The same manufacturing process, but with essential nuances

 

If we were to tell the story of hydrolats and floral waters, it would be a tale ofplant alchemy. These elixirs are obtained by steam distillation, an ancestral process used for centuries inaromatherapy and botanical pharmacy.

 

How are hydrolats and floral waters made?

 

• The plants are placed in a still.
• The steam passes through the plant material, capturing its water-soluble active ingredients.
• At the outlet, the cooled water separates into two phases:
  ▪️ Essential oilsconcentrated and powerful.
  ▪️ Hydrosolor "aromatic water", gentler and perfectly tolerated by skin and hair.

A subtle but essential distinction

 

• Hydrolat is a generic term for any water distilled from a plant: flowers, leaves, bark or roots.
• Floral waters, on the other hand, are hydrosols obtained exclusively from flowers(rose, cornflower or chamomile floral waters).

Case in point:

 

• Rosemary hydrolate is extracted from the leaves and recognized for its toning and purifying action on the scalp.
• Chamomile floral water, derived from the flowers, is prized for its soothing and lightening effect on blond hair.

 

This nuance is important when choosing a natural hair care product: each hydrolat has a targeted action depending on the plant distilled, unlike water, which remains a simple solvent.

So why settle for an inert ingredient when nature offers so much more?

 

Water in hair products: a neutral ingredient

 

Water. Fundamental element of life, symbol of purity, omnipresent in the formulation of hair cosmetics. Yet on closer inspection, it's far from being the miracle ingredient we imagine it to be.

 

Have you ever looked at the INCI list on your shampoo or mask? The first ingredient listed is usually "Aqua". This may seem an obvious choice, but paradoxically it does nothing for the hair fiber. Water is merely a solvent, a simple vector facilitating the emulsification of ingredients.

What role does water play in hair care?

 

▪️ It is used to support formulas in cosmetics, water is first and foremost a excipienta vehicle for mixing and stabilizing active ingredients.

▪️ It is present in the majority of hair care products shampoos, conditioners, masks, lotions... water often represents 70% to 90% of a product's composition.

▪️ It has no direct beneficial effect on hair unlike vegetable oils or hydrolats, it is not does not feed, does not provide long-lasting hydration and brings no assets of its own.

 

A little anecdote: have you noticed that when you rinse your hair with tap water, it sometimes tends to become rougher? This is due to the presence of limescale, which alters the softness of the hair fiber...

Why replace water with hydrolats?

 

In the demanding world of luxury hair care, every ingredient must have a purpose. Replacing water with hydrolat transforms a simple solvent into a fully-fledged active ingredient, bringing real benefits to the hair.

 

▪️ Better hydration Unlike conventional water, hydrolats contain water-soluble plant moleculeswhich boost the scalp's and lengths' moisturizing capacity.

 

▪️ Targeted action to meet hair needs :

• Damask rose hydrosol: soothes and deeply moisturizes.
• Lavender hydrolate: purifies and regulates excess sebum.
• Chamomile hydrolate: brightens and softens light-colored hair.

▪️ A formula with a higher concentration of active ingredients by replacing theinert water by a hydrolat rich in active ingredientsthe formulation becomes more effective and better assimilated by the hair fiber.

 

Clearly? Choosing a care product formulated without water and enriched with hydrolats means opting for a more sophisticated, more effective and more respectful approach to your hair's real needs. An approach where every drop counts, to enhance your hair with nature's most precious ingredients. 

 

How are hydrolats distilled?

 

Hydrolats, those precious plant elixirs, are the fruit of ancestral know-how where nature and science meet. Each drop is the result of a meticulous process, designed to capture the purest essence of plants while preserving their delicacy.

If we were to compare this alchemy to an art form, it would be that of exceptional perfumery, where each stage of distillation is a quest for perfection.

 

A traditional still process: between precision and refinement

 

The distillation of hydrolats is based on an ancient and unchanging method, used for centuries by herbalists and master perfumers. It all begins with the meticulous selection of plants: only the parts richest in active ingredients are chosen, guaranteeing optimal quality.

▪️ Distillation stages :

1. Aromatic or medicinal plants are placed in a copper or stainless steel still.
2. Water vapor is injected under pressure, penetrating the plant material and carrying the active molecules with it.
3. The mixture gradually cools in a condenser, naturally separating two phases:
• An oily phase, constituting theessential oil, extremely concentrated and powerful.
• An aqueous phase, thehydrolat, containing a milder, balanced fraction of the plant's active ingredients.

Anecdote: Did you know that to obtain one liter of hydrosol, you need to distill almost a kilo of fresh plants? This subtle concentration makes it an ingredient of rare sophistication, both effective and respectful of ecosystems.

 

Why is this process interesting?

 

Unlike essential oils, which are highly potent and sometimes irritating, hydrolats offer a gentler, but just as valuable, alternative.

▪️ Preservation of water-soluble active ingredients certain plant molecules are only soluble in water and are therefore not found in essential oils.

▪️ A pure, non-aggressive product their Naturally balanced pH respects the hair fiber and scalp, even the most sensitive.

▪️ An ideal solution for fragile scalps Hydrosols: soothing, purifying or toning, hydrosols adapt to the specific needs of hair and scalp without drying them out.

 

🌿 In a nutshell? Hydrosol distillation is much more than just a technical process. It's a true botanical transformation, where the plant delivers its subtlest benefits for a more authentic, refined cosmetic that's deeply respectful of skin and hair.

 

A skincare experience where every drop of hydrolat is a promise of excellence and naturalness. 

 

Where do hydrolats come from?

 

Hydrolats, plant waters with precious properties, are the fruit of an ancestral process rooted in the traditions of scientific aromatherapy.

Long before laboratories formulated sophisticated skin care products, ancient civilizations were already distilling aromatic plants to extract essences with multiple virtues.

Delicate extraction at the heart of plants

 

Hydrolats are obtained by steam distillation, a process that extracts the water-soluble active compounds contained in plants.

 

▪️Manufacturing steps :

1. Aromatic plants (roses, lavender, rosemary, chamomile...) are carefully harvested, often by hand, to preserve their purity.
2. They are then placed in a still, where steam passes through the plant material, releasing the active molecules.
3. As it cools, the steam condenses and gives rise to two distinct phases :
   • An oily phase: the highly concentratedessential oil.
   • An aqueous phase: thehydrolat, loaded with the plant's water-soluble active ingredients.

 

Unlike essential oils, hydrolats are much gentler and can be applied directly to skin and hair without dilution.

 

 

A botanical and scientific heritage

 

Hydrolats have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

 

• In ancient Egypt,rosewater was prized for its refreshing and anti-aging properties.
• In the Middle Ages, European alchemists used distillation to obtain floral waters with medicinal properties.
• Today, scientific aromatherapy explores the benefits of hydrolats in greater depth, confirming their effectiveness on the skin and scalp.

 

Each hydrolat is unique, reflecting the quintessence of the plant from which it is derived. More than a simple ingredient, it is the culmination of botanical and artisanal know-how, where nature offers our hair its purest, most refined treasures.

 

Choosing a treatment enriched with hydrolats means indulging in the luxury of a revisited ancestral ritual, where every drop is a promise of well-being and effectiveness. 

 

What are the benefits of hydrosols for hair?

 

In the demanding world of high-end hair cosmetics, every ingredient must be chosen with absolute precision. Unlike conventional water, which is merely a solvent, hydrolats are true botanical elixirs, rich in active plant ingredients.

 

Their aqueous nature, derived from the distillation of plants, makes them particularly effective and gentle on scalp and lengths.

 

Do you still doubt their power? Let me take you to a world where every drop is a celebration of nature and luxury, in the service of your hair.

Hydrolats and hair hydration: precious water with multiple benefits

 

Hydrolats don't just moisturize, they rebalance and sublimate.

 

▪️ Intense yet light hydration
Hydrolats provide fine moisturizingideal for hair in search of softness. Unlike botanical oils, which can weigh hair down, they penetrate quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

▪️ A soothed, rebalanced scalp
Some hydrolats have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. They relieve itching, reduce redness and rebalance sebum production.

▪️ Natural shine and suppleness
Used in spray or rinse waterhydrolats tighten the hair scales, favouring a healthy, shiny optimal light reflection and incomparable softness.

Hydrolats for every hair type: the choice of excellence

 

Each hydrosol is a targeted response to the specific needs of your hair.

▪️ Lavender hydrosol → Ideal for oily scalpsIt regulates sebum production while providing a a feeling of freshness and purity.

▪️ Rosemary hydrolate → Real hair stimulantit promotes hair growth and fight against drop thanks to its toning properties.

▪️ Cistus hydrolate → A powerful ally for weakened hairIt fortifies and protects the hair fiber, providing strength and radiance.

Why use hydrolats in your hair care routine?

 

▪️ A natural alternative to conventional care Alcohol-free, silicone-freewithout artifice.
▪️ Proven effectiveness Hydrosol-enriched skincare is much more than just a moisturizer. repairs, protects and beautifies.
▪️ A luxurious, sensorial beauty gesture a delicate spray of hydrolat transforms your hair routine into a a refined, sensory ritual.

In a nutshell? When you choose hydrolats, you choose a precious, intelligent and respectful cosmetic, just like the hair it enhances.

 

How to use hydrosols for hair?

 

Hydrolats, precious waters distilled from plants, are more than just fragrant elixirs. They are genuine hair care products, subtle and powerful, capable of transforming hair texture and vitality. Unlike conventional products saturated with inert water, hydrolats deliver targeted botanical active ingredients without damaging or weighing down the hair fiber.

 

But how can you incorporate them into your beauty routine to reap all their benefits?

 

Daily hair care: a soothing mist

 

Hydrolats can be used as a hair care product in their own right, a simple, refined gesture that enhances your hair on a daily basis.

▪️ Direct spraying A delicate veil of hydrosol on damp or dry hair helps tomoisturize and provide a instant freshness. Damask rose hydrolate, for example, gives hair a natural shine.

▪️ Targeted application to the scalp Applied to the roots, the hydrolat becomes a real treatment care. Lavender hydrosol soothes sensitive scalpswhile rosemary hydrosol stimulates growth and regulates excess sebum.

As a hair rinse: for incomparable shine

 

A hair ritual worthy of the greatest beauty traditions consists of finishing the hair wash with a rinse water enriched with hydrosols.

▪️ For absolute shine After shampooing, pour a mixture of water and hydrolat (1/3 hydrolat to 2/3 water) all over the hair. This action tightens hair scales and intensifies natural shine.

▪️ A purifying alternative Combine the hydrolat with a spoonful of cider vinegar for a purifying effectideal for scalps prone to itching or dandruff.

In homemade hair masks: a tailor-made care concentrate

 

▪️ Incorporation into a clay mask Hydrolat replaces water in homemade formulas for greater purifying and balancing effect. Cistus hydrosol, for example, provides strength and density for fine, fragile hair.

▪️ Blend with vegetable oils Combine a hydrosol with a few drops ofjojoba oil or castor oil, you get a nourishing treatment greaseless, perfect for revitalize lengths.

 

An insider's secret? Leave a hydrolate and clay mask on your roots for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The result? A rebalanced scalp, light hair and a feeling of absolute purity.

Why use hydrolats in your hair care routine?

 

▪️ A natural, sensory gesturewithout artifice or additives.
▪️ Ultra-light careideal for fine hair or hair weighed down by conventional products.
▪️ A luxury experiencewhere every drop is a concentrate of nature and botanical expertise.

In short, integrating hydrolats into your hair care routine means choosing a purer, more authentic approach, one that is also more effective. A discreet luxury, but infinitely effective.

 

Why choose hydrosol-enriched hair care products?

 

The world of hair care is evolving, and with it our demand for purer, more effective formulations that respect nature. For a long time, water was the main ingredient in shampoos and hair masks. And yet, its role is purely functional A solvent with no real added value for the hair fiber.

 

Hydrolats are an exceptional alternative. Rich in subtle, infinitely delicate plant active ingredients, they transform hair care into a luxurious, beneficial experience.

A more concentrated and effective formula

 

Why settle for a neutral ingredient when you can infuse your hair ritual with the quintessence of plants? Unlike products containing water, those formulated with hydrolats offer a more targeted and effective approach.

 

▪️Specific action according to hair needs
Each hydrosol has its own unique identity and responds to specific hair problems:

• Lavender hydrosol balances and soothes sensitive scalps.
• Rosemary hydrosol stimulates circulation and promotes hair growth.
• Chamomile hydrosol naturally brightens light hair.

▪️Greater respect for the scalp
Hydrolats are gentle, non-aggressive and adapted to the most delicate scalps. Alcohol-free, with no irritating preservatives, they respect the skin's natural balance.

▪️Better penetration of assets
Thanks to their aqueous composition enriched with active ingredients, hydrolats enable better assimilation of nutrients and a faster action. The result? Moisturized, fortified hair that shines with vitality.

 

Imagine a hair care product where every drop delivers a targeted benefit, rather than simply diluting active ingredients in inert water. This is the art of hydrolats.

A greener choice

 

At a time when sustainability and environmental impact are key concerns, choosing hydrosol-enriched skincare products is also an ethical and responsible gesture.

 

▪️Reducing water consumption in the cosmetics industry
Did you know that water accounts for up to 90% of the composition of a conventional shampoo ? By using hydrolats instead, you reduce dependence on water resourceswhile making the most of plant extracts with remarkable virtues.

▪️Supporting local, artisanal production
Hydrolats are often from short distribution channelsobtained from the distillation of plants cultivated in a particular way. ethical and organic. Favoring these ingredients means promoting responsible craftsmanship.

▪️More active, no-dilution formulas
Hydrolats replace inert" water by a functional assetthus avoiding diluted formulations. The result? More care concentrated, more efficient and more respectful of the hair fiber.

 

Choosing hair care products enriched with hydrolats means combining performance and commitment, for authentic, conscious beauty.

Should I use hydrosols instead of hair care products?

 

The answer is obvious. Water, although commonly used, does not directly benefit the hair.

 

▪️Hydrosols are rich in active plant ingredientsoffering a targeted benefits for each hair type.
▪️Hydrosol-enriched formulations are more concentrated, more natural and more effective.
▪️Opt for hydrosol-based skin care productsis to choose a refined cosmeticswhere each ingredient plays an essential role.

 

Madame d'Alexis has chosen to eliminate inert water to preserve only the essence of the treatment. Because your hair deserves excellence.