Hydrolates: the gentle power of nature for your skincare

Hydrolates (plant or flower waters) the particularly gentle power of nature

What are hydrolates?

Hydrolates, also known as plant water or floral water, are produced as by-products during the steam distillation of plants to obtain essential oils.
In contrast to essential oils, hydrolates are milder and contain water-soluble plant components.
These properties make them ideal for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, as they are more skin-friendly and less concentrated.  

Historical background

The use of hydrosols goes back a long way and is closely linked to the history of distillation and the use of plant extracts.
Plant waters were already used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes in ancient times, particularly in ancient Egypt.
The Egyptians used rose water and other floral waters for skin care and as part of ritual practices.
Hydrosols were also valued in ancient Greece and Rome.
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, recommended the use of hydrosols for various health applications.
The Romans, who were known for their advanced hygiene methods, used lavender and rosemary hydrosols in their baths and to clean wounds.
With the spread of Islam and scientific advances in the Middle Ages, particularly by scholars such as Avicenna, the distillation technique was further refined.
Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, perfected steam distillation and thus contributed significantly to the spread of hydrosols.
His works had a great influence on European medicine and alchemy.
In the
16th and
17th century, the use of hydrolates experienced a renaissance in Europe.
Pharmacists and alchemists such as Paracelsus researched and documented the healing powers of plant waters.
This tradition continued into modern times and today hydrosols are experiencing a new heyday, particularly in natural cosmetics and aromatherapy.  

Manufacturing process

Hydrolates are obtained by steam distillation.
This involves passing water vapor through plant material.
The steam absorbs the volatile components of the plant and condenses into a liquid, separating it into essential oil and plant or flower water.
This plant or flower water contains the water-soluble components and traces of the essential oil.  

What makes it special: Essential oils and water-soluble active ingredients

Hydrolates are more than just a by-product in the production of essential oils.
They contain a unique blend of water-soluble active ingredients and traces of essential oils (approx. 0.03 to 0.5 %) which give them their special properties.
This combination makes “liquid gold” a versatile and gentle product that differs from essential oils.
While essential oils contain the concentrated, fat-soluble components of the plant, hydrolates contain the water-soluble components that are not present in essential oils.
These include specific acids, tannins, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that dissolve in water and do not pass into the essential oil.
The traces of essential oils in the hydrolates ensure that they offer the beneficial properties of the plants in a much milder form.
This low concentration of essential oils makes hydrosols particularly suitable for sensitive skin and for use on children, where the more intense effects of pure essential oils may be too strong.
In addition, hydrosols often have a pH value that is close to the skin’s natural pH value, making them excellent skin care products.
They can be applied undiluted to the skin and still provide the nourishing and healing benefits of their botanical base ingredients.
Hydrosols are versatile in their application and uniquely enriching due to their unique composition.  

Advantages and applications

The benefits and possible applications of hydrolates are manifold:

• Skin care: Hydrolates can be used as facial toner, facial lotion or in masks.
  They moisturize the skin and often have soothing or anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hair: They are also suitable as a refreshing hair conditioner after shampooing with hair soaps, using the hydrosol as a final rinse without rinsing.
  This provides additional care for the hair.
• Aromatherapy: Due to their mildness, you can apply hydrosols directly to the skin or use them in diffusers.
• Room sprays: Hydrolates can be used as natural air fresheners or as an ingredient in cleaning products.

Popular hydrosols and their properties

There are a variety of flower and plant waters, but in my blog I only briefly present those that you can also find in my products.

• Rose blossom hydrolate also Rose water: Soothing, moisturizing, ideal for all skin types.
• Peppermint hydrosol: Refreshing and cooling, ideal for tired feet and as a facial spray in summer.
• Cistus hydrolate: Astringent, healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
  It helps to shrink pores, supports skin regeneration and is ideal for treating acne and blemishes.
• Elderflower hydrolate: Soothing, antioxidant, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.
  It soothes redness and irritation, protects the skin from environmental damage and is ideal for sensitive skin and daily care.

  These hydrosols have many benefits and you can find them in my skin creams.
You can also use the hydrosols as a pure toner to naturally cleanse and revitalize your skin.
I have selected two online stores where you can find a good selection of organic hydrosols:

• Natural Cosmetics Workshop GmbH
• Tyrolean herb farm
• Stüben herb garden – Michael Hinterauer
• “FEELING” – Handelsgesellschaft mbH

Why I use hydrolates instead of distilled water in my creams

In the cosmetics industry, many manufacturers use distilled water as the main ingredient in skin care products.
However, distilled water no longer contains any useful ingredients and is therefore actually “dead”.
That is why I CONSCIOUSLY use hydrolates instead of distilled water in my creams.
Hydrolates, which are produced during the distillation of plants to extract essential oils, contain many water-soluble active ingredients and traces of essential oils.
These valuable ingredients offer numerous benefits for skin care that distilled water cannot provide.
The natural ingredients of hydrolates soothe, moisturize and nourish the skin.
They have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing effect and thus support the skin in a natural way.
By using plant and flower waters in my creams, I ensure that each product not only moisturizes, but also actively contributes to improving the skin’s appearance.
The natural aromas and gentle action of hydrosols transform my creams into a luxurious and effective skincare option that harnesses the power of nature to keep skin healthy and radiant.
This approach sets my products apart from many conventional cosmetics and offers my customers a natural alternative that has noticeable and visible positive effects on their skin.  

Your journey with hydrosols starts here

Hydrolates are true treasures of nature that have been valued for centuries in skin care and aromatherapy.
Their gentle but effective properties make them a valuable addition to my cosmetic products.
They contain a multitude of useful ingredients that care for and protect the skin in a natural way.
Through the use of hydrolates in my creams I can ensure that each product not only moisturizes, but also actively contributes to revitalizing the skin’s appearance.
The natural active ingredients and the gentle action of the hydrolates ensure pleasant and effective care that keeps the skin healthy and radiant.
I invite you to discover the world of hydrolates and experience the beneficial effects of these natural waters for yourself.
Try my creams and find out how they can enrich your skincare routine.
Your skin will thank you!  

Experience nature on your skin!

See you soon and stay of course!