If you’ve explored our essential oil recipes, you’ve probably noticed that many call for hydrosols. But what exactly is a hydrosol, and how can you use it beyond DIY recipes?

A hydrosol—also known as floral water or plant distillate—is a gentle, water-based extraction from botanicals. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are less concentrated, making them perfect for hydrating dry skin, soothing sensitive skin, and even refreshing your home as a natural air spray. Plus, they contain water-soluble plant compounds that essential oils don’t.

The best part? You can easily make your own hydrosol at home! Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, including all the tools and ingredients you need to create your own pure, botanical hydrosol.

What Are Hydrosols?

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or hydrolats, are a natural byproduct of the essential oil distillation process. They contain water-soluble plant compounds, traces of essential oil, and purified water—giving them their signature refreshing and therapeutic aroma.

Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are much gentler, with an essential oil content of less than 0.02%, making them ideal for direct skin application without dilution. Thanks to their hydrating and soothing properties, hydrosols are commonly used in natural skincare, aromatherapy, and home fragrance.

Both aromatic and non-aromatic plants can be used to create a DIY hydrosol, but why not choose one with an incredible scent? Some of the most popular aromatic hydrosols include:

• Rose 
• Lavender 
• Orange blossom 
• Chamomile 
• Cucumber

There’s plenty of room for creativity. It’s common to add Thyme, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Mints, and other types of ingredients for the best possible outcomes. 

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy,[1] hydrosol benefits include:

• Wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cooling
• Skincare
• Skin-tightening
• Skin redness

How Are Hydrosols Made?

Hydrosols are created through a process called steam distillation, where aromatic plant material is gently heated to extract its water-soluble compounds and light traces of essential oil.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Boiling & Steaming: Plant material is boiled and simmered, generating steam that carries the plant’s beneficial compounds.

2. Cooling & Condensation: As the steam rises, it passes through a cooling system (typically ice or a condenser), turning it back into liquid.

3. Separation: The collected liquid naturally separates: essential oil floats to the top, while the remaining fragrant water is the true hydrosol.

This aromatic botanical water retains many of the same therapeutic properties as its corresponding essential oil but in a gentler, water-based form. Because hydrosols are safe for topical and internal use, they can be used as a facial mist, hair spritz, or even added to food and beverages for a subtle herbal infusion.

With a potency stronger than herbal tea yet milder than essential oil, hydrosols offer the perfect balance of effectiveness and safety.

Can Hydrosols Be Made At Home?

Yes! While store-bought hydrosols are available, they often contain excessive amounts of spring water, making them overly diluted and far less effective. Industrial distillation processes prioritize quantity over potency, which can diminish the therapeutic benefits of the hydrosol.

That’s why making your own hydrosol at home is the best option! With DIY hydrosol distillation, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to:

• Choose high-quality plant materials for the purest extraction
• Customize your blend by mixing and matching different botanicals
• Ensure freshness and potency without unnecessary dilution or preservatives

Experiment with different aromatic herbs, flowers, and fruits until you create a homemade hydrosol that’s perfect for your skincare, hair care, or aromatherapy needs.

What You Need to Make Your Own Hydrosol

Ready to make your very own DIY hydrosol? Then let’s get cooking!

For starters, you’ll need several ingredients and a few select items. Then, based on your own preference (herbal hydrosol, floral hydrosol, etc), you might want to add a little flare to your recipe. 

To that end, gather the following:

• Large pot with lid
• 1 Large heat-safe bowl
• 1 Smaller heat-safe bowl
• Ice
• Water
• About 5 cups of fresh or dried plant material, such as:
  • Rose
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint 
  • Chamomile
  • Jasmine
  • Lemon Balm
  • Hibiscus 
  • Spearmint
  • Hyssop
  • Yarrow
  • Rosemary

Note: Be sure to check that the bowls and pots are cleaned. Foreign residue and debris could throw off the aromatics of the mixture.

How To Make Hydrosols At Home

Making your own hydrosol is easier than you think! With the ingredients you’ve gathered and a bit of patience, you can create a refreshing, botanical water that’s perfect for skincare, hair care, and aromatherapy.

For this DIY hydrosol recipe, we’ll use rose petals, lavender, and peppermint—a rejuvenating combination that smells divine and offers incredible benefits for your skin, scalp, and senses.

Prepare Your Distillation Setup

• Place the large heat-safe bowl upside-down in the center of your pot.
• Set the smaller bowl right-side up on top of the larger bowl—this will collect your hydrosol.

Add the Plant Material & Water

• Arrange your fresh or dried flowers, herbs, or citrus peels around the base of the pot (not inside the bowls).
• Pour enough filtered water to cover the plant material, ensuring the water level stays below the top of the large bowl.

Create the Cooling Effect

• Place the pot lid upside down to cover the pot.
• Seal a freezer bag with ice and place it on top of the upside-down lid—this will help condense the steam.

Heat & Distill

• Boil the water, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
• Replace the ice bag as needed when it melts.

Collect & Store Your Hydrosol

• Carefully remove the smaller bowl—it now contains your fresh hydrosol!
• Pour the collected hydrosol into a sterilized amber glass bottle to preserve its freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for the longest shelf life or in a cool, dark place.

Experiment with Different Hydrosols

Once you’ve mastered this easy process, try experimenting with different botanicals! Whether you choose a rosemary hydrosol, chamomile hydrosol, lemongrass hydrosol, lavender hydrosol, tea tree hydrosol, frankincense hydrosol, geranium hydrosol, or peppermint hydrosol, the possibilities are endless.

With this simple DIY hydrosol method from Edens Garden, you can create the perfect floral water for your skincare, hair, and wellness routines. So gather your fresh petals and dried herbs—your next favorite hydrosol awaits!

SOURCES:

1. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. What are Hydrosols? https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-are-hydrosols