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Hydrosol Part III

  • MyrrhProducts
  • Feb 28, 2020
  • 3 min read

HYDROSOL :

WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO USE IT FOR EACH SKIN TYPE


The word “hydrosol” is originated from the Latin language. The chemistry term, “water solution”, is derived from the Latin word hydro meaning “water” and the word sol meaning solution.


A hydrosol is an aromatic water that remains after hydro-distilling or steam-distilling botanical material, such as specific plants and essential oils. Hydrosols, as well as pure essential oils, are used for aromatherapeutic purposes. Hydrosols can also be used for medicinal purposes and are considered the homeopathic version of aromatherapy. When these plants or essential oils are steam-distilled they are safe to use with children, animals, and people with a poor immune system. Hydrosols are used in cosmetics, holistic treatment and in food as a digestive aid. It is also known as treatments to better suit anyone who are prone to sensitivity.


Essential oils are not recommended to be used on your skin if it is undiluted. Hydrosols are much gentler on the skin without further dilution.


DIY Foaming Face Wash


How to Choose a Hydrosol by Skin Type


Below is a list of additional hydrosols available for skincare.

Witch hazel hydrosol – This is different from the witch hazel found in most stores that contains alcohol. It’s an astringent and cleansing, making it good for oily and acne-prone skin.

Rose hydrosol – This hydrosol is soothing and nourishing for all skin types, but it’s especially good for mature skin. Rose is hydrating and a humectant to lock in moisture.

Chamomile hydrosol – Very calming to irritated skin. Chamomile hydrosol improves skin elasticity and is antiseptic, and antibacterial.

Cucumber hydrosol – Useful for all skin types, this hydrosol cools and calms inflamed skin. It’s also very hydrating.

Clary sage hydrosol – This is a more potent-smelling hydrosol, but it’s known to smooth and calm skin. It’s also slightly astringent so it’s perfect for oily skin.

Geranium hydrosol – Geranium hydrosol is good for all skin types but particularly aging skin. It’s soothing, anti-inflammatory, and balancing. You can purchase our popular Geranium Toner here.



Oily or Acne-Prone Skin


Ingredients

· 2/3 cup castile soap

· 1/3 cup witch hazel hydrosol or clary sage hydrosol (OR distilled water)


Aging or Blemished Skin


Ingredients

· 2/3 cup castile soap

· 20 drops lemon essential oil *see safety note below

· 1/3 cup rose hydrosol chamomile or carrot seed hydrosol (OR distilled water)

· 2 tsp avocado oil


Normal Skin


Ingredients

· 2/3 cup castile soap

· 1/3 cup cucumber hydrosol or geranium hydrosol (OR distilled water)


Instructions

1. In the soap dispenser add the essential oil, castile soap, and carrier oil. Swirl the bottle until the ingredients are well combined.

2. Add the distilled water or the hydrosol, leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top for the pump. You may not need a full ¼ cup to fill it. If the castile soap is thin, then reduce the hydrosol or water to 1/4 cup.

3. Cap the dispenser tightly and gently tip it back and forth to mix everything. Don’t shake it too much though or there will be a bunch of suds!


Notes:

Hydrosols are the by-product of essential oil production. While essential oils are highly concentrated, hydrosols are very gentle, but with many of the same properties.

One big difference to note: hydrosols are water-soluble and essential oils are not. This makes mixing easier and takes away some of the worries about using essential oils safely.

Depending on how it’s made and what preservatives are used, hydrosols will typically last 12-18 months. This is a benefit to homemade skincare products since they typically don’t contain preservatives and can spoil earlier than shelf-stable commercial products.

You can swap out ingredients depending on specific skin conditions for a completely customized face wash. In hydrosol the essential oils are diluted to about 2%, and the dilutions should be kept to 1-5% to avoid skin irritation. Keep this in mind if substitutions are being made.

A note on castile soap in recipes … different brands have different consistencies, so the amounts may need adjusting. The Dr. Bronners brand of castile soap is very thick, while some other brands are less so. Try reducing the hydrosol (or distilled water in the budget version) by half if the soap seems runny.

*Lemon essential oil is phototoxic if used above 2% in a leave-on product like a lotion. Just leave it out if desired, but you’ll miss out on its cleansing and age spot lightening benefits. I consider this recipe safe since it uses it at only 1% and it’s washed off. If there is any concern, use the face wash at night or at least 12 hours before sun exposure.


 
 
 

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