All you need to know about Floral water

Floral water is obtained from the distillation of flowers. For example, Damask Rose water or Cornflower water are floral waters. Lemon water, on the other hand, is actually a fruit water rather than a floral water.

Floral waters are made up of water and several milligrams of aromatic molecules of essential oil from the distilled flower (as in the case of Rose water, for example). However, unlike essential oils, floral water contains very few active ingredients. (If you'd like to know what an essential oil is and how to use it, read our article "All about essential oils").

This distilled water has virtues that can be softening, astringent, soothing... depending on the flower used. Thanks to its acidic pH, it is gentle and well-suited to use on the skin, whose balance it does not alter. Children and adults alike can enjoy the benefits of floral water.

Floral water and hydrolat: what's the difference?

Both are used in cosmetics. For example, both Rose floral water and Rose hydrosol are sold. So, what's the difference between the two?

Hydrolat is the water obtained after distillation of a plant. Floral water is water distilled from flowers only. In fact, the important thing to remember is that floral water is a category of hydrolat. Quite simply, it's a hydrolat...of flowers!

So why do we find Rose hydrolats and Rose floral waters? First of all, since floral water is a hydrosol, both names are correct. Generally speaking, the designation "hydrolat" or "floral water" is based on legislation.
Indeed, a hydrolat intended for cosmetic use (application to the skin and hair) must pass toxicological tests, meet various standards and obligations... And any hydrolat marketed as a cosmetic will bear the name of floral water, even if it is not obtained from flowers. Floral waters must contain a preservative. Its label must also mention any allergens it may contain.

Hydrosols intended for food use, on the other hand, may not make any cosmetic claims on the label.

Floral water should not be confused with :

• Flavored water, which is water infused with plants, essential oils or synthetic aromas.
• Micellar water, which is a make-up remover. It is generally made up of a floral water and lipophilic particles (also known as micelles) that trap greasy substances. It sometimes contains perfume.
• Macerates are the result of maceration of plants or flowers in contact with an oil.

Did you know? Cleopatra is said to have soaked the sails of her ship in rosewater, to give them a pleasant scent when carried by the wind.
Hydrosols were discovered and used for their beneficial properties many centuries ago (over 5,000 years ago). In fact, a vessel used to collect rosewater has been found in Pakistan. It dates back to around 3000 BC J.C.

In ancient Egypt, floral waters were prized for their many beneficial effects. Lavender and orange blossom floral waters, for example, were highly prized.
However, the Egyptians weren't the only ones to make use of them... During the Greco-Roman era, floral waters were also used in baths and spas for scenting and relaxation.

In the kitchen, oriental pastries are often flavored with orange blossom.

Floral water is distilled using a still.

There are three main parts to a still. The tank heats the water and generates the flower vapor. Another container with a serpentine coil is connected to the vat and transforms the vapour into liquid using very cool water.

The name simply refers to the container that will eventually hold the precious floral water. How does it work? First, pure, natural spring water is brought to the boil in a vat inside the still.

At WAAM, we have chosen to use Aloe Vera water. This in turn is obtained from spring water.

After gently heating and bringing the water to the boil, the fresh flowers are placed on a rack above the vat. The heat then passes through the flowers, breaking up the pockets containing the molecules that give off the sweet floral scent you'll be smelling.
The vapors then continue on their way into the coil. This part of the still contains very cool water. This cools the flower water vapours, transforming them into liquid form.

The final stage is the essencier. This third part of the still is used for decanting. (A still is made up of three different parts, each of which carries out a very specific stage in the process of harvesting this famous floral water.)

The distillate (the liquid obtained at the previous stage) is composed of two phases. The oily phase, which is in fact the essential oil, and the aqueous phase, which yields the floral water. We separate these two phases to retain only the flower water. As flower water is heavier than essential oil, it settles to the bottom of the essencier. It is also much less concentrated. The essential oil, on the other hand, settles on the surface as it is insoluble in water. All that remains is to collect the flower water, filter it and bottle it.

Chamomile floral water : promotes relaxation. You can add it to baby's bath water.

Sage floral water: Detoxifies the body, regulates hormones in cases of premenstrual syndromes or menopause.

Peppermint floral water: Relieves digestive disorders and nausea.

Damask Rose floral water: Rose water can be used as an indoor mist. It diffuses a light, refreshing floral scent throughout the home.

Lemon floral water: This floral water can be used as homemade toothpaste, or in your DIY nail care recipes.

Witch hazel floral water: Witch hazel floral water regulates excessive perspiration and activates blood microcirculation.

Cucumber floral water : extremely refreshing for dehydrated skin.

Orange blossom floral water: Used as a pillow mist, sprayed in baby's bath or on the skin, this water is soothing and relaxing.

Verbena floral water : Softens, moisturizes and brightens the skin.

Cornflower floral water : This floral water tones the skin, restores a healthy glow and soothes after sun exposure.

Roman Chamomile floral water: Calms irritation, promotes sleep and even repels mosquitoes.

Lemon floral water: brightens the complexion, restores balance and purifies the skin.