards making your own natural cosmetics. You will find the rose water, lavender, chamomile, rosemary and Neroli from this article in the Handymade range of hydrolats and floral waters.
