Often called floral waters, hydrosols can be distilled from many different parts of a plant — including flowers, leaves, needles, roots and seeds — and can be used in skincare, body care, home rituals and moments of relaxation.
A hydrosol is the aromatic water produced during the steam distillation of plant material. When plants are distilled, the process creates two products: essential oil and hydrosol. The essential oil contains the plant's concentrated oil-soluble aromatic compounds, while the hydrosol contains water-soluble plant compounds and a very small amount of aromatic material. For this reason, hydrosols are much more gentle to use than the undiluted essential oil.
Depending on which plant the hydrosol is derived from, it can offer different benefits in skin care and beyond. They can be used to cleanse, refresh and hydrate the skin, added to a relaxing bath, or used to refresh linens and rooms.
A Guide to Our Favorite Hydrosols
- Rose — A delicate floral aroma, often used for dry, mature or sensitive skin. Its gentle scent is associated with emotional comfort, self-care and relaxation.
- Lavender — Fresh, herbal and soothing, a popular choice for sensitive, irritated or blemish-prone skin. Mist it onto pillows or into a bath as part of a calming evening routine.
- Neroli — Distilled from orange blossoms, with a light, sweet scent. Often chosen for dry, delicate or mature skin. Associated with calm, comfort and emotional balance.
- Peppermint — A fresh, cooling aroma, making it a refreshing facial or body mist during warm weather. Can help tired skin feel revived.
- Rosemary — A clean, herbaceous scent frequently used in scalp and hair-care routines. May also suit oily or congested-looking skin, with a bright aroma that can help you feel energized.
- Chamomile — A particularly gentle hydrosol, often selected for sensitive, dry or irritated skin. Its soft herbal aroma makes it lovely for a calming evening routine.
- Vanilla — A warm, sweet and comforting aroma. Ideal as a body mist or linen spray.
How to Use Hydrosols
Facial Toner
After cleansing, mist a hydrosol over the face or apply it with a reusable cotton pad. Follow with a moisturizer or facial oil while the skin is still slightly damp.
Face and Body Mist
Keep a hydrosol nearby for a refreshing mist throughout the day — especially pleasant during warm weather, after exercise, or whenever skin feels dry.
Linen and Pillow Spray
Mist lavender, chamomile, neroli or rose hydrosol onto bedding before sleep. Test delicate fabrics first and avoid oversaturating the material.
Scalp and Hair Refresher
Rosemary, peppermint and lavender hydrosols can be lightly misted onto the scalp or hair between washes.
After-Sun Care
A chilled lavender, rose or chamomile hydrosol can feel cooling and comforting after time outdoors. Hydrosols do not replace sunscreen or medical treatment for a serious sunburn.
Clay Masks
Use a hydrosol instead of plain water when mixing a powdered clay mask. Choose a hydrosol suited to your skin type and prepare only enough for one application.
Meditation and Self-Care Rituals
Mist a favourite hydrosol around your space before journaling, yoga, meditation or sound healing. The aroma can help signal that it's time to slow down and reconnect.
Blend Ideas to Try
Hydrosols can be combined to create personalized aromas and skincare experiences. Start with equal parts and adjust the proportions based on the aroma and purpose you prefer.
- Rose and neroli — a luxurious facial cleanser and mist
- Lavender and chamomile — a gentle evening blend (and to soothe burns or chafed skin)
- Rosemary and peppermint — a refreshing, stimulating scalp mist or hair rinse
- Neroli and vanilla — a warm, comforting body or linen spray (think creamsicle)
- Rose and vanilla — a soft, sweet self-care mist
Storage Tips
Hydrosols are water-based and more vulnerable to microbial growth than essential oils. Store them in a cool, dark place and follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations — refrigeration can help preserve freshness and provides an especially refreshing application. Always use clean hands and sterile equipment/packaging, avoid touching the inside of the bottle, and discard a hydrosol if its aroma, colour or appearance changes.
Hydrosols offer a beautiful introduction to botanical skincare and aromatherapy. Their gentle nature, delicate scent and wide range of uses make them easy to incorporate into everyday life. Whether used as a facial toner, body mist, linen spray or part of a calming ritual, hydrosols invite us to experience plants in a light, refreshing and nurturing way.