A hydrosol is the aromatic water collected during the steam distillation of plants. As essential oil is separated, the water retains the plant’s water-soluble aromatic compounds, creating a gentle, low-concentration botanical distillate.
Hydrosols are much lighter than essential oils and are typically used directly on skin. They’re meant to be misted generously—as toners, refreshers, or light body sprays—rather than diluted or blended.
If essential oil is the concentrated essence of lavender, a hydrosol is its softer, everyday counterpart.
