Hydrolates, also referred to as hydrosols, floral waters, as well as aromatic waters, are the side products of essential oils extraction process. They are colloidal suspensions of essential oils as well as water-soluble components obtained by steam distillation or hydrodistillation from aromatic plants. Small amounts of essential oil components (usually less than 1 g/L) dissolved in hydrolates provide specific organoleptic properties and flavors, as well as biological activity, which makes them potentially promising for many applications.
Application of hydrolates
Hydrolates have gained a lot of attention from various industries due to their unique bioactivity. Their main fields of application are described below.
- Beauty and skincare field
The high antioxidant properties of hydrolates can be used to combat skin aging or to prevent and treat skin diseases naturally. For example, sage hydrolate can shrink pores and thus be used to treat combination and oily skin and regulate fat secretion. In addition, hydrolates typically have an acidic to neutral pH and can be used in daily skin care routines as toners (to restore the natural skin pH balance).
Studies have shown that hydrolates can be used in agriculture and food to inhibit the development of pathogenic microorganisms in food and to remove biofilms that pose a public health threat in food. These uses may help reduce the use of antibiotics and counteract the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. For example, the hydrolate of Satureja hortensis are fungicidal against Alternaria mali, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Colletotrichum citrcinans, which can protect spoilage of food products from pathogenic and saprophytic fungi [1].
- Functional beverage field
Traditionally, hydrolates have also been used in diluted form in functional beverages. This is mainly due to its rich chemical composition, as well as the safety of use. For example, sage hydrolate is released from a by-product during the distillation in Turkey and is drunk as a natural antibiotic against various bacterial diseases and digestion disorders [2].
Common hydrolates
Hydrolates commonly used in daily life are described below.
Like the essential oil of this plant, tea tree hydrolate has antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is suitable for daily care of the skin and also for fighting dandruff. In addition, it has proven to be an excellent disinfectant for wounds and scratches, as well as for applying to the skin after shaving.
Chamomile hydrolate was obtained from the flowering herb of the species Chamaemelum nobile, Anthemis nobilis. It is known for its soothing effects and helps to calm the body and mind. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and is very suitable for dry, sensitive, or irritating skin.
Rose hydrolate is one of the most popular hydrolates. It is formed during the steam distillation of Damask rose flowers. It is admired for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and purifying properties, and can be used to rebalance microcirculation and promote cell regeneration.
What we offer
Alfa Chemistry provides customers with a wide range of hydrolates. If you do not find what you need, please contact us. We also offer product customization according to customer's detailed requirements.
References:
- Boyraz, N.; et al. Inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi by essential oil, hydrosol, ground material and extract of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) growing wild in Turkey. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2006, 107: 238-242.
- Baydar, H.; et al. Comparison of aroma compounds in distilled and extracted products of sage (Salvia officinalis L.). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants. 2013, 16: 39-44.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
