Given that I have a strong predilection for natural modalities when it comes to enhancing beauty, in recent years I have singled out and embraced hydrosols. These are the magical plant waters that are always included in my beauty products collection. That is how I keep my skin and hair shiny and hydrated throughout the year, but especially after the summer months when the sun, the heat and the saltiness of the sea dehydrate and damage them.

Rising Trend in Cosmetology

Plant waters come from flowers (flower water) and other parts of the plant (leaves, roots, etc.). Hydrosols are the byproducts (water) of the distillation of essential oils. They are a rising trend in the field of cosmetology, as more and more cosmetics companies are launching tonic facial lotions, body sprays, serums, gels, masks, hand creams and hair shampoos with beneficial beauty waters, distilled from plants and fruits with valuable properties for both skin and hair. Flower waters can balance the pH of the skin, nourish cells in depth and bind moisture, thus offering a fresher, softer and healthier appearance to the skin.

Hydrosols vs Essential Oils

Flower waters are similar to essential oils, as they are distilled from flowers, fruits or fresh leaves of specific plants, but they have some important differences. More specifically, hydrosols are the water that remains from the distillation of plants in the process of preparing essential oils and contain the healing properties of each plant.

• Hydrosols are less concentrated than essential oils, as they are 98-99% water and only 1-2% plant matter. For this reason, hydrosols, in contrast to essential oils, do not require dilution before use.
• The aroma of a hydrosol is the same as that of the corresponding essential oil, but it is lighter, as it comes from the water-soluble parts of the plant and not from its oil.
• Hydrosols can be used in water-based beauty recipes without the need for a carrier oil or emulsifier.
• As they have a milder effect than essential oils, hydrosols are generally more tolerable to children, the elderly and pets who are likely to be unable to use the corresponding essential oils.
• Hydrosols can replace water in most beauty recipes.
• The shelf life of essential oils is 3-8 years, whereas that of hydrosols is 8-18 months and they should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
• Hydrosols are cheaper and simpler to make: you can make them at home!
• There are certain plants, such as aloe vera and witch hazel, which are not amenable to the production of essential oils, only hydrosols!

To see the hydrosols I have chosen for my own moisturizing beauty bomb, you can watch the related video on my channel GoodLife by Gina on YouTube!