One of the most common questions we get at the farm and farmer’s market is “What is hydrosol?” This is typically followed by “How is it different from spritz?” Let’s explore what lavender hydrosol is, how to use it, and how it differs from lavender spritz or spray.
Hydrosol is the natural byproduct of steam distillation essential oil extraction
What is Hydrosol?
Hydrosol is the natural byproduct of steam distillation essential oil extraction. It is composed of water, water soluble elements of the plant, and trace elements of essential oil. Sometimes referred to as “floral water”, hydrosol is a gentle, diluted solution that maintains the same therapeutic properties of the plant. To better understand what it is you need to understand the process of essential oil distillation.
How do you distill essential oil?
In simplest terms, the process of steam distillation involves heating water and the plant matter up to the boiling point, capturing the essential oil vapors as they rise with the steam, then cooling the vapors and allowing them to condense back into liquid so the essential oil can be collected. At the end of the process there is a container filled with hydrosol on the bottom and the essential oil floating on top (because water and oil don’t mix). For more detailed information about the process, check out our blog on how lavender essential oil is distilled.
What is Lavender Hydrosol good for?
Face Care
Many people have heard of “rose water” and/or incorporate that into their face care routine. “Rose water” is simply another name for rose hydrosol. Lavender water is similar to rose water in that it is exceptionally good for your skin. It is an excellent, natural way to hydrate, tone, and balance your skin’s PH. It also “feeds your skin” with plant nutrients and essential compounds. Check out our blog for more information about how to use lavender hydrosol on your skin.
Cleaning
It is also a fantastic choice as a natural cleaner. Lavender is well known for its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities and is often incorporated into cleaning products. Lavender hydrosol is a great choice because it is water soluble – if you are cleaning your counter you don’t necessarily want to spray oil on it. By using Lavender Hydrosol you get all the benefits of cleaning with lavender without the essential oil.
What is the difference between Lavender Hydrosol and Lavender Spritz?
As explained above, Lavender Hydrosol is primarily water-soluble components of the plant with only trace amounts of essential oil. Lavender Spritz is pure lavender essential oil added back into distilled water. As a result, Lavender Hydrosol has a delicate, almost grassy fragrance whereas Lavender Spritz (or lavender spray) smells exactly like lavender.
If you want a spray to use for cleaning or for your face care, you want to choose Lavender Hydrosol. If you want a spray to make the room, or your pillow (or yourself!) smell like lavender, then you want to use Lavender Spritz.
pssssst – Thanks for reading our blog! Curious about our natural lavender bath & body products? Enter code ehma3jd6 at checkout for 5% off your next bath & body order at our online store!