Essential Oils vs Hydrosols: What They Are, How They Differ, and How Each One Is Used

When people think of lavender or other aromatic plants, they usually picture essential oils. They are well known, widely sold, and deeply rooted in natural wellness. But there is another product created during the same distillation process that many customers have never encountered: hydrosols.

If you have never used a hydrosol or even heard the word before, you are not alone. Hydrosols remain one of the most underappreciated natural products available today. This guide explains what both essential oils and hydrosols are, how each is used, and why they serve completely different roles in everyday life. Then we will take a closer look at the hydrosols we produce right here at 7 Arrows Lavender Farm.

The Distillation Process: One Plant, Two Products

Steam distillation is the traditional method for extracting aromatic compounds from plants. Fresh plant material is placed into a still, steam rises through it, and heat releases both the volatile oils and the water-soluble components inside the plant.

As the steam cools and condenses, it separates naturally into two parts:

• A thin layer of essential oil

• A larger body of hydrosol, the aromatic distillate water

These two products come from the same process, but they offer completely different strengths, uses, and benefits.

What Many People Don’t Know: Hydrosol Explained

Hydrosols are still unfamiliar to many people. Most customers who visit farms, markets, or artisan shops have never seen or used one. The result is a common misconception: people often assume a hydrosol is just watered-down essential oil. It is not.

 

What Hydrosol Actually Is

Hydrosol is the pure aromatic water created during steam distillation. As steam passes through the plant material, it picks up the plant’s fragrance molecules and water-soluble compounds. When that steam cools and becomes liquid again, the essential oil floats on top and the hydrosol remains below.

Hydrosol contains:

• Natural aroma

• Water-soluble plant chemistry

• Mild acids

• Skin-supportive compounds

• Subtle therapeutic qualities

Hydrosols are not diluted oils, not alcohol sprays, and not synthetic fragrances. They are the true distillate of the plant.

 

Why Most People Have Never Heard of Hydrosols

Hydrosols are not widely known for several reasons:

• They must be freshly distilled and cannot be mass-produced

• They are primarily made by small farms and artisan distillers

• They have a shorter shelf life than essential oils

• They are rarely sold in big-box stores

• Many brands dilute them, so the market is inconsistent

This means hydrosols are often discovered through local farms and small-batch producers — exactly where the most authentic, high-quality hydrosols come from.

Why Hydrosols Matter

Hydrosols offer many advantages:

• Safe for all ages, including children and pets

• Gentle enough to use directly on skin

• Perfect for people who cannot tolerate strong essential oils

• Versatile for home, skincare, and wellness

• Naturally aromatic without overwhelming strength

Hydrosols give customers a way to experience the plant in a soft, refreshing, skin-friendly form.

Essential Oils: Concentrated Plant Power

Essential oils are potent, concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants. They require large quantities of plant material and should always be used with care.

Typical Uses for Essential Oils

• Aromatherapy diffusers

• Massage oils (with carrier oil)

• Salves and balms

• Cleaning blends

• Natural perfumes

• Wax melts and candles

Benefits

• Strong aroma

• Intense plant chemistry

• Effective for stress support, focus, or relaxation

• Long shelf life

Important Considerations

• Always dilute before applying to skin

• Not ideal for children or pets

• Use in small amounts

Essential oils shine in aromatherapy and targeted use, not necessarily daily skin application.

 

Hydrosols: Gentle, Versatile, Everyday Aromatic Water

Hydrosols are the gentle counterpart to essential oils. They contain both aromatic molecules and water-soluble plant chemistry — something essential oils do not provide.

 

Common Uses for Hydrosols

• Facial toner

• Skin soothing spray

• Pillow or linen mist

• Room refreshers

• Body spray

• After-sun cooling

• Minor skin irritations

• Cleaning spray base

• Pet bedding freshener

• Calming spray for children

 

Benefits

• Ready to use

• Gentle for all skin types

• Hydrating and balancing

• Safe for kids and pets

• Ideal for daily routines

• No dilution required

Hydrosols are the perfect option when customers want something mild, refreshing, and effective.

 

Side-by-Side Comparison

Essential Oils

• Highly concentrated

• Oil soluble

• Strong aroma

• Must be diluted

• Not ideal for infants or pets

Hydrosols

• Gentle and subtle

• Water soluble

• Safe for direct skin use

• Excellent for home, kids, and everyday life

• Contain water-soluble plant compounds

 

A Closer Look at Our 7 Arrows Lavender Farm Hydrosols

All of our hydrosols are distilled on our farm in small, carefully monitored batches. They contain nothing but pure distillate — no additives, no alcohol, and no oils mixed in. Each variety carries its own personality and purpose.

Angustifolia Hydrosol

Lavandula angustifolia – True Lavender

Soft, floral, classic, and deeply calming.

 

Uses

 

• Facial toner

• Linen mist

• Relaxation spray

• Skin-soothing mist

• Gentle option for children

Qualities

 

• Balances and hydrates skin

• Mild and sweet aroma

• Ideal for rest and evening routines

 

Intermedia Hydrosol

Lavandula x intermedia – Lavandin

Sharper, more herbal, clean, and refreshing.

Uses

• Home cleaning blends

• Bathroom and kitchen freshening

• Gym bag spray

• Outdoor cooling mist

• Deodorizing spaces

 

Qualities

• Stronger herbal profile

• Naturally deodorizing

• Energizing and uplifting

 

Douglas Fir Hydrosol

Pseudotsuga menziesii – Pacific Northwest Evergreen

Bright, crisp, and forest-fresh. A favorite for winter and year-round freshness.

Uses

• Room and vehicle spray

• Shower steam “forest sauna” effect

• Post-work or post-gym refreshing mist

• Winter wellness routines

• Cabin and home freshening

 

Qualities

• Clean evergreen aroma

• Naturally deodorizing

• Grounding and uplifting

 

Choosing the Right Product

• For strong aromatherapy or diffusers: essential oils

• For daily use, skincare, and gentle freshness: hydrosols

• For children, pets, or sensitive skin: hydrosols

• For targeted blends and oil-based applications: essential oils

• For simple, natural fragrance you can spray anywhere: hydrosols