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Understand how they are obtained and what are the benefits of hydrolates, better known as floral waters

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Hydrolates are also known as floral waters or hydrosols and can be made from a variety of plants. These are products that contain many therapeutic properties and aromatic substances used by the cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy industries.

The hydrolates have a slightly acidic pH, in the range of 5 to 6, which makes the environment unsuitable for the development of bacteria. For their properties to be preserved, these products must be kept in a cool place and in a tightly closed glass.

Extraction of hydrolates

Hydrolates are the by-product obtained from the distillation process in the extraction of essential oils. This process consists of submitting the plant material (leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, etc.) to the action of water vapor at the moment the essential oil is extracted.

• What are essential oils?

In distillation, the water vapor passes through the biomass tissues, carrying, by means of drag, the oil present inside the glands to the condenser, as shown in the diagram below. But it is not only the essential oil that is carried away by the water vapor, other volatile aromatic and bioactive elements from the plant are also present.

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The steam and essential oil are cooled in the condenser until they become liquid, as are the bioactive elements. However, they bind to condensed water and not to the essential oil, and it is this mixture of water and active elements that form the hydrolates.

The next step after the condenser is the separation of hydrolate and oil, which is carried out in a decanter. Substances are separated through the difference in density and polarity between them.

The hydrolates, after separation, are extracted in their pure state and keep the same volatile components of the plant that originated them. The fragrance is very similar to that of the essential oil, but a little weaker. It is noteworthy that hydrolates do not always have the same characteristics as essential oils.

Benefits

Because they contain nutrients extracted directly from vegetables, hydrolates contain moisturizing, toning and refreshing properties. They can be used for body or face care, in beauty and aesthetic masks, aromatic baths, footbaths and also serve as room aromatizers.

Because they are mild, they can be used on children, the elderly, young people and people with poor health. Direct application can be for skin cleansing, use as a facial tonic, hair and hand hydration, to refresh the environment and for aromatherapy (in cases of asthma and bronchitis). Sensitive skin, with burns, wounds, eczema, rashes or pain can also receive the positive effects of floral waters.

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There are several types of floral waters, each with its specific characteristics. Some of its benefits are:

• Moisturizing and toning facial: lavender, geranium;
• Acne and oily skins: rosemary, lavender, geranium;
• Sensitive and dry skin: lavender, geranium;
• Refresh the body: lavender;
• Relaxing body and mind: lavender, geranium;
• Invigorate body and mind: rosemary, lavender.
• Nursery Aromatizer: Lavender;
• Kitchen flavoring: mint and rosemary;
• Car flavor: rosemary and geranium;
• Scratches and insect bites: lavender, geranium and citronella;
• Perfume clothes: all;
• Floral aroma: lavender, rosemary and geranium;
• Pure environment: rosemary, lavender and geranium;
• Energizer: rosemary.

There are many others besides those mentioned. Hydrolates do not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals, they are products extracted directly from the plant. Therefore, before using them, make sure they are 100% natural. You can find natural hydrolates at eCycle store. See all types and choose the one that suits you best!