Hydrolat Guide: What It Is, How to Use It, & Best Types for Skin

Alongside essential oils and carrier oils, hydrolat is another essential item in an aromatherapist's toolkit. It is a by-product of the essential oil distillation process, but its therapeutic value and application methods are distinct enough to deserve its own place in the practice.

What Is Hydrolat? Understanding the Distillation Process

To produce essential oils, large quantities of plant material are packed tightly into a sealed metal receptacle sitting on a grid. A metal tube connected to the bottom transmits hot steam through the plant material. As the steam is forced through the sealed unit, the volatile aromatic molecules are released and carried upward with it, passing through a cooling coil at the top surrounded by cold water. Inside the coil, the aromatic water and essential oil condense together and then separate — the essential oil floats to the top and the aromatic water, which is the hydrolat, sinks to the bottom. The two are collected in separate vessels and go their different ways from there.

Unlike the highly concentrated essential oil, hydrolat can be used directly on the skin without dilution. It is mildly therapeutic and carries a scent that is related to its essential oil but not identical to it — gentler, more watery, and often closer to the living plant itself.

How Hydrolat Differs from Essential Oil

Although both are produced during the same distillation process, hydrolat and essential oil are fundamentally different products with different applications.

Essential Oil:

• Highly concentrated (volatile aromatic molecules only)
• Must be diluted before skin application
• Potent therapeutic effect; used in small amounts
• Longer shelf life (up tp 10 years unopened)
• More expensive per volume

Hydrolat (also called hydrosol or floral water):

• Mildly therapeutic (aromatic water carries some plant compounds)
• Can be applied directly to skin without dilution
• Gentler, more subtle effect; used in larger amounts
• Shorter shelf life (2-3 years unopened, refrigerate after opening)
• More affordable and accessible
• Scent is closer to the living plant than its essential oil

In Practice: Use essential oils for targeted therapeutic treatment and hydrolats for daily skincare maintenance and general wellness.

The four most commonly used hydrolats

German chamomile hydrolat — immediate relief for sensitive skin

Sharing many of the therapeutic properties of its essential oil, German chamomile hydrolat reduces redness and itchiness caused by allergies, eczema, insect bites, and other skin irritations. Unlike the essential oil, it does not contain azulene - the dark blue aromatic compound produced during distillation - which means it has a pleasant scent that resonates with its plant.

Lavender hydrolat — a healer for all skin types

Lavender hydrolat is hydrating and helps balance the skin's sebum production. It supports recovery from sunburn and insect bites and reduces the appearance of minor marks and blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, it is particularly well suited to acne-prone and combination skin. Its scent is mild and faithful to both the essential oil and the plant.

Rosemary hydrolat — remarkable for hair growth and oily skin

Rosemary hydrolat shares some of the essential oil's ability to stimulate the nervous system and promote circulation. It is a natural astringent that tightens pores and controls excess sebum production. Its antimicrobial properties help clear breakouts and protect damaged skin from infection. It also stimulates hair growth and helps combat dandruff. The scent is slightly camphor-like, green, and woody.

Rose hydrolat — deeply hydrating

Highly hydrating and rich in antioxidants, rose hydrolat helps balance skin tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports cellular regeneration. Its scent calms a racing heart and a restless mind. Excellent for dry and mature skin.

How I Use Hydrolats in Practice

Hydrolats can be sprayed directly onto the skin as a toner after cleansing, or used to soothe and heal specific skin concerns as they arise. I also combine them to create a synergistic effect in particular circumstances.

Daily Skincare Applications

Rose as a daily toner: I use rose hydrolat on its own as a daily toner. I genuinely love the scent and need no enhancer. It hydrates without the weight of a cream and fits seamlessly into a morning or evening routine.

Lavender as a post-cleanse spray: After cleansing, spray lavender hydrolat directly onto damp skin to balance oil production and speed healing of any minor blemishes or irritation.

Hair Care Blends

Lavender and rosemary as a growth spray: Combine equal parts lavender and rosemary hydrolat in a spray bottle. Spray onto wet hair and massage into the scalp to prevent hair loss and stimulate growth. Use 2-3 times per week.

Acute Skin Relief

German chamomile and lavender for rashes: When an acute reaction, rash, or allergic response appears on skin, spray a blend of equal parts German chamomile and lavender hydrolat directly onto the affected area to relieve redness and calm inflammation immediately.

In Base Creams

For sensitive skin: German chamomile and lavender hydrolat are used in place of water as the water-based component in a base cream for sensitive skin. See the DIY base cream tutorial for the full recipe.

For anti-ageing: Rose and lavender hydrolat are used to adjust the base cream recipe to reinforce its anti-ageing effect, deepening hydration and supporting cellular regeneration.

Specialized Applications

For intimate care: Mix 1 drop of tea tree essential oil in 50ml of rosemary hydrolat. Spray on the vaginal opening to relieve discomfort and itchiness. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Storage

Unopened hydrolat can be stored for two to three years in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator.