Which hydrolates to choose ?

     Hydrolates (aka hydrolols or flower-water) are water essences of plants that are gentler than essential oils. I love them because they can be applied directly or added to almost any DIY beauty treatment. I have already written about what hydrolates are and how do their work. Today I want to write a bit about the different hydrolates and what they do for your hair and skin.

    I could not find a complete list of hydrolates and their properties, but some online retailers give nice explanations of the hydrolates they sell, along with tips for using them: Aromantic and Mountainroseherbs for example.






A few basic hydrolates:

  • Rose water: for all skin types, smells great and is moisturising. It´s an all-purpose hydrolate, since it re-balances your skin´s sebum production and pH, whatever your skin type.
  • Chamomile: heals and soothes the skin. It´s a great soothing toner for flaky skin, rosacea, eczema and any type of irritation or rash. Brightens blond hair. Great for tired eyes ! Also, puts you into a calm mood. It´s also good for DIY wet wipes.
  • Rosemary: enhances the colour of brunette hair, and it´s great against dandruff. It is a great skin toner and revitaliser, suitable for blemished adolescent skin as well as mature skin. Very refreshing !
  • Witch Hazel: for oily / combination skin and large pores. Helps with the healing process for skin irritated after shaving / epilating / sun. Anti-inflammatory and astringent. Also good for sensitive skins and fragile capillaries. It has been used by Native Americans as a multi-purpose medicine. Witch Hazel has to be stabilised, and usually alcohol is used for this purpose. If you search around you can find alcohol-free Witch Hazel, for example naturesgift uses food-grade Benzoic Acid.
  • Orange (neroli) water: tightens the pores, cleanses, lightens the skin, contains vit C. Great for skin that is dull, discoloured, oily, dry, acne. For dry and brittle hair.

Of course there exist dozens of hydrolates, I have just covered a couple of easily-available and well-know ones.

Have you ever used a hydrolate ? Which one is your favourite ?





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