Natural Hydrosols and Distillates

The term hydrosol is derived from the Latin words hydro and sol, meaning "water solution." When plant material, such as the roots, barks, flowers, leaves, stems and seeds, is steam distilled to obtain an essential oil, certain chemical constituents of the plant first build up in the water. Only after they reach their maximum solubility in water, do they start to collect in a separate layer on the surface of the water (the essential oil). Many of the water-soluble plant compounds and some of the oil-soluble compounds wind up in the distillation water.

A hydrosol is the pure, distillate water that remains after essential oils are steam distilled from the original plant material. Hydrosols are usually clear and have the appearance and consistency of water. Their aroma is generally, but not always, similar to that of the essential oil, but the aroma is usually much more subtle. Hydrosols contain very small amounts of the essential oil. They also contain water-soluble components of the plant material that may not be present in the essential oil. The aroma, therefore, may differ somewhat from the plant’s essential oil. Some hydrosols do smell surprisingly different from the essential oil. Some hydrosols, such as Yarrow, have an unpleasant odor, making them more difficult to use.

Hydrosols are gaining importance in aromatherapy because they offer an opportunity to use a

well-diluted potency of a particular plant’s essential oil for therapeutic purposes. The highly

concentrated compounds found in essential oils may often be too strong for the human body, and

therefore may be rejected or ineffective. Hydrosols on the other hand, are well-diluted water-soluble compounds, which are easily assimilated and absorbed by the body. Hydrosols are generally safer

for use in babies and individuals with depressed immune systems.

Chamomile Hydrosol (Matricaria recutitia) can be used in toners, creams, lotions, body sprays, room sprays and in place of water in most formulations. The hydrosol will impart both fragrance and therapeutic benefits to your products. Hydrosols are also wonderful when used as wetting agents in clay facials. An anti-bacterial preservative will be needed to preserve your products that contain hydrosols.

Cucumber Distillate (Cucumis sativus) Gives skin a cool soothing feeling to the skin.

A mild astringent, aids in removing dead skin cells, alleviates inflammations and irritants.

Cleopatra was said to have used cucumber juice to preserve her skin.

Witch Hazel Distillate (Hamamelis virginiana) is made from the leaves and twigs a common wild scrub found in the woods. Witch hazel was used by the Native Americans. In the 1840’s, a Oneida Medicine man introduced it to a patent medicine entrepreneur. It has a long history of traditional and alternative medicine uses. Also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, burns and fevers. Known to be soothing skin freshener, used as a local anesthetic, astringent, pore tightening and anti-inflammatory.

Relieves itching, and soothes skin irritations. Witch hazel also is good for stings.

The active ingredients are tannins.