What Are Floral Waters?

Floral waters are a byproduct from the steam distillation of essential oils. They are also known as hydrolats. Floral waters can be added into skincare routines for refreshing and revitalising the skin. They contain all the beneficial essences of the plant from which they are extracted from. They are only different in that they are milder than the essential oils thus are more suitable for direct use on the skin and face.

Floral waters are slowly replacing toners which are necessary in skin care regimes since they balance the skin’s pH levels while brightening, cleansing, hydrating and toning it. But flower waters provide all of these benefits with even more unique properties of natural ingredients. 

Some of the popular floral waters include:

1. Lavender floral water

Lavender floral water is a byproduct of the distillation of lavender oil. It has a rich floral scent. Lavender floral water is reputed to balance your thoughts and create a sense of harmony between body and mind. The oil is hailed as a good all-rounder and its likewise for the floral water. It is both cleansing and soothing making it an ideal night time skin toner. It also is great for acne or blemish prone skin due its anti-bacterial and soothing properties. We use this floral water in our Manuka Aloe soothing face mist for it’s antibacterial and soothing properties.

2. Rose floral water

Rose floral water is an exotic aphrodisiac floral water and has a beautiful scent. It is considered luxurious due to the thousands of rose petals needed for the oil, from which its distilled form. It is rich in antioxidant and cleansing properties. Rose water is gentle on skin that is usually sensitive to other ingredients so is a great skin calmer and actually helps soothe reddened and inflamed skin. Rose water maintains the pH balance, stimulates the regeneration processes and has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. It’s also hydrates and nourishes dry and tired skin. We use this floral water in our Rose Divine hydrating face mist for its nourishing properties. 

3. Chamomile floral water

Chamomile floral water, extracted from chamomile oil has relaxing and soothing properties making it a perfect addition to your night time skincare regime. Chamomile floral water is mild and safe for use on babies' skin and can even be used for cleansing and soothing their sore bottoms! Making it an excellent choice for someone with sensitive skin too. Chamomile water is a good floral water for cleansing and toning the skin. This floral water can also be used as a wonderful calmer for pets in stressful situations such as fireworks or time they experience fear. We use this floral water in our Rose Divine hydrating face mist and our Sleepy Head pillow mist for its calming and soothing properties.

 

4. Witch hazel water

Witch hazel is a toner is produced from the distillation of the leaves and bark of the Witch Hazel shrub. Witch Hazel floral water is widely used in aromatherapy and conventional medicine. Witch hazel is an astringent floral water which is soft and gentle on the skin. It is good for skin toning and cleansing and it can also protect the skin with antioxidant properties which makes it very useful in fighting acne. It is also recommended for psoriasis, eczema, cracked or blistered skin and for treating insect bites. We use this floral water in our Manuka Aloe soothing face mist for its antioxidant and healing properties.

 

5. Frankincense floral water

This hydrolat is comforting, uplifting and soothing, extracted from frankincense oil. It is good for all skin types as it has the ability to improve the skin structure and texture and clarify skin by encouraging healthy new skin. If you are looking for something to help you treat the signs of ageing and blemishes, rejuvenating frankincense can really help. Replenishing to mature skin, scarred tissue and dull, lifeless complexions, frankincense is a superb skin toner.

 

6. Orange blossom water

Orange blossom hydrolat has a natural hydrating and regenerating effect on the skin. It is perfect for refreshing and reviving dull and tired skin and encouraging vibrant, healthy skin that glows and is full of vitality. Orange Blossom flower is fresh and rich in fragrance and the oil the blossom, from which it’s distilled from is from is perfume like in aroma and soft and gentle. We use this floral water in our Orange Blossom cleansing tonic as well as our Rose Divine hydrating face mist for its reviving and regenerating properties.

7. Manuka water

Extracted from the oil from the manuka bush, manuka hydrolat keeps the skin moisturised and refreshed. Manuka Water is calming, astringent, anti-bacterial and rejuvenating for your skin. Manuka is famous for its health giving benefits and traditionally been used for its anti ageing and healing properties for the body. Manuka floral water is particular good for blemish prone skin due to its antibacterial properties and sunburned or damaged skin due to its amazing healing properties. We use this floral water in our Manuka Aloe soothing face mist for its healing and antibacterial properties.

Benefits of Hydrolats

• They are versatile and can be used for personal care and around the house
• They are great for hydrating dry skin and cooling sensitised skin
• They are good for soothing and comforting the skin to heal it
• They are mild can be used on a baby’s skin as well
• They are great in summer time as an instant skin cooling water, with added benefits
• They can be used as gentle cleansers for both adults and children
• They can be used before moisturisers to lock in extra moisture
• You can floral waters such as chamomile to calm pets