Hydrosol production: comprehensive guide to steam distillation

How to make a hydrosol: the complete guide to steam distillation

You've probably heard of hydrosols, those precious liquids with soothing and moisturizing properties that organic cosmetics brands promote. But do you really know how they are made?

Contrary to popular belief,making hydrosolis notsome kind of cosmetic magic reserved for professional laboratories. It is a natural, age-old process based onsteam distillation—a technique you can even reproduce at home.

AtMadame D'Alexis, we have chosen to formulate our natural hair care products using organic hydrosols as a base. This expertise allows us to create products that respect the nature of your hair while benefiting from the genuine therapeutic properties of these floral waters. It is this same knowledge that we share with you in this comprehensive guide.

In this article, we explain everything fromthe hydrosol distillation processto thepractical steps for creating your own homemade hydrosols. You will discover why these floral waters have become essential in modern skincare routines, how to differentiate them from essential oils, and how to use them daily to enhance your skin and hair.

Whether you are curious to understand the composition of your beauty products or dream of creating your own hydrosols, this guide is for you.

Madame d'Alexis hair care products made with organic hydrolats

Madame d’Alexis Hydrating Shampoo with Hydrosols

Hydrolat Shampoo

Gentle cleaning · 98% natural

Organic hydrosols, sulfate-free
Plant-based keratin, cationic AH
Shine and flexibility

39,00 €

Hydrolat Scrub

Scalp detox · 98% natural

Purifies and cleanses
Organic hydrosols & fleur de sel
Stimulated microcirculation

42,00 €

Madame d’Alexis nourishing mask with hydrosols

The Hydrolat Mask

Intense hydration · ceramides

Plant ceramides
Cationic hyaluronic acid
Repaired fiber

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The Day Serum

Protection & shine

Thermal protection
Anti-Frizz
Silky finish

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Madame d’Alexis Regenerating Night Serum

Night Serum with Hydrolats

Nighttime regeneration

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What is a hydrosol? Definition and difference from floral water

Simple definition of hydrosol

Ahydrosolisthe aqueous residue obtained during thesteam distillationofaromatic plants. In concrete terms, it is the water that remains after the essential oil has been extracted. Far from being waste, this hydrosol concentrates the water-soluble aromatic molecules and therapeutic active ingredients of the plant, making it a highly valuable cosmetic and skincare product.

Simple composition:

99% pure water
1% aromatic molecules and plant-based active ingredients
No preservatives (if handmade)
Mild, natural scent

Hydrosol vs. floral water: what's the difference?

This is THE question that all beginners ask themselves. The answer is simple:there is practically no difference. The terms "hydrosol" and "floral water" are used interchangeably to refer to the same product. Some people also refer tothem asfloral watersorscented waters—it's exactly the same thing.

Appearance	Hydrosol	Floral water
Process	Steam distillation	Steam distillation
Composition	Water + aromatic molecules	Water + aromatic molecules
Origin of the term	Technical/scientific term	Commercial/cosmetic term
Usage	Care, cosmetics, health	Skincare, cosmetics, beauty
Quality	Identical	Identical

A slight distinction: Some professionals differentiate between "floral waters" (derived from flowers) and "hydrosols" (derived from any part of the plant: leaves, twigs, roots). But in commercial practice, the two terms are synonymous.At Madame D'Alexis, we use these terms interchangeably when referring to our organic hydrosols as a product base.

General properties and benefits

Hydrosols concentrate thetherapeutic propertiesofthe plant from which they are derived:

Hydration: Rich in moisturizing molecules, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
Soothing: Calming and anti-inflammatory effect
Toning: Tightens pores and revitalizes the skin
Aromatic: Pleasant smell and positive psychological effect
Gentle: Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin and children's skin

Thesebenefitsareparticularly important for hair care products based on hydrosols. That's why we have chosen to formulate our products around these hydrosols: they offer a natural and effective solution for all hair types.

The steam distillation process explained

How does steam distillation work?

Steam distillationisanatural, age-oldprocess based on a simple principle: the plant's aromatic molecules are carried away by steam, then condensed to form hydrosol.Steam extraction allows the active compoundstobe extracted without degrading them.

The 5 steps of the process:

Preparation: Fresh or dried plants are placed in a still (or steamer).
Heating: The water beneath the plants is heated, creating steam.
Entrainment: Steam rises through the plants, carrying aromatic molecules with it.
Condensation: The vapor loaded with aromatic molecules passes through a cooled coil.
Separation: The hydrosol (water + molecules) naturally separates from the essential oil (which is lighter).

The role of the still and the coil

The stillisthe key piece of equipment used in distillation. Here are its essential components:

Boiler: Contains the water that will be heated
Basket or grid: Supports plants above the water (without direct contact)
Dome: Covers everything and channels the steam
Coil: Coiled tube where steam condenses (cooling by cold water)
Collection container: Collects hydrosol and essential oil

Why the coil is crucial: It is what transforms the hot steam into liquid. The more effective the cooling, the better the quality of the hydrosol.Produced by distillationusinga good coil, the hydrosol retains all its active compounds.

Temperature, pressure, and efficiency

Temperature: Between 100°C and 120°C (depending on the plant)
Pressure: Generally low pressure (atmospheric) to preserve aromatic molecules
Duration: Between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the plant
Yield: Approximately 1 liter of hydrosol per 1 kg of fresh plants (or 100-200 g of dried plants)

Good to know: Professional hydrosols are often produced at low pressure to prevent the degradation of sensitive molecules. This is theproductionmethod we favor atMadame D'Alexistoguarantee the quality of our formulas.

What types of plants can be distilled?

The most popular plants and their properties

Almost all aromatic plants can be distilled. Here are the most common ones and theirspecificbenefits:

Plant	Key features	Skin type	Usage
Rose	Moisturizing, soothing, toning	All types, sensitive	Daily care, face
Fine lavender	Soothing, healing, relaxing	All types	Care, bathing, aromatherapy
Peppermint	Refreshing, invigorating, energizing	Grasse, coed	Care, cooking, inhalation
Roman chamomile	Soothing, anti-inflammatory, gentle	Sensitive, irritated	Gentle care, child, baby
Cornflower	Soothing, decongestant, invigorating	Sensitive, tired	Eye care, face
Rosemary with verbenone	Invigorating, stimulating, clarifying	Grasse, coed	Scalp and hair care
Orange blossom	Calming, moisturizing, soothing	Sensitive, dry	Relaxing treatment, children
Bay laurel	Invigorating, purifying, balancing	Grasse, coed	Hair care
Yarrow	Healing, invigorating, balancing	All types	Care, minor wounds
Italian helichrysum	Regenerating, toning, anti-aging	Mature, sensitive	Anti-aging treatment, scars
Mint	Refreshing, invigorating	Grasse	Care, cooking
True lavender	Soothing, balancing, relaxing	All types	Care, bathing, sleep

Fresh plants vs. dried plants

Fresh plants: Higher yield, more intense aroma, better aromatic quality
Dried plants: Easier to store, reduced yield (3-4 times less), less pronounced odor

Practical tip: To start with, choose fresh seasonal plants or high-quality organic dried plants.At Madame D'Alexis, we select our distilled plants from certified organic French producers to guarantee the purity of our hydrosols.

Parts of the plant to be used

You can distill different parts:

Flowers: Rose, lavender, chamomile, cornflower, orange blossom (the most common)
Leaves: Mint, rosemary, bay leaf, yarrow
Twigs: Rosemary, bay leaf (with leaves)
Roots: Less common, but possible for certain plants

Eachpartofthe plant offers a slightly different composition and therefore specific properties. That's why we test differentcombinationsofplants to create our hair care formulas.

Making homemade hydrosol: a practical guide

Required equipment

Option 1: Traditional still(best result)

Copper or stainless steel still (capacity 5-50 liters depending on your needs)
Thermometer
Collection container
Cold water for cooling the coil

Option 2: Steamer(low budget, acceptable results)

Electric or traditional steamer
Steamer basket
Improvised coil (silicone tube + ice cubes)
Collection container

Option 3: Simple DIY method(for beginners)

Pressure cooker or large saucepan
Steamer basket
Glass bowl
Ice cubes
Food-grade silicone tubing

Detailed steps for making your own hydrosol

Step 1: Preparing the plants (10 minutes)

Pick or buy your fresh plants (preferably in the morning).
Rinse them lightly with cold water.
Let them dry for a few hours (excessive moisture = lower yield).
Weigh your plants: count 1 kg for a yield of approximately 1 liter.

Step 2: Setting up the still (15 minutes)

Fill the boiler with water (up to 2/3 of its capacity).
Place the basket or rack above the water.
Arrange your plants in the basket (without packing them down).
Close the still with the dome.
Prepare the coil cooling system (cold water, ice cubes).

Step 3: Heating and distillation (1-2 hours)

Turn on the heat (medium to high heat).
Wait until steam begins to rise (you will see condensation).
Adjust the steam flow to achieve a steady drip (not a continuous stream).
Maintain a stable temperature
Collect the hydrosol in a clean container.

Timing per plant:

Light flowers (rose, chamomile): 45 minutes to 1 hour
Leaves (mint, rosemary): 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Dense plants (laurel, yarrow): 1.5 to 2 hours

Step 4: Separation and collection (30 minutes)

Turn off the heat once the time is up.
Allow the still to cool
Recover the collected liquid
Pour it into a glass: the essential oil (lighter) floats on top of the hydrosol.
Carefully separate the oil from the hydrosol using a pipette (optional, but valuable!).
Pour the hydrosol into clean bottles.

Realistic yield

Fresh plants: 1 kg = ~1 liter of hydrosol
Dried plants: 100-200g = ~1 liter of hydrosol
First distillation: Best aromatic quality
Second distillation: Possible with the same plants, reduced quality

Practical tips for success

✓Use high-quality water: Filtered or distilled water (not hard tap water) ✓Respect the timing: Too short = little aroma, too long = degradation of molecules ✓Maintain low pressure: Avoid excessive temperatures

✓Clean the still after each use: Prevents contamination ✓Document your distillations: Note down the plant, duration, yield, and smell to improve ✓Distill in small groups: It's more fun and you learn together!

Benefits and uses of hydrosols

Benefits for skin and health

Hydrosols offer a multitude ofbenefits, tailored to each skin type and need:

For sensitive skin

Roman chamomile hydrosol: Soothes irritation, reduces redness
Rose hydrosol: Gently moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier.
Cornflower hydrosol: Decongests, soothes inflammation

For dry skin

Rose hydrosol: Intense and long-lasting hydration
Orange blossom hydrosol: Nourishes and softens
Chamomile hydrosol: Soothes and regenerates

For oily and combination skin

Peppermint hydrosol: Purifies, tones, tightens pores
Rosemary verbenone hydrosol: Balances, clarifies
Laurel hydrosol: Tones, purifies

For mature skin

Italian helichrysum hydrosol: Regenerating, anti-aging, toning
Rose hydrosol: Tones, moisturizes, restores radiance
Rosemary hydrosol: Stimulates circulation, tones

Daily uses in your skincare routine

Morning and evening

Cleansing: Use the hydrosol as a rinse after cleansing.
Toning: Spray the hydrosol onto your face using a spray bottle.
Hydration: Apply the hydrosol before your usual cream (it prepares the skin to absorb the active ingredients).
Serums and masks: Mix the hydrosol with your serums or masks to increase hydration.

Practical application

Spray: Spray directly onto the face, neck, and décolleté.
As a lotion: Soak a cotton pad and apply by patting.
As a mask: Soak a cloth mask with the hydrosol and leave on for 15 minutes.
In the bath: Pour 1-2 glasses into the bath water for a moment of relaxation.

Uses for health and wellness

Oral route (with caution)

Mint hydrosol: 1 teaspoon in a glass of water, 2-3 times a day (digestion, freshness)
Chamomile hydrosol: Calms tension, promotes sleep
Rose hydrosol: Soothes emotions, calming effect

⚠️Important: Consult a professional before any oral use, especially for children and pregnant women.

Mouthwash

Mint hydrosol: Purifies and freshens breath
Rosemary hydrosol: Tones the gums
Chamomile hydrosol: Soothes mouth inflammation

Inhalation and aromatherapy

Pour a few drops into a bowl of hot water.
Inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes.
Ideal for respiratory health and emotional well-being

Hair care

Rosemary hydrosol: Tones the scalp and stimulates circulation.
Mint hydrosol: Purifies, refreshes
Lavender hydrosol: Soothes, nourishes

It is precisely for these reasons that Ms. D'Alexis chose to formulate her natural hair care products using organic hydrosols.Ourproducts combine several hydrosols to offer acompletesolution for all hair types. Discover how our formulas can transform yourdailyself-care routine.

Use in cooking

Some hydrosols can be used in cooking (with certified food-grade hydrosols):

Rose hydrosol: Pastries, desserts
Mint hydrosol: Beverages, cocktails, desserts
Orange blossom hydrosol: Traditional pastry

best hair care products based on hydrosols

Preservation and quality of hydrosols

How to store your hydrosol properly

Hydrosols are delicate products. Proper storage ensures their effectiveness and shelf life.

Ideal storage conditions

Temperature: Between 5°C and 15°C (ideally in the refrigerator)
Light: Protect from light (use opaque or tinted bottles)
Bottle: Tinted or opaque glass, with airtight cap
Shelf life: 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator (without preservatives)
Storage or access: Keep your hydrosols in a cool, dry place.

Signs of deterioration

Unpleasant odor or vinegar
Cloudy or white deposit
Visible mold
Significant color change

If you notice these signs, discard the hydrosol.

Difference between homemade and professional hydrosols

Appearance	Homemade hydrosol	Professional hydrosol
Lifespan	1-2 months	6-12 months
Conservatives	None	Natural preservatives (if organic)
Quality	Excellent (fresh)	Excellent (controlled)
Cost	Very economical	More expensive
Agriculture	Depends on the source	Often certified organic
Traceability	You control it	Certified

Tip: Professional-grade organic hydrosols offer better preservation and guaranteed traceability. Ideal if you are looking for certainty of quality.At Madame D'Alexis, we select only certified organic hydrosols, produced inFranceaccording toour most demanding quality standards.

Quality and organic certification

For professional hydrosols, look for:

✓Organic farming label(AB, Ecocert, etc.)
✓Low-pressure distillation(preserves molecules)
✓No chemical preservatives(or natural preservatives)
✓Traceability of the plant(origin, variety)
✓Opaque bottle(light protection)

Our commitment at Madame D'Alexis: All our hydros are sourced fromFrenchorganic farms. We work directly with our producers to guaranteeimpeccablequality andpureessence in each of our products.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about hydrosols and how they are made

Can you make hydrosol without a still?

Yes, but with limited results.Youcan use:

A steamer with a makeshift cooling system
A pressure cooker with a silicone hose
A pot with a glass bowl hanging from it

Result: Less hydrosol, reduced aromatic quality, but it's a good place to start!

Which hydrosol is best for my skin?

It depends on your skin type:

Dry skin: Rose, orange blossom, chamomile
Oily skin: Mint, rosemary, bay leaf
Sensitive skin: Chamomile, rose, cornflower
Combination skin: Lavender, rosemary, rose
Mature skin: Helichrysum, rose, rosemary

Tip: Try several hydrosols to find the one that best suits your skin. You can also check out ourcustomerreviews to find out what other users think.

Homemade hydrosol vs. store-bought: what are the differences?

Criterion	House	Purchased
Freshness	Maximum (a few days)	Less expensive (storage)
Aroma	Very intense	Good, but less intense
Lifespan	1-2 months	6-12 months
Cost	Very economical	More expensive
Certifications	None	Organic, traceability
Effort	Important	None

Verdict: Homemade = better aroma and freshness. Store-bought = better preservation and certifications.If you're looking for a ready-to-use solution with guaranteed quality, Madame D'Alexis products offer the best of both worlds: certified organic hydrosols and proven formulas.

Can you freeze hydrosol?

Yes, that's a great idea!Freezethe hydrosol in ice cube trays or small bottles. This will extend its shelf life by several months. You can also use the ice cubes directly on your skin (for a toning and refreshing effect).

What is the difference between hydrosol and essential oil?

Appearance	Hydrosol	Essential oil
Composition	99% water + aromatic molecules	100% concentrated molecules
Concentration	Low	Very high
Usage	Directly on the skin	Must be diluted
Safety	Very safe	Call for caution
Cost	Economical	Dear
Smell	Sweet	Intense

Summary: Hydrosol is the "gentle" and safe version of essential oil. That's why we favor hydrosols in our hair care formulas—they offer all thebenefitswithoutthe risk of irritation.

Can several hydrosols be mixed together?

Absolutely!It'seven recommended to create synergies:

Rose + lavender = hydration + soothing
Mint + rosemary = toning + clarifying
Chamomile + rose = soothing + hydration

Tip: Mix equal parts and test on a small area first.At Madame D'Alexis, we testcomplexcombinations of several hydrosols to create our unique hair care formulas.

How long does it take to see results?

Immediate effect: Hydration, freshness, pleasant scent
Visible results: 2-4 weeks of regular use (morning and evening)
Long-lasting results: 2-3 months of daily use

Patience: Hydrosols are gentle, so results take time but are long-lasting.

Are hydrosols suitable for children and babies?

Yes, with caution.Hydrosolsare very gentle and suitable for the sensitive skin of children and even babies. Choose:

Roman chamomile hydrosol
Rose hydrosol
Cornflower hydrosol

Avoid: Peppermint (too invigorating), rosemary verbenone (too powerful).

Tip: Test on a small area first and consult a pediatrician before any oral use.

What is the best recipe for homemade hydrosol?

There is no "best"recipe—it all depends on your needs and preferences. Here are somepopularcombinations:

For sensitive skin: Rose + chamomile (50/50)
For toning: Mint + rosemary (60/40)
For relaxation: Lavender + orange blossom (50/50)
For hair: Rosemary + mint + lavender (40/40/20)

Tip: Start withsimplecombinations (two plants) before making your formulas more complex.

Where can I buy plants for distilling?

You can find distilled plants at:

Local producers (markets, AMAP)
Specialized herbalists
Online organic suppliers
Your garden (if you grow your own plants)

Important: Ensure that your plants are organic and have not been treated with chemicals.

Now you know everything there is to know aboutmaking hydrosolsandsteam distillation. Whether you decide to make your own homemade hydrosols or opt for professional-quality hydrosols, you have the keys to making the best choice.

Key points to remember

✓A hydrosol = water + aromatic moleculesobtainedthrough steam distillation ✓Hydrosol and floral water = same product, just different terms
✓You can make your own hydrosols at homeusinga still or even a steamer.
✓Each plant offers specific benefits: rose, lavender, mint, chamomile, etc.
✓Hydrosols can easily be incorporated into your daily routine: spray, lotion, mask
✓Refrigerated storage = extended shelf life(1-2 months at home, 6-12 months professionally)

Ready to get started?

There are two paths open to you:

1. Create your own homemade hydrosolsIfyou're passionate about DIY and have some time on your hands, why not try your hand at distillation? It's a wonderful adventure that will give you a real understanding of what you're using.

2. Use certified professional hydrosolsIfyou prefer aready-to-usesolution with guaranteed quality, discover our selection ofnatural hair care productsformulatedwith organic hydrosols as their base ingredient.

At Madame D'Alexis, we have chosen excellence: all our products are formulated using certified organic hydrosols, selected from French producers. Our formulas combine several hydrosols to offer acompletesolution suitable for all hair types.