Can hydrosols replace essential oils? What is the difference between hydrosols and essential oils?

Hydrosol, also known as water essential oil, refers to a 100% saturated distilled liquid separated during the distillation and extraction process of essential oils. It is a by-product of essential oils with natural and pure ingredients and a light and pleasant fragrance. So, can hydrosols replace essential oils?

Can hydrosols replace essential oils?

Can't. Hydrosol, also known as water essential oil, is the solution left over in the process of extracting essential oils and is a by-product of essential oils. There are huge differences in their texture, concentration, usage, efficacy, etc., and essential oils are more expensive than hydrosols, have better effects than hydrosols, and have a wider range of uses and efficacy than hydrosols.

What is the difference between hydrosol and essential oil?

1. Texture

Hydrosol is a water-like liquid, a bit like mineral water, very light water, soluble in water but insoluble in oil. Essential oils are oily liquids that are soluble in oil and alcohol but insoluble in water.

2. Concentration

There are very few essential oil molecules in hydrosols and they can be used directly on the skin without dilution. For sensitive skin, dilute with purified water before use. The concentration of pure essential oils is very high. Except for lavender essential oil and tea tree essential oil, other single pure essential oils cannot come into direct contact with the skin, otherwise it will corrode the stratum corneum of the skin. The pure essential oils must be diluted in base oil before they can come into contact with the skin.

3. Production method

Hydrosol is the water left over during the process of extracting essential oils. It contains water-soluble components from plants and very small amounts of essential oil molecules. It can be said to be a by-product of essential oils. Essential oil is a volatile aromatic molecule found in the glandular cysts of different parts of plants and is released when exposed to high temperatures or squeezed. The methods for extracting essential oils include pressing, distillation, liposorption, solvent extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction.

4. Usage

There are more than a dozen common uses for essential oils, most of which can be applied directly to the skin. These uses include: massage, adding to skin care products, dripping when adding facial masks, sitz baths, shampooing and hair care, aromatherapy, etc. The usage of hydrosol is relatively simple. It can be used directly as toner, floral water, perfume, facial mask juice, moisturizing spray, mouthwash, and aftershave. It is very popular among women.

5. Efficacy

Essential oils are more expensive than hydrosols, but their effects are better than hydrosols, and their uses and functions are wider than those of hydrosols.