What are hydrolats, hydrosols, floral waters, distillates, and aromatic waters?

These were generally the byproduct of the distillation process to produce essential oils, but are now used more widely, and many are purpose-produced. True hydrolats contain micronised droplets of essential oils suspended in the water and are very different from water which has had essential oil and a dispersant added. This causes some confusion as ‘floral waters’ may conjure up in the mind something which smells sweet or floral, and this is not always the case. Indeed, many true hydrolats do not smell like the plant they originally came from or the essential oil which may arise from the distillation of such a plant. However, true rosewater (hydrolat) does smell fantastic.

Their smell can be pungent and earthy, but not unpleasant. Some hydrolats are completely devoid of smell due to the minuscule proportions of aromatic compounds present, and still others smell quite musty. The lack of aroma, however, in either the plant or the hydrosol does not detract from the sometimes very useful therapeutic properties.

Pure Rose Otto Hydrolats smell absolutely wonderful, and it is suitable for all skin types. It is known to have been valued for centuries by many cultures for its profound healing properties on both a physical and psychological level. It is gently cleansing. It will help maintain the pH balance and stimulate regeneration processes. Rose Otto Hydrolat is not sticky, has a wonderful cooling effect, is naturally toning, nourishing, and hydrating and is used extensively in perfumes and as an emollient in skin care products

This product is a true hydrolat, which is mainly water they are gentle and safe to use; they are easily applied and absorbed.

However, time spent researching “rosewater” will reveal many different explanations of how it is originated, what constitutes true rosewater and the price at which it is sold at. Some retail companies even claim that they distil it themselves and that they only distil for the production of rosewater (so they throw away essential oil worth thousands of pounds). Some companies advertise it as “pure”, then in the ingredients list clearly show that they have added stabilisers, etc., or worse still, have actually manufactured the water by mixing essential oil, water and alcohol. As ever marketing departments will be very clever with words, and you are left to decide what the reality is.

The price you are asked to pay for “Rosewater” varies dramatically, as with other products, and the old adage applies: if it seems too cheap or too expensive, then there is usually a very good reason for that. As an example I have found “rosewater” selling for £44 for 100ml.

Suggestions on how to use Rose Otto Hydrolat

Cooling spray -  Put it into an atomiser and spray on the face or body, to refresh and cool, especially when travelling. If you keep the Rosewater in the fridge, it will be even more refreshing

Skin treatments -  Hydrolats make great toners and cleansers, also great for the treatment of spots or sores, new piercings, cuts and grazes. They are powerful yet gentle enough to use on sensitive areas and children, and babies' sensitive skin

Eye Problems  -  For sty’s and minor eye infections, gently wipe the area with Rosewater on a cotton wool pad.  This also works well on your furry friend's eyes.

After shave -  Hydrolats help with shaving rash and the prevention of ingrown hairs

Lotions and Creams -  This Rose Otto Hydrolat can be used to make lotions and creams, and also added to ready made. Also can also be used as a hair rinse.

Laundry -  If you buy it in large quantities you may use it to spray your sheets just before bedtime, put it inside your iron, and your ironed clothes smell wonderful.

Food  - Rosewater can be used in cooking to add a subtle floral flavour and aroma to both sweet and savoury dishes, especially in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian cuisines. It is commonly used in desserts like cakes, puddings, ice cream, and pastries, as well as in some savoury dishes like biryani.

Here are some recipes using Rosewater https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/rosewater

Rose Otto Hydrolat

• Is not sticky

• Has a wonderful cooling effect

• Is naturally toning

• Is nourishing

• Is hydrating

• Is used extensively in perfumes and as an emollient in skin care products

• Is used to flavour food – Turkish Delight in particular