Which organic hydrosol to use on my skin

Organicfloral water or hydrolat is the by-product of plant distillation, and is a natural flower or leaf water. It is suitable for all skin types and is used after cleansing and removing make-up to gently treat and tone the skin. You can choose a floral water for its benefits or simply for its scent. Cornflower floral water is perfect for sensitive skin and puffy eyes, Rose floral water moisturises dry skin and reduces redness and wrinkles, while Lavender floral water has anti-inflammatory properties for oily skin.

When it comes to natural cosmetics, it’s impossible to ignore floral waters, also known as hydrolats, and their benefits for the skin. They are gentle on the epidermis and gently cleanse the skin. Whether used as a toner in the morning or to complete your make-up removal routine in the evening, these waters will easily find their place in your daily routine. There’s one for every skin type, so you’re bound to find the one that’s right for you. Let’s find out!

Your skin is dry and sensitive

Choose Chamomile or Orange Blossom floral waters, which soothe sensitive, irritated and/or dry skin. You can also try rose water, which has moisturising, refreshing and toning properties. When the area around your eyes is irritated, apply a compress soaked in cornflower water. This hydrosol decongests, soothes and refreshes the eyes. Other hydrosols that may be suitable for you: immortelle floral water to combat redness and witch hazel to soothe skin inflammations such as rosacea.

Camomile hydrolate

Chamomile is a plant that has been recognised since ancient times for its healing properties. Its Latin name, Chamomilla recutita, highlights its calming and soothing qualities.

Azulene is an organic compound naturally present in several plants, including camomile. It is distinguished by its blue colour and powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In addition to its benefits for the hair, chamomile hydrosol is also beneficial for the skin, especially sensitive skin. Thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help calm irritation, reduce redness and soothe skin inflammation.

Chamomile hydrosol is rich in active ingredients such as azulene and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

There are several ways to make the most of chamomile hydrosol. It can be applied directly to the skin after a shower to soothe any irritation. It can also be used as a soothing toner after cleansing the skin. It can also be added to your usual skincare products, such as masks, serums or moisturisers, to boost their soothing action. Finally, daily use, morning and night, keeps skin soothed and moisturised all day long. It is suitable for all skin types.

Chamomile hydrosol also has other uses, including soothing tired or irritated eyes by applying it gently, and promoting good sleep by using it on the pillow before bedtime. It is even suitable for infants to relieve various ailments such as teething and diaper rash, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and soothing properties.

Orange Blossom hydrolate

The flowers of the Bitter Orange tree, the most delicate parts of the tree, give off subtle aromas. They are used to obtain the preciousessential oil of Neroli. From the same distillation, we also obtainOrange Blossom hydrosol, a more versatile option. Highly prized in oriental pastries, it also has benefits for calming anxiety and hyperactivity, especially in babies.

Orange Blossom hydrosol, from Citrus × aurantium L. ssp amara, distilled from the flowers, has essential properties:

• Calming and anti-depressant: As a product derived from the Bitter Orange tree, this hydrosol is particularly soothing. It is recommended for combating stress, anxiety, depression or emotional shock. Thanks to its gentleness, it is ideal for children, restless babies and stressed animals.
• Nerve-balancing: Orange Blossom hydrosol promotes mental and physical relaxation. It can help combat insomnia and calm hyperactivity. It brings a feeling of serenity to the body.
• Soothing and rebalancing for the skin: As a toning lotion, Orange Blossom hydrosol rebalances the pH of the skin and the skin flora, suitable for all skin types. It restores radiance to dull skin and is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Orange Blossom hydrolate is easy to use, from 3 months, by spraying it onto the face or the area concerned. Its main ingredients include linalool, α-terpineol andmethyl anthranilate. It is also reputed to help people fall asleep thanks to its relaxing properties. It was used, for example, in the composition of julep, a potion based on orange blossom water and syrup.

Cornflower hydrolate

Cornflower hydrolate, from Centaurea cyanus L., distilled from the flowers, has a number of essential properties:

• Anti-inflammatory: In vitro studies have shown that Cornflower hydrolate limits the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the skin. Clinical evaluations have also shown its effectiveness in vivo in reducing dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles under the eyes.
• Astringent and decongestant: Cornflower hydrolate tones the skin and tightens pores thanks to its astringent action, improving the appearance of the skin. For the eyes, it relieves congestion and swollen eyelids.
• Antioxidant: It has an antioxidant effect that helps combat the formation of free radicals linked to cell ageing.
• Soothing: Cornflower soothes tired, irritated eyes, whether affected by pollution, allergies or simple fatigue. It also has a soothing effect on irritated or sun-damaged skin.

To use cornflower hydrosol for conjunctivitis or styes, from the age of 3 months, we recommend applying a sterile compress soaked in a teaspoon of cornflower hydrosol to the affected eye when closed for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 times a day. You may re-soak the compress during the treatment.

Cornflower hydrosol, which contains molecules such as linalool,α-terpineol and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), has also been used in eye drops to relieve eye irritation and combat conjunctivitis. In cosmetics, it is used as an eye make-up remover. As an infusion, its dried flowers are recommended for kidney inflammation, gout and rheumatism.

Witch hazel hydrolate

Witch hazel has had a reputation since ancient times for its effectiveness in treating haemorrhoids and haemorrhages. Although distillation of its leaves produces a small amount of essential oil, it is its hydrosol that is more widely recognised. This floral water is used for its beneficial effects on blood circulation, as well as for skin care, being suitable for a wide variety of skin types, whether irritated, oily, acne-prone, mature, sensitive, etc.

Hamamelis hydrosol, from Hamamelis virginiana L., distilled from the leaves, has essential properties:

• Vasoconstrictor: Witch Hazel hydrosol acts directly on blood circulation by causing general vasoconstriction. This makes it ideal for treating circulatory problems such as heavy legs, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and rosacea. It helps improve the elasticity of blood vessels.
• Astringent: Witch hazel hydrosol tightens the body’s tissues thanks to its astringent properties. It works at different levels, both internally to treat diarrhoea and externally to tighten skin pores and regulate sebum production. This astringent property also makes it slightly haemostatic, promoting blood coagulation.
• Antioxidant: Recent studies have confirmed the antioxidant action of Hamamelis hydrosol on the skin. It therefore helps combat skin ageing and can be used to prevent wrinkles.
• Anti-pruritic: Witch Hazel hydrosol relieves itchy skin thanks to its soothing properties.

It is also highly effective in treating rosacea. To use, simply apply it as a lotion to the affected area, from the age of 3 months.

Your skin is combination or oily

Opt for thyme floral water, which will purify and stimulate your skin by controlling excess sebum. Verbena hydrosol is also ideal, as it has refreshing, purifying and softening properties. Combination to oily skin also generally appreciates lavender floral water, which purifies, cleanses and balances the epidermis.

Thyme hydrolate

Thyme is much more than just an aromatic herb used in Provençal cuisine. Its benefits extend far beyond its aromas, and are particularly evident in its essential oil and hydrosol. Thyme linalol hydrolate, renowned for its mildness, has a number of noteworthy properties.

Thyme linalool hydrolate, distilled from the flowering tops of Thymus zygis (Loefl.) L., has the following essential properties:

• Anti-infectious: Thanks to thymol and monoterpenols, it is a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent. It is versatile and can relieve oral infections such as mouth ulcers and gingivitis, as well as winter ailments such as colds and bronchitis.
• Purifying: It combats acne by regulating sebum and rebalancing combination and oily skin and scalps. It also helps to restore the balance of intestinal flora.
• Nervous stimulant: The aromatic molecules in Thyme linalool hydrosol have a neurotonic action. They combat asthenia, nervous fatigue and stress.
• Immunostimulant: Compounds such as linalool, geraniol, 4-terpineol and nerol stimulate the immune system, which is particularly useful for preventing winter infections, especially in young children.

It can be applied to the skin as a compress or spray in the case of skin infections, acne or oily skin.

Thujanol Thyme hydrosol, derived from Thymus vulgaris L. Thujanoliferum and also renowned for its anti-infectious action, is effective against ENT infections such as tonsillitis and bronchitis. It can also be used to combat acne and regulate oily skin. It is applied to the skin, in particular by spraying on the face or affected areas, for adults and teenagers.

Verbena hydrosol

Lemon Verbena, also known as Sweet Verbena, is a plant that gives off a pleasant lemony scent when its leaves are crumpled, as its name suggests. While its essential oil is valuable because of its relatively low yield after distillation, its hydrosol is less concentrated and more affordable. Yet they share a similar composition.

Lemon Verbena hydrosol, made from the flowering tops of the Lippia citriodora Kunte plant, has the following essential properties:

• Anti-inflammatory: The citrals present in Lemon Verbena hydrosol combat inflammation of the skin, mouth, intestines, mucous membranes and joints. It has a nervous rebalancing action which enables it to act on inflammatory disorders of psychosomatic origin.
• Spasmolytic: It combats contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which is beneficial in cases of colic or intestinal pain, as well as menstrual spasms.
• Calming, nerve-balancing: Citrals act on neurotransmitters to provide a feeling of calm and sedation. Neral, in particular, has a mild antidepressant action. Lemon Verbena hydrosol harmonises the central and autonomic nervous systems.
• General detoxifier: It stimulates most of the emunctories, particularly the liver, pancreas and intestines, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. It aids digestion and may be useful in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

However, it’s important to note that Lemon Verbena hydrolate may be photosensitising, so it’s best not to use it before exposure to the sun.

Lavender hydrolate

Officinal Lavender floral water is a product with the scent of Provence that offers multiple benefits for the skin. This floral water is particularly recommended for people with oily skin with imperfections, but it also has other beneficial properties.

Officinal Lavender hydrolate, made from the flowering tops of the Lavandula officinalis L. plant, has the following characteristics:

• Sedative: Thanks to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, this hydrosol promotes relaxation and helps combat stress and nervous agitation, which can be useful for treating insomnia.
• Analgesic: It soothes gastric pain by reducing digestive spasms. Linalool and linalyl acetate also help relieve migraines.
• Anti-inflammatory: Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve skin inflammations, such as insect bites and superficial burns like sunburn.
• Repellent: As lavender, this hydrosol has a repellent action that helps repel lice, ticks and fleas.
• Healing: It promotes the healing of superficial wounds and skin problems such as acne and eczema, speeding up skin regeneration.

This hydrosol is suitable for simple use from the age of 3 months. It can be applied to the skin by spraying Officinal Lavender hydrosol directly onto the affected area or by soaking a compress.

Your skin is acne-prone

Geranium and peppermint waters are ideal for fighting acne! Geranium water regulates sebum production and helps cells regenerate, while peppermint water tones, purifies and tightens dilated pores. Green tea floral water also helps to purify oily skin.

Geranium hydrolate

Geranium Bourbon hydrosol is an exceptional ally for skin health thanks to its many beneficial properties:

• Healing: It promotes skin regeneration and accelerates the healing of superficial wounds. It is particularly effective for treating skin problems such as acne and eczema.
• Skin anti-inflammatory: It soothes skin inflammation, including redness and hives, providing valuable relief for irritated skin.
• Oily skin: By regulating sebum production, it is perfectly suited to oily skin, helping to rebalance and purify the skin.
• Skin anti-infectives: It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a common choice for treating skin fungal infections.
• Calming and relaxing: Its floral fragrance creates a soothing atmosphere, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Geranium Bourbon hydrosol is easy to apply and can be applied to the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Sprayed directly onto the affected area, it can be used several times a day. Whether to treat specific skin problems, soothe irritation or simply benefit from its healing properties, this hydrosol is a must for healthy, well-cared-for skin.

Peppermint hydrosol

Peppermint hydrosol is easier to use than the essential oil of the same plant, while retaining its beneficial properties. It has a multitude of health benefits:

• Digestive: Thanks to its menthol content, it acts as an antispasmodic, soothing the muscle spasms responsible for nausea, bloating and motion sickness. It also reduces intestinal gas.
• Refreshing: Like the plant, Peppermint hydrosol is refreshing, ideal for countering hot flushes, soothing sunburn and regulating excessive perspiration. It is particularly valuable in summer.
• Circulatory: It stimulates venous and lymphatic circulation, offering a solution to circulatory problems such as varicose veins, heavy legs and haemorrhoids.
• Analgesic: Peppermint hydrosol relieves itching caused by skin bites or rashes such as chickenpox. Its analgesic action is also effective for soothing burns, migraines or shingles.
• Astringent and purifying: It is particularly suitable for problem skin, purifying oily and acne-prone skin, soothing inflamed pimples and tightening pores.
• Skin tonic: By improving blood circulation, it encourages better irrigation of the skin, restoring its radiance.

Peppermint hydrosol is easy to apply and can be applied to the skin. It is even suitable for children aged 3 and over. Sprayed on the face or applied with a compress to the affected area, this hydrosol is a versatile solution for relieving various skin and digestive ailments.

You have mature skin

Rose floral water has anti-wrinkle and firming properties. It is therefore ideal for skin lacking firmness. Another alternative is rosemary water, which refreshes and firms the skin.

Rose hydrolate

Rose floral water, an emblematic element of femininity, comes in two main varieties: Damask Rose and Centifolia Rose. Its many benefits make it a must-have in cosmetics:

• Regenerating and antibacterial, it tightens pores, smoothes the skin and restores vitality. Thanks to its healing properties, it is particularly effective against acne.
• Damask Rose is widely used, being more economical than essential oil, while retaining its effectiveness. It remains the benchmark for mature skin and during the menopause.

Damask Rose hydrosol is appreciated for its soothing and calming properties. Its main properties are as follows:

• Nerve-balancing: It soothes stress and nervous tension. It has a significant impact on the emotional sphere. It can therefore be used in cases of grief, bereavement or anger.
• Hormonal balancer: Without presenting any hormone-like risks, it helps to calm the pain of premenstrual syndrome, hot flushes and excessive sweating.
• Soothing: It relieves itchy skin, promoting recovery in skin damaged by eczema, redness, itching and hives.
• Anti-oxidant: Studies have demonstrated its ability to limit the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) on keratinocytes. This protects the skin against premature ageing.
• Anti-inflammatory: It restricts the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and reduces the dilation of blood vessels.
• Astringent: Its tightening and soothing effect is particularly suitable for dry, mature skin.
• Aphrodisiac: Slightly aphrodisiac, it can be used to treat sexual problems.

Its use is recommended for mature skin. Sprayed all over the face or on the affected area, it offers a versatile solution for improving skin health.

Rosemary hydrolate

Rosemary Verbenone hydrolate is a versatile product known for its beneficial properties for the skin. It is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis L. verbenoniferum. This floral water has specific characteristics that make it a precious ally for skin health. Here are its main properties for the skin:

• Astringent and skin tonic:Rosemary Verbenonehydrosol purifies the skin. It regulates sebum production and tightens pores. It is particularly suitable for oily and combination skin.
• Acne reduction: Thanks to its astringent properties, it helps to calm inflamed pimples. It improves the condition of acne-prone skin.
• Hair purifier: Regulates sebum production in the scalp. This makes it an effective remedy for oily hair.
• Firming and revitalising: It tones the skin and restores its radiance. Mature skin that tends to slacken particularly appreciates these effects.
• Relieves itching: soothes itching caused by skin conditions such as eczema, redness, pruritus and urticaria.

This hydrosol can be used in a variety of ways to care for the skin. You can apply it directly to the skin of the face or to specific areas, morning and evening, after cleansing the skin. It can also be incorporated into lotions, moisturisers or purifying masks.

It is also recommended for use in hair care. It can be added to a solid shampoo or used as a rinse to combat dandruff, hair loss and excess sebum, while adding shine to the hair.

Sources

• https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/