Derived from the steam distillation of plants, hydrosols are treatments intended for aromatherapy, but also for the field of cosmetology. They possess nearly the same virtues as essential oils. However, hydrosols are more appreciated because they do not require the same usage precautions. How should they be used and what quantity should be applied?
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Hydrosol: How much should be applied?
Summary
Published September 30, 2021,
updated on February 20, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
Hydrosol: What are their virtues?
The term "hydrosols" refers to an aqueous fraction of condensation that remains after steam distillation of a natural raw material, typically plant-based, at the same time as the essential oil.
Good to know: There is a slight difference to consider between hydrosols and floral waters. Floral waters are a subgroup of hydrosols derived solely from flowers. However, when it comes to leaves, stems, roots, barks, etc... we rather refer to it as hydrosol.
Simply put, it is literally a byproduct of distillation in which the residues of essential oils float. Therefore, it is much less loaded with active molecules from the plant it originates from (between 0.02 and 0.2%) than the essential oil, thus much gentler. It primarily contains water-soluble active ingredients and certain essential oil molecules that have a high affinity with water (mineral salts, polyphenols, alcohol, esters, aldehydes, ketones, etc...). This is why hydrolats can be safely used on children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, for whom a majority of essential oils are prohibited because they are too potent.
Hydrosol is an aromatic treatment with numerous benefits, almost on par with the corresponding essential oil: purifying (peppermint, sage), regenerating (orange blossom), toning (Damask rose), decongesting (cornflower), soothing (German chamomile), astringent (lemon balm, lavender), etc... It can be used as a lotion, tailored to your skin type, to remove the limestone residues present in tap water that can irritate the skin and dull its glow. It also helps to correct certain skin imperfections or problems (acne, rosacea, dilated pores, under-eye bags, etc...), to soften, soothe discomfort sensations or simply refresh the skin. Moreover, it also helps to rebalance the skin's pH. Indeed, it has a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5), but tap water, used to rinse the face, has a neutral pH. However, hydrosols have a slightly acidic pH between 3 and 6.5.
What quantity of hydrosol should be used on the face?
In cosmetics, hydrosols can be used in various ways, for instance, as a cleansing and toning lotion for the face, after each skin cleansing and before the application of regular skincare products. For topical use, it requires the use of a cotton pad for better application of the product across the entire face and neck. It can also be used as a compress on tired eyes, for example with cornflower hydrosol, in this case, a 10-minute application time is recommended. Regardless of the method used, an amount equivalent to the size of a hazelnut of product is enough to awaken the complexion, rebalance the skin's pH, refresh the skin, treat eye problems, remove impurities from the rinse water, and so on.
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