Hydrolate is a multipurpose product, essential in every beauty routine!
You can use the hydrolate for skincare, but also for hair care, body care or as an aid for aromatherapy.
In this article we will see together what a hydrolate is and how you can use it at its best!
In this article we talk about:
What is hydrolate?
Hydrolate is an aromatic distilled water that retains many of the properties of the plant from which it derives!
Hydrolate is obtained from steam distillation through which essential oils are extracted from plants.
During distillation, the flower, or leaf or bark of the plant is permeated by steam and its tissues are broken, thus releasing the precious essential oil which is carried away by the steam itself. When the steam condenses, hydrolate and essential oil are obtained which remain well separated due to their different specific weights.
The hydrolate therefore maintains , in addition to the scent, many of the properties of the original plant and compared to its companion essential oil has a great advantage: it has no contraindications or risks and can be used pure.
Furthermore, thanks to its slightly acidic pH, it is widely used in cosmetics because it is similar to the natural pH of skin and hair.
How do you use hydrolate?
Hydrolates have so many uses! They can be used alone or mixed to take advantage of their different properties.
You can use the hydrolate as:
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Facial toner: Spray onto your face after cleansing and pat until absorbed. Now that your skin’s pH has been restored, you can move on to the next steps in your skincare routine!
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Refreshing Mist: The hydrolate with spray bottle is excellent for refreshing the skin during the day and counteracting the dryness caused by the sun, wind, heating and air conditioning. In the summer, keep your hydrolate in the fridge to amplify the sensation of freshness!
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Eye and skin decongestant : perfect for bags and dark circles or for skin swelling. Excellent compress with a pad soaked in chamomile or witch hazel hydrolate, even better if fresh from the fridge.
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Powder Makeup Fixer : Wet your brush with hydrolate to amplify the color of pigments and powder eyeshadows. Once your makeup is done, spray your hydrolate from a distance of 20 cm from your face, to fix the pigments on your face and have long-lasting makeup.
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Base for face masks: if you love preparing clay or Ayurvedic herbal face masks, replace the water with hydrolate to enrich your treatment with the energy of plants.
You can also spray the hydrolate during the application time of the mask to keep it moist throughout the application.
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Diluting shampoo: organic and natural shampoos are very concentrated and diluting them helps you distribute them better and without waste. You can dilute shampoo with hydrolate for a scalp treatment during cleansing.
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Acid rinse: Hydrolates have an acidic pH that helps close the hair cuticles and remove limescale residues, for soft and shiny hair. Spray it on your hair after the final rinse and proceed with your styling.
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Scalp Lotion: Massage your scalp with rosemary hydrolate to stimulate growth, fight dandruff and scalp impurities. If you have a sensitive scalp, you can use chamomile or witch hazel hydrolate.
- Relax with aromatherapy: spray them on fabrics to give yourself well-being and relaxation. Each hydrolate has its own secret of well-being!
Which hydrolate to choose?
If you have chosen to use hydrolate for your skincare routine or hair care, here is a brief summary of the characteristics of the most common hydrolates!
Rosemary Hydrolate : has toning, astringent, antiseptic properties; it is perfect for oily, combination, impure skin and for hair with dandruff, oily scalp, tendency to fall out.
In aromatherapy, rosemary helps to combat anxiety, stimulates concentration and improves memory.
Chamomile Hydrolate : loved for its relaxing, soothing and refreshing action. It is suitable for the treatment of dry, sensitive skin, subject to rosacea or redness and for the treatment of the scalp in case of eczema and psoriasis or to illuminate light hair.
In aromatherapy it helps to combat stress, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and headaches.
Hamamelis Hydrolate : is a cosmetic with a regenerating, soothing and purifying action. This hydrolate is ideal for the care of mixed, impure, sensitive skin or in case of redness and is perfect for the treatment of fragile hair that falls out .
Damask Rose Hydrolate : a special hydrolate for its hydrating, soothing and anti-aging action, perfect for the treatment of dry, mature skin subject to rosacea and redness and for the treatment of dandruff and scalp irritation .
In aromatherapy, Damask rose drives away negative thoughts and stress, restores balance and serenity.
What are the main hydrolates?
Discover all the main hydrolates and their characteristics!
Fir Hydrolate: it is tonic and purifying, cleanses the air and frees the breath, ideal for acne-prone skin.
Laurel Hydrolate: toning and purifying and balsamic for the skin, ideal against muscle fatigue. Its balsamic scent helps you breathe better. Massage it on your chest in case of cough or cold. Ideal in case of dandruff or oily skin to dilute shampoo on the spot or to rub your scalp.
Cypress Hydrolate: has astringent, balsamic, toning and antibacterial properties, perfect for treating dandruff, impure and acne-prone skin, and to combat cellulite and water retention in addition to muds and clays because it stimulates circulation.
Citronella Hydrolate: characterized by a powerful antioxidant and astringent action. It can also be applied to hair, making it soft and shiny. It is also perfect as an aftershave and as an insect repellent, goodbye mosquitoes!
Helichrysum Hydrolate: it is a purifying, refreshing, hydrating and soothing water for the skin, ideal for all skin types, even the most delicate.
Eucalyptus Hydrolate: purifying, refreshing and stimulating, ideal for the care of acne-prone skin and for breathing better in case of a cold.
Orange Blossom Hydrolate : It is toning, soothing and refreshing, excellent for dry skin. In aromatherapy, like lavender hydrolate, it is also used for its calming and relaxing properties of the nervous system.
Jasmine Hydrolate: has calming, soothing and rejuvenating properties. Suitable for sensitive skin, irritated skin, dry skin and acne-prone skin.
Geranium Hydrolate: with a soothing, antiseptic and refreshing action that helps calm skin irritation and give a feeling of deep freshness. Perfect against dandruff.
Juniper Hydrolate : with antiseptic, astringent and purifying properties for oily and impure skin and for the treatment of oily scalp, with dandruff and seborrhea. Draining and anti-cellulite if massaged on fatty deposits. Added to Jojoba oil it can be used to massage the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth.
Incense Hydrolate: helps the body to recharge and recover its vital energies. It regenerates the skin and gives an even and lightened complexion. It is especially suitable for mature skin and against dull complexion. The aroma is fresh and resinous.
St. John's Wort Hydrolate: rich in Flavonoids and Hyperforin, which confer antibiotic properties and adjuvants for the nervous system. It also has anti-inflammatory and healing activities. St. John's Wort is now indicated in the medical treatment of depressive syndromes such as seasonal depression and climacteric depression. It is also used in the treatment of skin inflammation and to promote the healing of wounds and burns.
Hyssop Hydrolate: antioxidant, soothing and rebalancing properties make it ideal for the treatment of mature, sensitive and impure skin.
Lavender Hydrolate: refreshing, soothing, relaxing, anti-inflammatory and decongestant, ideal for the care of all skin types even when irritated, excellent aftersun. In aromatherapy it is the treatment par excellence relaxing on the nervous system.
Lentisk hydrolate: astringent, healing and antibacterial, adjuvant in case of varicose veins, venous stasis, heavy legs, hemorrhoids and sores. Oxygenates the skin of the face and strengthens the hair, also excellent for the treatment of psoriasis, dandruff and greasy hair.
Lemon Hydrolate: ideal for lightening the complexion, astringent and purifying, particularly effective on oily skin and hair and skin with acne blemishes. Deeply hydrates and stimulates circulation. It is characterized by a very pleasant floral scent. Perfect against cellulite and varicose veins.
Melissa Hydrolate: revitalizing, soothing and emollient, it is useful for the care of mature, dry and irritated skin. In Aromatherapy it is used for its relaxing effect to combat stress and sleep disorders.
Mint Hydrolate: decongestant, purifying and refreshing, stimulating, it can be used against water retention and cellulite blemishes. It has a purifying and refreshing action. Ideal for use after cleansing on impure and combination skin, but also as a soothing after-sun or after-shave. It is also effective for relieving the itching of insect bites and for calming headaches.
Myrtle Hydrolate: purifying, toning, balancing, ideal for the care of oily and impure skin. It is also known as an anti-aging agent for the treatment of the eye contour and as a decongestant for puffy eyes and dark circles. Also try as a remedy against bad breath or to spread in the air to purify your home
Neroli Hydrolate: toning, soothing, refreshing and regenerating action especially on dry skin that calms and relaxes. Helps relieve fears and tension.
Rosewood Hydrolate: Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, it is known for its soothing, toning and regenerating properties that make it ideal for use against stretch marks and skin irritation. Its astringent power means that the product can also be used as a deodorant, as well as a tonic and additive for creams and lotions.
Petitgrain Hydrolate: It has a green scent. It can help us when we need deep relaxation or even in case of cough. If you have tension, even in the body, you can take a bath or a foot bath or a massage with this hydrolate. It is also very suitable for those who suffer from insomnia, in this case diffuse it in the bedroom half an hour before going to sleep.
Sage Hydrolate: for the care and beauty of oily and impure skin and hair that regulates excessive perspiration and hair care. It has powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties that reduce excessive sebum production, rebalancing the skin. It also regenerates and soothes skin subject to dermatitis, eczema, localized redness and skin irritation.
Thyme Hydrolate : has purifying, antibacterial, sebum-regulating and microcirculation-stimulating properties. Furthermore, its antifungal and healing action helps to calm and soothe skin irritations and is a valid aid against acne.
Tea Tree Hydrolate : antibacterial, disinfectant and skin tonic. The excellent effect of tea tree oil has long been known. Tea tree hydrolate has a more delicate and less annoying scent than pure oil. It can be used as an aid in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis. It is also perfect as a deodorant spray for armpits and feet. Highly recommended as a spray for insect bites, scratches, abrasions or superficial wounds.
