Today I watched from my window as the first flakes of snow drifted into the yard. As much as I adore the holiday warmth of the winter season, it never stops me from wishing for just a few more summer days. Oh, what I would give for just one more sniff of a lilac bush. Perhaps that’s why I’m filling this week’s blog with flowers, so we can enjoy a virtual garden as we get into the nitty gritty question: what are hydrosols?

The Beauty Product You’ve Been Searching For?

Hydrosols or “flower waters” are the by-products of essential oils. When plant material is distilled in the production of essential oils there is a leftover concoction of plant-infused water and small traces of essential oils. This is what constitutes a hydrosol. Hydrosols are fantastic natural beauty products and by the end of this blog you’ll know why.

What’s the Difference Between Hydrosols and Essential Oils?

Because of their close relationship to essential oils, hydrosols have similar beneficial properties. Hydrosols are less concentrated than essential oils due to the water component and have a softer scent, making them a gentle, effective product that can be applied to the skin without needing to be diluted. 

How are Hydrosols Made?

A common method of producing hydrosols is through steam distillation. The scientific process is a little confusing so I came up with an analogy to help. Imagine you’re sitting in a steaming bath or hot tub and after a while your face starts to sweat. The steam has opened up your pores, unblocking the natural oils your skin produces. When the steam created from boiling water comes in contact with aromatic plant material it opens the pores of that plant, and absorbs the plant’s natural oils. At the end of the process, the steam condenses and the water and oil separates leaving the water naturally infused with plant essence.

What are Hydrosols Used for?

Hydrosols make for the perfect facial toner, which is why we had to have some in our collection! Our renewing organic facial toners are made from organic hydrosols and are made from fresh plants, not dried or wilted. Why is this important? Because using fresh plant material allows our supplier to utilize the plant’s cellular water in the end product. It is this cellular water, filled with nutritious minerals, antioxidants, and countless other natural botanical benefits, that gives the hydrosol the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the plant.

When you wash your face with cold process soap (which is slightly alkaline) and follow up with a hydrosol toner (which is slightly acidic) it gently helps rebalance the pH of the skin. Your skin’s acid mantle is what keeps in moisture and blocks out toxins from the environment, so this is an important step in your skin care regimen. Hydrosols can be used throughout the day as a facial reset  to refresh your skin and set your makeup! We offer two different hydrosols with amazing benefits.

Apple Valley Natural Soap Facial Toners

Neroli hydrosol is made from orange blossoms – faintly sweet, floral, and citrusy. If you have oily skin, this is the perfect toner for you because it is deeply cleansing. Neroli hydrosol also contains alpha hydroxy acids which help exfoliate the skin, and is anti-inflammatory so helps soothe and calm skin inflammation like acne, eczema etc. It is also antibacterial, which is another reason it’s great for treating acne, plus is highly astringent, as well as rich in vitamin C. 

Bugarian Rose Otto Hydrosol is very hydrating. It nourishes skin health, restores skin’s radiance, beauty and youthfulness. Rose hydrosol also helps to balance the skin as it regulates sebum production, has antibacterial properties, helps heal sunburn and improves circulation. It is also a mild astringent, and attracts moisture making it very helpful for all skin types. With it’s light floral scent and vast number of therapeutic applications, this product from organic roses rejuvenates, hydrates, softens, and if used over time, can help reduce facial lines and wrinkles. This Damascena Rose Hydrosol may also be known as Rose Distillate and possesses a beautiful sweet, rosy aroma that captures the rich and heady aroma of fresh rose blooms. It is well-known for its skin care benefits as well as for helping to balance the endocrine system. Suzanne Catty, author of Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy, states that rose has an affinity with the heart and the emotional spheres of the mind, body, and spirit. It is known to promote emotional balance and a sense of well-being.

Why Use Our Hydrosols Instead of “That Other Company’s”?

We use an amazing supplier that takes awesome measures in helping us deliver only the best to you.

A note from our suppliers: “We are careful with each species and when it’s harvested to ensure we get the proper components and capture the cellular water of the plant too. As a strictly hydrosol distillery, we use only fresh plant material, which makes for a better end product, since we’re after the “waters” of the plant. Secondly, we use only copper alembic stills from Portugal. Oftentimes, hydrosols are distilled in stainless steel equipment, which can leave a “still note” in the hydrosol. But copper facilitates a certain chemical reaction that not only affects the fragrance, but also adds a preservative effect.”

Super cool, right?

Trying our Rose Hydrosol Facial Toner is totally on my bucket list of AVNS products, what’s on yours?

Much Love,

Nora