Hydrolats in cosmetics
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The term "hydrolate" is increasingly common in the composition of natural cosmetics. But this does not mean that it is actually present in every product, since hydrolate is often called perfumed water. What is the difference?
Fragrant (flower) water is prepared by mixing distilled water and essential oils diluted in polysorbates to obtain a uniform consistency. The oils themselves can have not only natural, but also synthetic origin.
It's not enough to be pleasant, isn't it? That is why, when buying hydrolat in its pure form, you should definitely read the composition. If essential oils and water are listed there, this is not what you need. Only hydrolate or, as it is also called, distillate, should be present in the composition of hydrolate.
The expiration date can tell a lot. Natural hydrolat cannot be stored for a long time. If you got your hands on a product with an impressive shelf life, it means that it was not without preservatives.
In most cases, hydrolates are a by-product obtained during the production of essential oils. However, they can be made purposefully, including from plants that do not contain essential oils. For example, very effective hydrolates of medicinal herbs, which have a cosmetic and therapeutic effect.
Other properties of these cosmetic products depend on the characteristics of the plants themselves:
Hydrolats are often also included in conditioners, hair masks and shampoos.
Fragrant (flower) water is prepared by mixing distilled water and essential oils diluted in polysorbates to obtain a uniform consistency. The oils themselves can have not only natural, but also synthetic origin.
It's not enough to be pleasant, isn't it? That is why, when buying hydrolat in its pure form, you should definitely read the composition. If essential oils and water are listed there, this is not what you need. Only hydrolate or, as it is also called, distillate, should be present in the composition of hydrolate.
The expiration date can tell a lot. Natural hydrolat cannot be stored for a long time. If you got your hands on a product with an impressive shelf life, it means that it was not without preservatives.
What is hydrolate?
But the hydrolate as it is is the result of steam passing through plants. Herbs, tree leaves, petals of garden and field flowers can participate in the creation of hydrolat. When water evaporates, it absorbs useful substances contained in plant raw materials and gives them to hair and skin cells when used.In most cases, hydrolates are a by-product obtained during the production of essential oils. However, they can be made purposefully, including from plants that do not contain essential oils. For example, very effective hydrolates of medicinal herbs, which have a cosmetic and therapeutic effect.
Effect of hydrolates on skin and hair
Hydrolats have a cleansing and toning effect. Spraying hydrolat on the skin and hair during the day will help to avoid excessive dryness in hot weather.Other properties of these cosmetic products depend on the characteristics of the plants themselves:
- Chamomile hydrolat refreshes the skin and stimulates regenerative processes.
- Nettle hydrolate has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, eliminates dandruff.
- Rose hydrolate has an astringent effect, improves the color of the face, removes swelling under the eyes and smoothes fine wrinkles.
- Lavender hydrolat strengthens hair roots, normalizes the secretion of sebum and prevents aging.
- Mint hydrolat stimulates blood circulation, helping to rejuvenate skin cells and strengthen hair follicles.
Hydrolats for hair
Hydrosol in the composition of the care spray and as an independent cosmetic product can give hair a healthy shine and elasticity, eliminate brittleness, and strengthen the roots. Being effective antioxidants, herbal extracts protect hair from the aggressive influence of the environment. Thanks to the conditioning properties, they make combing easier.Hydrolats are often also included in conditioners, hair masks and shampoos.
How to choose hydrolat
You should choose a cosmetic product based primarily on the properties of your skin:- Green tea, rose, linden, lavender, sage, cornflower, neroli are ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
- Skin prone to excess oiliness becomes velvety and soft thanks to hydrolates of juniper, rosemary, mint, sage, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
- Mature skin needs intensive moisturizing, and hydrolates of rose, nerola, melissa, frankincense are indispensable for this.
- Different types of hydrolats are recommended for different skin types, but there are a number of herbs that are suitable for any type. We recommend choosing such hydrolats for owners of normal skin: rose, chamomile, calendula, plantain, linden, green tea, rosemary, mint, neroli.
