Hydration, freshness, delicate aroma – floral waters have many beneficial properties for our skin: they soothe, purify and beautify. But what is the difference between floral water (hydrolate) and hydrosol? What can we use them for and what features do they have? In order not to get lost in the multitude of definitions and meanings, let's first clarify the concepts and what is actually included in them.

With the common name floral water we call any liquid obtained by distillation of plant raw materials – water is the by-product of the extraction of the essential oilsDepending on the method and technology, this liquid is called hydrolate (floral water) or hydrosol.

Floral waters can be a wonderful addition to skin care routines – for refreshment on hot summer days, for more hydration, as a useful tonic, as a base for a face mask. They contain in a gentle dose all the beneficial substances of the plant from which they are extracted. Their uniqueness comes from the softness they possess, unlike highly concentrated essential oils. This makes them more suitable for direct use on the skin of the face and body.

Floral water is a perfect replacement for facial toner as it balances the skin's pH levels, refreshes, cleanses, hydrates and tones. The waters also have therapeutic properties with a wide range of applications. They can also be used by people for whom essential oils are too strong - such as small children, the elderly and pregnant women. Floral waters are 100% natural, pure, without preservatives, diluents and synthetic products.

There are many floral waters, such as rose (Rosa damascena), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and neroli (Citrus aurantium). Some of them, like rose, smell like the flowers from which they are distilled. Others, like lavender, smell a little different and less intense, and in some cases even completely different from the aroma of the essential oil extracted from the plant.

In the MAKASA store you can also find the organic waters of Spring, which are produced through careful selection and distillation of aromatic plants. The waters have a NaTrue certificate and contain a smaller amount of essential oil and water-soluble components of the plant, which is why their aroma is not so strong. They differ from all the others with the minimum content of organic alcohol (14%), which allows mixing and adding essential oils, which in turn enhances their aromatherapeutic effect.

Immortelle Organic Floral Water – buy here

Each of Primavera's floral waters (hydrolates) has a specific purpose and helps in skin care:

Immortal – relieves various bruises or muscle pain, has a relaxing, uplifting and strengthening effect.
Mint – cools and energizes, refreshes heavy, tired legs, relieves a mild headache and helps with nausea.
Witch hazel – helps reduce pores, balances oily and combination skin.
Neroli (orange color) – soothes skin prone to redness, relaxes the senses and releases tension.
Lavender – soothing and balancing effect on itching and skin irritations. Relieves mild redness of the skin due to sun exposure.
rose flower – provides gentle relief from mood swings. Soothes red, irritated skin and restores its balance.
Floral SOS spray – water synergy, a combination of several medicinal plants – witch hazel, neroli and rose. Quick relief from hot flashes and tension, gives peace in challenging moments in everyday life. In addition, it also takes care of the skin – soothes redness, shrinks pores.

Bulgarian companies that produce high-quality, organic certified floral waters are: Alteya Organics, Ecomaat, Zoya Goes Pretty, Ikarov.

Some of the most popular floral waters

Organic Rose Floral Water – buy here

The rose water is known and used since ancient times by the Thracians, Romans, Persians and Egyptians. It is produced from fresh organic rose flower using a special technology. Thanks to its tightening and toning effect, it helps reduce the visibility of enlarged pores and superficial capillaries. Due to its powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used both in cosmetics and for prevention and treatment in medicine.

The largest producers of rose water (apart from Bulgaria) are Iran, Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, but it has been proven that Bulgarian rose water - mainly of the variety Rosa damascena in the Kazanlak region – is unsurpassed in quality characteristics.

The colors of Rosa damascena (Rosa damascena) are known for their delicate aroma and are harvested not only for rose oil (Bulgarian Rose Oil or so called Rose Otto, as well as for rose absolute), but also for rose water and rose concrete. Interestingly, the petals are edible. They can be used to flavor foods, as a garnish, herbal tea, and preserved with sugar ("gulkand").

Chamomile floral water – has anti-inflammatory and skin-softening properties, works very well for various skin irritations such as rashes, eczema and psoriasis. It has an antiseptic effect, soothes tired eyes, applied as a compress on them. It is extremely suitable for delicate baby skin, especially for soothing when changing diapers.

Lavender water – used to cleanse and hydrate combination or oily skin. Suitable for youthful, acne-prone skin and for soothing aromatherapy. It is used for skin irritations and insect bites. It relieves itching and reduces redness. It can be used to scent and refresh the body and hair. The hair becomes healthier and shinier. Lavender also finds its place in aromatherapy. It increases concentration and improves internal balance. The aroma of lavender repels moths, flies and other insects from homes.

Hydrolates and their beneficial properties

In the production of hydrolat the entire plant material is distilled, unlike essential oils, which use selected parts of the plant. This is why hydrolates can have a much different aroma when compared to an essential oil from the same plant, but also their aroma is more intense compared to floral waters. The hydrolates that we offer at MAKASA are of the highest quality – you can safely trust your favorite scent. They have 3 to 5 times more concentrated aroma. This means that you can use less of them for skin care or when making homemade cosmetic products, and you will still achieve the same effect.

How can we use floral waters in our daily lives?

Floral waters are also used to freshen the air or bed linen, upholstery in the living room, for an aromatic sauna or steam bath - they are wonderful for any spa procedures. You can spray your clothes before ironing and give them a natural floral scent. Other popular apps:

To clean the face: Moisten a cotton pad with hydrosol and clean your skin in circular motions. Repeat if necessary.
Facial tonic: Spray the hydrosol onto cleansed skin, keeping your eyes closed. Immediately apply a moisturizer or facial oil. Spray your face several times a day for a fresh feeling.
Face mask: Mix the hydrosol with clay according to skin type to desired consistency and apply to clean skin. Leave for 10–15 minutes, rinse, spray the hydrosol onto clean skin and apply a moisturizing facial cream (oil).
Aromatic bath: Pour some hydrosol into a tub of warm water. Enjoy a relaxing aromatic atmosphere!
Hair care: Spray on clean hair and massage into scalp. No need to rinse.
Body perfume/deodorant: Spray on skin from a distance of 15 cm, especially in areas where you sweat.
Aroma massage: Spray the hydrosol onto the skin before massage. Apply clean base oil and enjoy the aromatic massage!

The other option is to prepare a face mask base in a dry glass container with a tight-fitting lid. You can use it in various recipes, and it is best to store it in the refrigerator.

Recipes with floral waters

Base for masks

French green clay – 2 soup. l.
White clay kaolin – 4 soup. l.
Red clay or rasul, if you want an anti-aging effect – 4 tbsp.
Corn flour powder (organic) – 2 tbsp.

Mix one spoon of the mixture with your preferred floral water and apply to your face until dry. After washing, spray your face with your favorite hydrosol and apply a face cream or serum suitable for your skin.

Conclusion

Floral waters and hydrolates are a gentle, versatile way to bring freshness and care into your daily routine – from toners and masks to aromatic baths and home refreshments. Choose the scent according to your skin's needs and enjoy the gentle power of plants.

Sources:
The Herbal Academy – About flower water
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, Novato, California