What they are, how they are made and what properties they have
Hydrolats, or flower waters, are a natural cosmetic product that has become popular thanks to its many cosmetic and therapeutic properties. They are used both in professional cosmetology and in home care. In this article we explain in detail what hydrolats are, how and from what they are made, where they are produced, what properties they have and how to use them for skin and hair care.
What Are Hydrolats?
Hydrolats are 100% natural plant distillates, formed as a by-product of steam distillation, in which essential oils are obtained from plants. A hydrolat contains all the water-soluble components of the plant material, which gives it unique properties that make it valuable for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Hydrolats are less concentrated than essential oils and therefore milder and gentler on the skin, which makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin or those who avoid aggressive cosmetics.
How Are Hydrolats Made?
The production of hydrolats is closely linked to the distillation of essential oils. Special stills are used to make hydrolats.
The process looks like this:
1. Collecting the raw material:
High-quality plants rich in water-soluble active substances are selected. These can be flowers, leaves, stems, roots or even fruits. It is important that the plants are fresh and harvested at the peak of their activity.
2. Preparing the raw material:
The plant material is placed in a special distillation vessel and then treated with steam. The steam passes through the material, carrying away the essential oils and other active components.
3. The steam process:
Distillation produces two fractions: the essential oil and the water phase (the hydrolat). The hydrolat contains the water-soluble compounds of the plant, which give it its unique properties.
4. Cooling and collection:
The steam is cooled and condensed into a liquid made up of two layers: the upper layer is the essential oil and the lower one is the hydrolat. Once the essential oil is separated, we obtain pure hydrolat.### What Are Hydrolats Made From?Hydrolats can be made from a wide variety of plants, each with its own specific properties.
Here are a few popular raw materials used to make hydrolats:
– Rose:
Rose hydrolat is one of the best known and most widely used. It is known for its moisturising, soothing and rejuvenating properties. It is especially suitable for sensitive and dry skin.
– Lavender:
Lavender hydrolat has soothing and antiseptic properties and is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
– Chamomile:
Chamomile hydrolat has soothing properties and helps relieve irritation and redness. It is used for caring for sensitive skin.
– Thyme:
Thyme hydrolat has powerful antiseptic properties and is suitable for oily, problem skin.
– Lemon balm:
Hydrolat made from lemon balm is known for its toning and refreshing properties. It is great for normal and combination skin.
Where Are Hydrolats Made?
Hydrolats are made in various corners of the world, depending on the origin of the plant material. The main hydrolat-producing countries are France, Bulgaria, Turkey, India, Morocco, Italy and some countries of Eastern Europe. For example, France is famous for its rose and lavender hydrolats, and Turkey for its thyme ones. Ukraine is also a promising market for natural cosmetics, with many farms growing medicinal plants for hydrolats.
Cosmetic Properties of Hydrolats
Hydrolats have an exceptionally broad range of effects on the skin, which is why they are widely used in face, body and hair care.
Here are some key cosmetic properties of hydrolats:
- Moisturising: Most hydrolats have moisturising properties, which help maintain the optimal level of moisture in the skin. This is especially important for dry and dehydrated skin.
- Toning: Hydrolats are ideal for use as toners. They help refresh the skin, minimise pores and prepare it for creams or serums.
- Soothing effect: Hydrolats such as chamomile or lavender have soothing properties that help relieve irritation, redness and itching.
- Antiseptic properties: Some hydrolats, for example thyme or monarda, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them effective against acne and other problems of oily skin.
- Rejuvenating effect: Hydrolats from rose or parsley have antioxidant properties that help fight skin ageing, smooth wrinkles and give the skin a glow.
How to Use Hydrolats?
Hydrolats can be used in various ways, depending on your skin type and personal needs.
Here are some of the most popular ways to use them:
1. Face toner: A hydrolat can be used instead of a regular face toner after cleansing. It will refresh the skin, tighten pores and prepare it for further care.
2. Face masks: Hydrolats can be mixed with dry masks (for example clay) instead of water. This increases the effectiveness of the mask and adds extra beneficial properties.
3. Refreshing spray: During the day a hydrolat can be sprayed onto the face for instant refreshment and moisture.
4. Hair care: Some hydrolats can be used as hair sprays, which helps moisturise and strengthen hair, add shine and make it easier to comb.
5. Under make-up: A hydrolat can be applied as a make-up base or used after applying decorative cosmetics to set them.
Conclusion
Hydrolats are a real find for those who value natural skin and hair care. Thanks to their versatility, they can be used as a main or additional product in your beauty routine. They suit different skin types, especially sensitive and irritation-prone skin, because their action is gentle and soothing.
When choosing a hydrolat, it is important to consider the individual needs of your skin or hair and to pay attention to the origin of the product. High-quality hydrolats made with the correct distillation technology retain all the active components of the plant, which give them their unique properties.
Natural hydrolats grown without pesticides and chemical fertilisers provide effective care and a pleasant aroma. They can become a real highlight of your beauty care, as they combine not only beneficial properties but also comfortable use, allowing you to enjoy the process of caring for yourself.
So if you are looking for products that will help your skin glow, keep your hair healthy and turn self-care into a pleasant ritual, pay attention to hydrolats: a natural and effective alternative to industrial products.