At Dirty Hippie, we create products with intention — choosing ingredients that nourish, soothe, and connect us to nature. Among our quiet powerhouses is hydrosol, a soft yet potent distillate that carries the essence of plants in water form.
What Is Hydrosol?
Hydrosol, sometimes called floral water or hydrolat, is the aromatic water created through steam distillation. When plants like rose, lavender, or manuka are distilled for their essential oils, the process yields a secondary treasure: a gentle, water-based infusion rich in the plant’s therapeutic qualities.
Hydrosols contain:
- Trace amounts of essential oil, giving them fragrance and subtle potency
- Water-soluble compounds, unique to this form, that nourish skin and body in quiet,
effective ways - A gentle profile, making them ideal for daily use, sensitive skin, and energetic rituals
They also contain carboxylic acids, which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, helping to calm irritation, soothe the skin, and promote healing over time.
When essential oils feel too strong, hydrosols offer a gentler way to access the plant’s gifts, making it the perfect solution for delicate skin or emotional balance.
At Dirty Hippie, we use different hydrosols — from Manuka to Rose to Neroli — each chosen for its unique scent, energy, and skin-loving qualities. Whether grounding, uplifting, or balancing, hydrosols often become the heart of our formulations.
How Hydrosol Is Made
So how does this gentle distillate come to be?
The hydrol distillation process unfolds like a slow conversation between steam and plant:
- Fresh plant material is placed in a still
- Steam is passed through, unlocking the plant’s aromatic and therapeutic compounds
- The steam cools and condenses into liquid
- Essential oil rises to the top and is separated
- The remaining fragrant water — the hydrosol — holds the plant’s softest voice
Each hydrosol is an expression of its source — capturing the complexity, tenderness, and
resilience of the plant.
