Floral Waters: Benefits and How They Are Used in Skincare

Floral waters – sometimes referred to as hydrolats or hydrosols – are a by-product of the steam distillation of essential oils and incredibly beneficial for skincare, bodycare and haircare. 

For those looking for a natural way to revitalise and refresh their skin, floral waters can be an essential addition to your vegan skincare routine.

What are floral waters?

When you distill plant material to make essential oils, you are left with oil floating on top of the water. These essential oils are separated, and the leftover water is beautifully infused with the plant essence. The hydrophilic (water-loving) chemical compounds of the plant are then infused into the floral water. 

In short, hydrosols are a perfect union of water and plants.

Floral waters have a pleasingly delicate nature and a light aroma; ideal for situations that require gentle aromatic care – and especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin.

While rosewater is one of the more popular hydrosols, it can be made from a variety of different plants, including lavender, neroli (orange blossom) chamomile, and aloe – despite not being renowned for its aromatic qualities.

How to use floral waters

There’s a myriad of ways to use floral waters in your vegan skincare routine. Here at Oleo, we use them in several of our products because of their completely natural, vegan, cruelty-free properties and thanks to the many benefits they offer for the body. One of which, is the fact that floral waters do not require dilution and can be applied directly to the skin. 

See below for how to combine floral water products in your vegan skincare regime.

What are the benefits of floral waters?

Refreshes and rejuvenates - perfect for all skin types

Owing to their beneficial aromatic compounds, floral water is soothing, cooling, refreshing and rejuvenating to the skin and is particularly suited for sensitive, sun-damaged, mature and problem-prone skin. Rose floral water, for instance, has a slight natural acidic pH of 4.5 - 5 which is an excellent match for your skin's pH.

Moisture retention and cell protection

Floral waters help lock in moisture by forming a hydrating layer on the skin's surface. This boosts hydration and prevents water loss, keeping your skin soft and supple. Their lightweight texture makes them perfect for daily use, offering an effortless way to maintain moisture balance throughout the day.

Meanwhile, rose floral water also contains a number of powerful antioxidants and, as a result, provides impressive cell protection.

Antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Floral waters have powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can prevent and treat infections as well as help reduce acne, eczema, rosacea and soothe problem-prone skin. It’s a great alternative to harsher synthetic products to refresh and balance all skin types. We would always advise against mixing harsher synthetic products when using floral waters to treat problem skin – so that the beneficial properties of the hydrosols can take effect.

Skin irritations can be caused by external environmental factors, including some synthetic products. The powerful antibacterial properties of rose floral water can help reduce skin redness and puffiness and soothe irritated skin.

Where does Oleo use floral waters?

Our 100% pure Rose Floral Water contains exactly that, with no unnecessary additives. It refreshes, calms, hydrates and soothes the skin – as well as gently toning and cleansing. 

Our Soothing Facial Toner combines the therapeutic properties of Roman chamomile and rose floral waters. As a facial toner, chamomile flower is said to help stimulate the growth of collagen that our body naturally produces and loses over time.

As these waters are mildly astringent and slightly acidic, they can help to reduce the visibility of pores. It is ideal to sweep across your face after cleansing to soothe and refresh. If you suffer from puffy, under-eye circles, then soak two cotton wool pads with the toner and cover each closed eye for around 5 minutes. Remove and rinse off the toner. Your eyes will feel revived, refreshed and alert.

A vegan skincare essential 

Because both rose and chamomile floral waters are so gentle and soothing, we include both in our Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover. At the end of the day, your tired eyes will thank you for effectively removing make-up and, at the same time, your eyes and the surrounding skin will be left feeling calm and refreshed.

You will find neroli floral water from the bitter orange tree in our AHA Skin Smoothing Tonic. This delicately fragrant water contains alpha-hydroxy acids that help exfoliate skin and remove impurities. It is rich in vitamin C which is known for its collagen-boosting and cell turnover properties. Aloe vera extract is used in this tonic as it is naturally soothing and cooling – and its high water content helps to hydrate the skin.

Part of your plant-based bodycare routine 

The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile floral water are one of the ingredients that contribute to the soothing and calming properties of our nourishing Soothing Body Lotion. Completely plant-based, this moisturising lotion is an essential part of your vegan bodycare routine.

Meanwhile, our Aloe & Lavender Micellar Cleansing Water is carefully formulated to provide anti-inflammatory properties which soothe and heal the skin. Aloe Vera is also an effective impurity and makeup remover, leaving your skin feeling fresh, clean and smooth. The soothing effects of natural lavender floral water on your skin has the ability to hydrate your skin and keep it looking radiant and healthy.

Lavender Water is also used because of its ability to tone loosened facial muscles. For extra cleansing, it will eliminate the fine particles of dust and dirt from your skin pores to give you a bright and fresh look.

Floral water: for mind and body

We use aloe vera in our extremely popular Fresh & Fruity Deodorant. Aloe vera is an excellent emollient making it soothing and calming on the skin. This is especially important as the underarm skin is often quite sensitive.

So, if you thought essential oils were the be-all and end-all of aromatherapy, you now know differently. Not only are floral waters an important component of a vegan skincare range, they can also lift the spirits, reduce anxiety and relax the mind and body. What's not to love?

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