Facial hydrosol: why include it in your skincare routine?

Hydrosol is an ancient treatment that has become essential again. Derived from the distillation of plants, it concentrates nature's active properties in a gentle, aqueous form that's highly compatible with the skin. At Apoticari, it's at the heart of our botanical approach.


What is a hydrosol?

A hydrosol is the water collected from the steam distillation of a plant. When a plant is distilled in a still, two extracts are obtained:

  • The essential oil , lipophilic, which concentrates on the surface
  • The hydrosol , hydrophilic, which remains in the aqueous phase containing the water-soluble aromatic compounds

A hydrosol is not an infusion . It is much more active, stable and complex. It contains a tiny fraction of essential oil (about 0.02%), but above all unique and naturally water-soluble components: acids, esters, flavonoids, etc.

At Apoticari, we only use whole hydrosols : the first water collected during distillation, not diluted, not reconstituted, not preserved.

Why use a hydrosol on the face?

Hydrosol is a truly active lotion. It is a great replacement for a traditional toner or micellar water. It has unique properties, linked to the distilled plant, but also to its very fine molecular structure that is compatible with the skin.

filtered, checked, and put into glass bottles, under strict hygienic conditions.

Active and targeted action

Depending on the distilled plant, the hydrosol acts on different needs:

  • Soothe redness, eczema, irritations (chamomile, cornflower, verbena)
  • Refresh and tone tissues (verbena, peppermint)
  • Rebalance the skin flora (sage, sweet thyme, geranium)
  • Tighten pores and regulate excess sebum (peppermint, bay leaf)

Better skin preparation

Hydrosol is also a vector : by deeply hydrating the epidermis, it improves the absorption of the active ingredients present in your serums or creams. It optimizes the effectiveness of your routine.

How to integrate hydrosol into your routine?

Nothing could be simpler. The hydrosol is used:

  • In the morning , to wake up, decongest, tone
  • In the evening , to soothe and complete the cleansing
  • During the day , to hydrate or refresh

Application method:

  • Spray directly onto the face
  • Or apply using a cotton pad or washable wipe

Advanced uses:

  • Water base for homemade masks (e.g. with our green clay powder )
  • As a compress on the eyelids ( cornflower )
  • As a soothing mist after waxing or shaving
  • In aqueous phase in a homemade emulsion

Which hydrosols should you choose?

Here are some of our most popular botanical hydrosols:

What is the difference between hydrosol and floral water?

These two terms are often confused. In reality:

  • Floral water = hydrosol from a flower (rose, chamomile, cornflower)
  • Hydrolat = more general term, including leaves, roots, stems, etc.

But on the market, some "floral waters" are not true hydrosols: they can be scented waters, devoid of active ingredients. At Apoticari, all our hydrosols are authentic, complete and active .

Storage and precautions

Being preservative-free, hydrosols must be:

  • Store away from heat and light
  • Used within 3 months of opening
  • Store in the refrigerator if possible, especially in summer

Tip: Always check that the scent remains fresh. If a sour or cloudy smell appears, discard the hydrosol.

Conclusion: a simple, pure, but powerfully active treatment

Facial hydrosol is the perfect example of an ancient treatment brought up to date: pure, effective, sensory, respectful of the skin and the plant. At Apoticari, it embodies our vision: returning to the essentials without sacrificing quality.

→ Discover all our hydrosols