Steam Distillation Explained: How Your Hydrosol Is Made?

We are sure everyone of us would have heard about hydrosols. Hydrosols of rose, rosemary, neem, tulsi, and more. Thinking about what it is, get to know in detail here!

Hydrosols are generally floral waters or botanical waters, which are more than just soaking plants in the water. They are made through the distillation process where steam gets passed through the floral.Botanical material and resulting in vapour. Post vapour cooling, it produces an aromatic water containing plant compounds majorly in a minimal amount.

When looking at brands like Vriksha Veda, the steam distillation is part of botanical skincare and haircare, where you can understand the process in detail of how they are made and how it benefits when used in skincare and haircare.

What Exactly Is a Hydrosol?

Hydrosols are generally aromatic water which has been extracted through the steam distillation process with the help of botanicals like flowers, leaves, or plant parts. Most of them get confused that hydrosols and the below seem to be the same.

• Scented/Perfumed water

• Essential oil diluted in water

• Floral fragrance mixed with water

• Plain water infused with herbs

For example, when you check Vriksha Veda's Rosemary Hydrosol product, they only have 100% pure steam-distilled rosemary water as its ingredient.

How Is a Hydrosol Made in the Distillation Process?

When you look at the process, it might seem to be simple; But it's a detailed process with careful ingredients and the right steam to get the best hydrosol quality.

"Fresh botanical material → Steam → Vapour → Condensation → Hydrosol"

Get to know about every steps in detail here:

Step 1: Selecting the Botanical

The first and most important step is picking the right plant. Based on the hydrosol you prepare, the botanical ingredient couple be:

• Rose petals

• Rosemary leaves

• Neem leaves

• Tulsi leaves

• Other aromatic botanical material

The quality of the plant matters the most to get the best final hydrosol, which is going to be connected with skin/hair. At Vriksha Veda, all the hydrosols plants are sourced directly from the farmers to get the purest version of hydrosol.

Step 2: Plant Material Preparation

Once harvested, the botanical materials quality check is done, and steps into the second step - distillation process. The role of preparation depends on steaming the botanical material as slowly as possible for getting the best quality without losing its nutrients.

Step 3: Water Is Heated

Water is heated inside the distillation apparatus. And once it reaches the boiling temperature, the steam gets produced. This is a crucial step in steam distillation.

When the heat and steam get together, it releases an aromatic compound from the plant materials that allows it to travel along in the next step without any delay or reduction in quality.

Step 4: Steam Carries the Botanical Compounds

Think of steam as a carrier. As it moves through the leaves or flowers, it picks up volatile components from the plant.

The resulting vapour contains: Steam + volatile botanical compounds = Vapour

The process doesn't simply boil the plant with herbs, and collect the water. The movement of steam through botanical material is an essential part of the extraction process.

Step 5: The Vapour Is Cooled

The vapour enters into the condenser after it's cooled. And later this vapour changes back into liquid, which is called distillate.

And during the steam distillation process, the distillate contains two components; One of aqueous and other is the essential oil component. We take the aromatic water potion, which is called hydrosol.

Once condensation is complete, the resulting botanical water is collected. A hydrosol is created through distillation and condensation.

Herbal Vs Steam Hydrosol

How Does Vriksha Veda Make Its Hydrosols Different?

Vriksha Veda follows a traditional steam-distillation approach for preparing the hydrosol range of products. We source Ingredients from small-scale farming communities for botanical sourcing.

Rosemary Hydrosol

Vriksha Veda's Rosemary Hydrosol is steam-distilled from rosemary and positioned for both hair and skin routines. It can be used directly onto the scalp or incorporated into face and hair masks.

Rose Water Hydrosol

Rose hydrosol is produced through steam distillation of fresh Damask rose petals. Vriksha Veda describes using fresh rose petals in its distillation process.

Neem Hydrosol

The brand's Neem Hydrosol is made through steam distillation using fresh neem leaves sourced from partnered farms in Uttarakhand. It can be used as a facial mist, scalp spray or to activate DIY masks.

Tulsi Hydrosol

Vriksha Veda's Tulsi Hydrosol is produced through traditional steam distillation and is designed for both skin and hair routines. It can also be used in DIY face packs and facial mists.

And even more hydrosols are available like Curry Leaves Hydrosol, Marigold Hydrosol, Mogra Hydrosol, Nettle Hydrosol, Neemgrass Hydrosol, and even Kashmir lavender hydrosol.

Which Vriksha Veda's Hydrosol Should You Pick?

How Can You Use a Hydrosol?

As a Facial Mist

Spray the hydrosol over clean skin and allow it to settle before following with your moisturizer. And for this, rose hydrosol will be a perfect choice to get that instant refreshment.

As a DIY Face Pack Activator

Instead of mixing a botanical powder with plain water, use a suitable hydrosol.

For example: Neem Hydrosol with face pack, for treating acne/pimples on your skin.

As a Scalp Mist

Rosemary or neem hydrosol can be sprayed directly onto the scalp as part of a haircare routine. Vriksha Veda recommends spraying its Rosemary Hydrosol onto the scalp and gently massaging it.

Conclusion

The hydrosol might seem to be simple water packed in a glass bottle. But the process includes a lot of steps, where steam, heat, condensation, and making the botanical distill appear. Ensure to check the ingredients list before getting your hydrosol, for getting the best one out!

FAQ's

What Is a Hydrosol and How Is It Made?

A hydrosol is a botanical water produced by steam distilling flowers, leaves, or other plant material. During distillation, steam carries plant compounds into a condenser, where the vapour cools and becomes aromatic botanical water.

Is Steam-Distilled Hydrosol Better Than Infused Water?

Steam-distilled hydrosols and infused waters are made differently, so they shouldn't be considered the same product. A hydrosol is produced through controlled distillation, while infused water is made by soaking or boiling plant material in water.

Can Hydrosol Be Used Directly on the Face?

Yes, a suitable hydrosol can generally be misted onto clean skin as part of a skincare routine. .

Can Hydrosol Be Used on Hair and Scalp?

Yes, hydrosols such as rosemary and neem can be incorporated into scalp and haircare routines as a mist or DIY mask ingredient. Spray onto the scalp or hair as directed and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

What Is the Difference Between Hydrosol and Essential Oil?

Hydrosols are primarily aqueous distillates produced during botanical distillation, whereas essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts.