Hydrosols for Beautiful Skin

This isn’t a fulfilling year. And I simply don’t want to spend, not to mention splurge. But I had no choice when my beauty stock was running out. So when I was placing my order of Marie Veronique Organics and found I was a bit shy of the $175 threshold for free international shipping, I decided to go for Anti-Aging Mist to fill the gap.

How much I love MVO, I still have to confess, its price point isn’t something within my usual budget. And I’m especially curious as to know what makes this toner so expensive (what? US$35 for a bottle of 120ml clear liquid?). Something on the ingredient list gives me the hint I want.

As you can see, the first few ingredients after water (green and white tea are said to have the highest concentration of catechins, antioxidants with anti-aging benefit, among other types of tea) are two plant hydrosols.

What is hydrosol?

Hydrosol, also know as flower water, is the by-product of the essential oil distillation process. It is watery and non-alcoholic. “Hydro” means water and “sol” means solution. Combined together, the name Hydrosol means “the watery solution of the distillation that contains both the water-soluble plant components and micro-drops of essential oil.” It has therapeutic benefits for the skin, is packed with compounds and, unlike its cousin essential oil, is gentle to be used directly on the skin without dilution.

Hydrosols are like concentrated herbal extracts. They are 20-30 times more concentrated in herbal strength than a cup of herb tea. Hydrosols are very acidic. That’s why it can work as an astringent for our slightly acidic skin.

Use of Hydrosols

Hydrosols are usually stored in spray dispensers. You can find hydrosol in different kinds of beauty and personal products like toners, lotions, creams, and even air fresheners. Apart from topical application, it is said that hydrosols can be taken orally. Chamomile, rose, lavender, and neroli are examples of the most common hydrosols.

• Chamomile: It can soothe and balance your skin and is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, irritated, and mature skin.
• Rose: It has soothing and calming qualities. Its floral scent often uplifts your spirit.
• Lavender: It is a gentle astringent with antiseptic and calming properties. It is especially good for healing skin irritation and sunburn.
• Neroli: It is also called orange blossom. As a mild astringent, it can regulate oil production, thus especially suitable for oily, acne, sensitive, or even mature skin.

When buying hydrosol…

Hydrosols are great to be had in your skincare arsenal. However, if you want to buy hydrosols, it’s important that you purchase from a reliable and reputable vendor.  As I read from AromaWeb, some vendors fake hydrosols by blending water with essential oils.

I haven’t come across many skincare products with hydrosols. That said, I won’t base my purchase decision solely on whether it contains hydrosols or not. But if it does, it can be a bonus. Anyway, who wants to pay for water?