The hydrosol refers to the residual water obtained by steam distillation of an aromatic plant sourced from organic farming for the extraction of the corresponding essential oil. It is much less concentrated in aromatic molecules, between 0.1% and 0.5%, and therefore much less active than an essential oil. It's good to know that the hydrosol is also referred to as floral water or hydrosol.
To obtain essential oil and hydrosol, parts of the plant (flowers, roots, leaves) are placed in a still. The volatile compounds of the plant are carried by steam to the condenser. This steam is then cooled, thus obtaining on one hand the essential oil and on the other hand water loaded with active molecules of the plant, namely the hydrosol. In the essencier, the two products are distinctly well separated: the essential oil, often lighter than water, floats on the surface, while the hydrosol, heavier, remains at the bottom of the container.
Hydrosols possess the same properties as essential oils. However, they are characterized by their gentleness and require almost no usage precautions. Indeed, they are excellent for soothing all skin problems and are suitable for sensitive skin, children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, unlike essential oils which are largely prohibited for these groups.