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The use of floral waters, also known as hydrolats and hydrosols, went out of fashion for a decade or so, but is once again back with us with renewed vigor and is even more popular than ever.
Many retailers and postal supply companies are offering "essential oil water sprays" - but they are not real floral waters. Floral waters cannot be made unless they are part of the distillation process of essential oil extraction.
The re-constituted floral waters so often seen, where small amounts of essential oil is mixed with water plus a dispersing agent added to the mixture - is not a floral water.
Manufacture of floral water / hydrosols 
Floral waters are formed during the extraction process, when the botanical material is subjected to distillation. While the essential oil of the plant material is drawn off and sold as pure essential oil, the remaining water still contains certain constituents of the plant material, even when filtered and cleaned.
These floral waters contain the water soluble constituents and are free from the lipophillic substances that make up the essential oils - such as the hydrocarbons, oxides, esters, ethers etc, yet contain a whole bevy of their own ingredients
It is this filtered water, with the remaining plant and fragrance molecules that are referred to as floral waters, hydrolats or hydrosols.
Although rosewater and witch-hazel are the best known of the floral waters, there are actually a few more. Our list below is not complete, but it does indicate the scope of floral waters available.
Please note, we do not sell floral waters, only pure essential oils.
List of floral waters
(the hyperlinks refer to the corresponding essential oils)
| Chamomile |
Calming, soothing and relaxing with German chamomile containing anti-inflammatory properties |
| Geranium rose |
Balancing and uplifting |
| Lavender |
Calming and therapeutic to the skin |
| Neroli (orange blossom) |
Energizing and hydrating for all skin types |
| Rosemary |
Stimulating and energizing |
| Rose |
Soothing to all skin types |
| Sandalwood |
Harmonizing and soothing for all skin types |
| Witch hazel |
Refreshing and astringent – could be drying for some skin types |
Use of floral water
Floral waters are often used as an ingredient in skin toners and tonics, yet on their own can also be used for a quick pick-me-up by simply spraying them onto the skin, or in the air.
To have a look at some recipes for home-made skin toners, please click here, and for recipes on other home-made skincare products, please click here.
Floral waters are also included in some baking recipes and cake decorating icings.
Other Uses
Headings of links underneath |
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