What are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols are made by steam distilling plant material. This allows the cell walls to break down, thus releasing the plant’s oil content. The steam and oil are cooled causing the steam to turn to water and the oil to reside on top. These two parts are separated into hydrosols and essential oils.

While most people may be familiar with essential oils, hydrosols make wonderful additions to any cleaning or beauty routine. They have similar therapeutic properties to their essential oil counterpart but are much less concentrated.

Hydrosol Uses (10 Benefits to Use Them)

Like essential oils, buying hydrosols from a reputable source is very important. Hydrosols can be adulterated, which means the aroma and therapeutic benefits can be changed. Make sure to know your source well and buy high-quality hydrosols. (Find high-quality organic hydrosols here.)

1. Linen Sprays
One of my favorite ways to use a hydrosol is as a linen spray. Hope you will love to use Lavender hydrosol on pillows before bed and Rose hydrosol on towels. Because they contain no oil, hydrosols are less likely to leave stains.

2. Cleaners
Hydrosols make great cleaners! Peppermint hydrosol on dust cloths helps trap dust and leaves behind an invigorating aroma. You can use it on so many surfaces from countertops to couch cushions. Since hydrosols are safe to use around animals, can use them in virtually any area of my home.

3. Children
One big difference between essential oils and hydrosols is that hydrosols are safe to use around babies and young children. There are some essential oils that can be used around children, but with caution and in low dilutions. Lavender and Neroli are two favorite hydrosols and can use them for sleepy-time sprays, in baths, and even in homemade baby wipes. Both hydrosols are calming and soothing.

4. Animals
Also unlike essential oils, hydrosols are generally safe to use around animals. Use them to deodorize, repel fleas, for skin issues, and to calm. I’ve seen Lavender and Rose suggested for many animal remedies.

5. Room Fresheners
Hydrosols are often carry a lighter aroma that dissipates quickly. Fir Needle hydrosol is somewhat masculine but has such a wonderfully deep, coniferous scent. Also can use Lavender and citrus hydrosols to brighten your home.

6. Facial Toners
Some essential oils can be irritating to use around the eyes and face, but hydrosols make great facial toners. They can also help with dry or oily skin (depending on which hydrosol you choose). Gardenia hydrosol in facial toners to help brighten and calm sometimes irritated skin.

7. Baths
A tablespoon or so of hydrosols can make a relaxing aromatic bath. Since hydrosols are water soluble, they are the perfect addition to any bath. Lavender, Neroli, and Ylang Ylang are the best hydrosols for bath using.

8. Cooling sprays
Hydrosols are great additions to any summer day. Take them to the pool, to the beach, or outdoors when you are working in the sun. Mix a bit of the hydrosol with water in a spray bottle for a nice mist. Peppermint hydrosol is a great cooling mist for the back of the neck on a hot day.

9. Compresses
Hydrosols are perfect replacements for water in hot or cool compresses. Chamomile German or Charmomile Roman hydrosol makes a wonderful anti-inflammatory compress.

10. Cuts/Scrapes
Spray hydrosols on cuts or scrapes to help ease inflammation and begin healing. Lavender and Helichrysum hydrosol are my go-to choices for cuts, rashes, and scrapes. Chamomile German or Charmomile Roman are also good choices.