Rose hydrosol, also known as rose water, is a fragrant byproduct of steam-distilling rose petals to produce essential oil. This gentle yet powerful hydrosol offers a wide range of skin benefits, making it a popular ingredient in natural skincare products. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, rose hydrosol helps to hydrate, balance, and soothe the skin. It’s ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, and can be used as a toner, facial mist, or in DIY skincare recipes. Discover how rose hydrosol can enhance your beauty routine with its calming effects and skin-loving benefits.
What is a Hydrosol?
The short version is that a Hydrosol is a byproduct of the essential oil distillation process. It is a clear liquid compound that has similar benefits to the essential oil it comes from, however in a much less concentrated state. Hydrosols are also water soluble, which makes them a great replacement ingredient for skincare and cosmetic recipes that require water.
How is a Hydrosol made?
Most hydrosols are made by steam distillation. In steam distillation, plant material rich in botanical extracts (leaves, buds, etc.) is placed into a steam distillery. The steam distillery is then injected with hot steam, which causes the plants to open up and release their extracts. The steam mixes with the botanicals, forming a hot herbal distillate that then rises to the top of the distillery. Once it reaches the top, the distillate condenses upon contact with the cool roof and the resulting liquid runs down a tube into a completely different chamber.
This is where the essential oil and water is then collected. The oil, which contains the most concentrated amount of oil-soluble extracts, floats to the top and is skimmed off to make the essential oil, while the remaining water is bottled up to produce the hydrosol.
What are Hydrosols used for?
Hydrosols can be used in shampoos, face creams, natural toners, hand creams, serums, gels and facial mists. They can be used in any product that has a water components and are excellent to be used instead of the regular water used in skincare products.
Benefits of Rose Hydrosol
1. Helps soothe skin irritation
One of the greatest benefits of rose water is its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Reduces skin redness
The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and puffiness. Rose Hydrosol has been used as a beauty product for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that it can improve your complexion and reduce skin redness. The antibacterial properties may help reduce acne as well.
3. Helps prevent and treats infections
Rose Hydrosol may have antiseptic properties, which can prevent and treat infections. Because of this, rose hydrosol is often included in a variety of natural and medicinal treatments.
4. Contains antioxidants
Rose petals and rose oil contain a number of powerful antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. One study found that these antioxidants had potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This provides powerful cell protection as a result.
5. Heals cuts, scars, and burns
Rose Hydrosol has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help wounds heal faster. These properties can help clean and fight off infection of cuts and burns. They can also help cuts, burns, and even scars heal faster.
6. Enhances mood
Rose Hydrosol can have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. It was researched and found that the extract of rose petals can relax the central nervous system in mice. This resulted in antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
7. Relieves headaches
Rose Hydrosol and rose essential oil are commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve headaches. This may be due to the de-stressing effects discussed in the section above. Another found that a cloth soaked in rose water and place on the forehead help with a headache.
8. Has anti-aging properties
Rose Hydrosol is often found in beauty products aimed to reduce wrinkles. That’s because it may actually have anti-aging effects. In addition to soothing irritated skin, it may reduce the appearance of wrinkles when applied topically. Also adding rosewater can help with dull dry skin.
Potential risks
Rose Hydrosol is considered safe. There are no known risks for the general population to use it topically. The only exception is if you are allergic to the substance.
