Hydrosols or BIO Floral Waters:
Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, have a huge importance in the world of natural cosmetics. They are products obtained through the distillation of aromatic plants and flowers. The distillation is aimed at extract and concentrate essential oils of natural aromatic plants.
In this process, the essential oil of the plant or of the fresh flowers is dragged (generally, once the plant has dried, it has lost part of its essential oil).
Although in some cases it can be interesting to distillate a dry plant through water vapors at high temperature.
Afterwards, water vapor cools down and condensates. Finally, we obtain an oily liquid (the essential oil) floating above a slightly murky water (a hydrosol).
Essential oils are really concentrated, and their properties really strong. The majority can be used with adequate precautions and in small quantities. It should be done with care in order to avoid their nocivity for the skin.
Hydrosols are aqueous, less concentrated. They contain a small fraction of essential oil (1 to 5%) and also vegetable compounds from natural plants soluble in agua. They are not present in the essential oil.
They are not dangerous for the skins. On the contrary, they have very beneficial properties.
They can be used for all kinds of skins and are also recommended for baby and children skins. They serve as a perfect substitute for essential oils.
Different uses and properties:
- Facial tonique: they can be used directly or as a base for the formulations of natural toniques. They cleanse the skin softly, relax and stimulate blood circulation. They condition the skin for a treatment or maintain the moisture throughout the night.
- Formulation of bio cosmetics: in the brand ABILIA. they are used for the creation of our products as they bring better texture and consistency. For instance, a cream with lavender hydrosols brings the properties of the lavender instead of replacing it solely by water.
- Soft perfume: the hydrosol contains natural fragrances and does not contain fixator nor strong perfumes. It is ideal for people who like soft smells.
- Face masks: they can be used to prepare face masks as they bring a nice smell and other various properties. They can be mixed with clay to obtain a homemade mask. Por ejemplo se pueden mezclar con arcilla para preparar una mascarilla casera.
- Capillary tonique: they revitalize the hair, avoid hair falls and eliminate the apparition of dandruff. Rosemary, thyme, lavender and mixed hydrosols can be used to this end.
Distillation of rosemary [foto]
Most used hydrosols:
- Rosa Damescena Flower Water: natural hydrosol, exquisite and delicate, of natural origin. It is excellent when used as a tonique, it gives the skin a velvety, fresh and smooth texture. Rose, the queen of flowers, connects with the energy of the heart. It opens us to the subtle and harmonizes our energy with natural cosmetics.
- Lavender/Lavandula Angustifolia Water: eliminates impurities, cleans the pores and calms the skin. It regulates the sebaceous glands and their fat production. It soothes the skin from sunburns. It has exquisite and relaxing aromas which refresh the skin. It possesses antiseptic and regenerative properties. It is a main ingredient of our Protective Moisturizing Cream [enlace hacia el producto]
- Rosemary/Rosmarinus Officinalis Water: Ideal for oily skins, it cleanses the skin. Very efficient in capillary toniques, it cleanses and re enforces the scalp. It is also used in buccal elixirs. It has antiseptic and regenerative properties. We can find many similarities with Lavender water, and also many nuances in its aroma.
- Cistus Ladaniferus Water: excellent astringent, it has healing properties and regenerates the skin. It treats skins with redness and desquamation. It can be used for skins with dermatitis and works perfectly for damaged skins and also for scars. Its astringent and regenerative properties make cistus water an essential ingredient in our After Shave and Intensive Moisturising Calendula Cream [poner enlace de los productos].
- Jasmine/Jasminum Fruticans Flower Water: subtle and sweet aroma. Indicated for sensitive skins. It improves skin elasticity and helps against acne. It is used as cologne.
- Neroli Flower Water (Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water): It has a relaxing aroma, perfect for stress and mental fatigue periods. It illuminates the skin, cleans the eyes and heals ocular irritations. It is a good astringent. It is also used to take as a relaxant, alievates sleeping and period-related problems.
- Thyme Flower Water (Thymus Vulgaris Water): It is used for the care of oily and acne-prone skins that can suffer problems related to fungus and eczema. It has excellent antibacterial and fungicide properties. It cleanses and purifies the skin and is really useful as capillary tonique to treat oily dandruff.
- Chamomile Flower Water (Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water): very soft hydrosol, decongestionates eye bags and dark circles. Balances the skins against redness and reactions, perfect for sensitive skins.
- Sage Water (Salvia Officinalis Water): good antiseptic and astringent, cleanses the skin and the scalp. Regulates the sweat and is used in natural deodorants.
- Cypress Water (Cupressus Sempervirens Water): closes the big and very visible pores. Its main use is oral, it activates the function of the kidneys and the liver. It is beneficial for the lymphatic and venous systems. It regulates tension.
- Mint Water (Mentha Piperita Water): very characteristic aroma of peppermint. Refreshes the skin and balances mixed skins. Soothes the skins affected by sunburns. It is also an excellent mouth elixir, on top of having a really nice flavour. Mint Water eliminates scalp itchiness.
- Hidrolato de Menta, Mentha Piperita Water: Aroma muy característico de la menta piperita. Refresca la piel y equilibra las pieles mixtas. Calmante después de quemaduras solares. Muy buen elixir bucal, además de tener un sabor agradable. Elimina picores del cuero cabelludo.
Useful advice:
It is worth knowing that the use of hydrosols does not bring any toxic substance to our skin.
It is important using natural and qualitative hydrosols, they should not be confused with substitutes composed of water and synthetic perfumes. A good hydrosol has to be obtained through the distillation of natural plants of ecologic origin. They can be distinguished if we know how to read the INCI correctly or if we investigate about their origin.
Natural hydrosols are very delicate products and they get spoiled if they are exposed to light or to a source of heat. Nevertheless, it is very important that their container be in a box or of a brownish translucent color.