Aromatic Hydrosols are the condensate water produced during extraction of essential oil and absolutes. Pure Aromatic Hydrosols contain aromatic molecules from the flowers and plants obtained during steam distillation in a less concentrated form. When sold commercially, they may be called Floral Water or Floral Hydrosols. Regardless of the name used, it is important to verify that they are true Aromatic Hydrosols and a cocktail of "fragrant water".
Floral Water / Hydrosols that are Certified Organic must not contain preservatives because no preservatives have been approved for use in aromatic hydrosols worldwide.
Genuine Floral Water do not have the same aroma as the essential oil with which they are produced because the concentrate of molecules are "water-loving" (hence naturally dissolved) instead of "fat-loving". Floral Water also tend to have a relatively short shelf life of up to a year when they are pure and do not contain preservatives. It is therefore pointless to stock up. The best way to use Floral Water is to spray it as a facial mist. If the content turns cloudy, throw it away as bacteria are growing in it.
Most commercial Floral Hydrosols contain preservatives, palm glycerin, acetone (yes, the same stuff in your nail polish remover) and alcohol (even in small amount and you can't smell it). There are also expensive Floral Hydrosols and Face Mist advertised for skin care but made up of entirely water with a little essential oil added to it along with a dispersal agent such as clay, talc or magnesium, then coloured or filtered with chemical solvent for clarity. Artificial fragrances are often in order to create an aroma similar to the essential oil from the same flower or plant.
It is terribly important to be vigilant and read labels carefully. Always look out for the Latin botanical name, country of origin and presence or absence of preservatives and foreign additives.
Most commercial Floral Hydrosols contain preservatives, palm glycerin, acetone (yes, the same stuff in your nail polish remover) and alcohol (even in small amount and you can't smell it). There are also expensive Floral Hydrosols and Face Mist advertised for skin care but made up of entirely water with a little essential oil added to it along with a dispersal agent such as clay, talc or magnesium, then coloured or filtered with chemical solvent for clarity. Artificial fragrances are often in order to create an aroma similar to the essential oil from the same flower or plant.
It is terribly important to be vigilant and read labels carefully. Always look out for the Latin botanical name, country of origin and presence or absence of preservatives and foreign additives.
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