How to use a floral water in your skincare routine?

Hydrolats (or floral waters) are often perceived as simple, pleasant mists.

In reality, an hydrolat is a true facial treatment, provided you know how to use it, when to apply it, and how to integrate it into your routine.

When used correctly, a hydrosol can:

• rehydrate the skin after cleansing
• rebalance skin pH
• prepare the skin to receive an oil or serum
• soothe, tone, or purify depending on the distilled plant

At SENZA, our hydrolats are:

• organic
• French
• distilled at a 1:1 ratio
• without preservatives, additives, or dilution

👉 They are designed as active daily treatments, essential in a natural and minimalist routine.

An hydrolat is always used before an oil-based treatment, as it provides the water that the oil will then lock in.

What is a hydrosol and what is it used for on the skin?

A hydrosol is the water obtained during the steam distillation of a plant.

It is the aqueous phase recovered after the essential oil has been separated.

A hydrosol contains:

• water-soluble aromatic molecules
• natural traces of essential oil
• the gentle and balancing essence of the distilled plant

👉 A facial hydrosol is therefore an active aqueous treatment, milder than an essential oil, but perfectly suited for daily use.

Hydrosol or floral water: what's the difference?

The terms hydrosol and floral water are often used interchangeably. However, there is an important difference depending on the extraction method and product quality.

The difference primarily lies in the part of the plant distilled.

• Hydrosol: obtained by distilling the entire plant

  (flowers, leaves, stems, sometimes roots depending on the plant)

• Floral water: obtained by distilling only the flowering tops

  (rose, lavender, cornflower, chamomile…)

👉 In both cases, it is indeed a distillation product.

⚠️ Warning

In commerce, the term floral water can also refer to water to which has been added:

• a fragrance
• an aroma
• or an extract

👉 Always read the label:

a true hydrosol or a true floral water must indicate the botanical name of the plant and the distillation method.

At SENZA, whether we speak of hydrosol or floral water, they are always products directly from distillation, undiluted and un-reconstituted.

The specificity of SENZA hydrolats

Not all hydrosols are created equal.

At SENZA, we have made demanding choices:

• 🌱 Organic French plants

• 🔥 Distillation immediately after harvest

• ⚖️ 1:1 Ratio

  → 1 kg of plant for 1 L of hydrosol

👉 This ratio guarantees a concentrated, aromatic and effective hydrosol, far from the diluted or “watered down” floral waters often found.

👉 Result:

hydrosols that really work, even with daily use.

Organic Rose Geranium Hydrosol 100ML - €8.90

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Organic Italian Helichrysum Floral Water 100ML - €8.90

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Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol 100ML - €8.90

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Why use an hydrolat in your facial routine?

An hydrolat plays a fundamental role in a natural routine.

It provides the skin with the water necessary for its balance and prepares the skin for subsequent treatments.

• it lightly hydrates the skin's surface
• it rebalances pH after cleansing
• it soothes or tones depending on the plant
• it improves the penetration of an oily treatment

👉 An hydrolat is always used before an oil or serum, as the oil will then retain the water provided.

It is this water + oil complementarity that respects the natural functioning of the skin.

How to use a hydrosol on the face?

A hydrosol can be used in several ways depending on the needs.

As a spray (daily use recommended)

• after cleansing or makeup removal
• before applying an oil or serum

Spray directly onto the face or into your hands, then immediately apply the oil-based treatment to still slightly damp skin.

👉 The hydrosol moisturizes the skin, the oil encapsulates this water.

As a targeted compress

Soak a reusable cotton pad or compress and place on the affected area for a few minutes:

• tired eyes
• redness
• heated or irritated areas

Mixed with aloe vera gel

A few sprays of hydrosol + a dab of aloe vera gel create a light hydrating treatment, ideal before an oil.

As a body spray & daily uses

Hydrosols are also very useful beyond the face:

• sunburn (as a refreshing mist)
• sensitive scalp
• itching
• insect bites
• lice prevention (as a daily spray, depending on the hydrosol)

👉 Their high tolerance allows for multiple uses, including for children (unless specific contraindications apply).

🧠 Good to know — SENZA Expertise

A hydrosol is not “less effective” than an essential oil. It works differently: more gently, but more often, and long-term.

DISCOVER

When to use a hydrosol in your routine?

• In the morning: to awaken, tone, and lightly hydrate the skin
• In the evening: after cleansing, to prepare the skin for a repairing treatment
• During the day: as a refreshing mist, in case of heat or discomfort

👉 A hydrosol can be used several times a day, as it is gentle and well tolerated.

How to incorporate a hydrosol into a complete routine?

Recommended order:

1. Cleansing / makeup removal
2. Hydrosol
3. Serum or oil

This sequence allows the skin to first receive water, then the lipids needed to retain it.

Which hydrosol to choose depending on your skin type?

🌹 Rose de Provins floral water: for dry and sensitive skin

Rose hydrosol is particularly suitable for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.

Effects

• Hydrating
• Soothing
• Slightly toning

Who is it for?

• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Sensitive or mature skin
• Dull complexions

When to use it?

• Morning and evening, before serum
• As a refreshing mist during the day
• As a compress for tired skin

🌿 Lavender floral water: for combination to oily skin

Lavender floral water is recommended for combination to oily skin or skin prone to imperfections.

Effects

• Gentle purifying
• Soothing
• Rebalancing

Who is it for?

• Combination to oily skin
• Skin prone to imperfections
• Sensitive or oily scalps

When to use it?

• Morning and evening in a purifying routine
• As a scalp spray
• For lice prevention (daily spray)

💠 Cornflower floral water: for tired eyes and the eye contour

Cornflower hydrosol is traditionally used to decongest the eye contour and soothe tired eyes.

Effects

• Decongestant
• Soothing
• Refreshing

Who is it for?

• Eye contour
• Tired or puffy eyes
• Sensitive skin

When to use it?

• As a compress on the eyes
• In the morning to awaken the eyes
• After a day in front of a screen

🌼 Italian Helichrysum floral water: for redness and reactive skin

Helichrysum hydrosol is recommended for diffuse redness, fragile or reactive skin.

Effects

• Soothing
• Toning
• Supports microcirculation

Who is it for?

• Reactive skin
• Diffuse redness
• Fragile skin

When to use it?

• As a targeted compress on redness
• After sun exposure
• As a temporary treatment

🌸 Rose geranium hydrosol: to rebalance all skin types

Rose geranium hydrosol is an excellent choice if you don't know which hydrosol to choose, as it suits most skin types.

Effects

• Balancing
• Toning
• Harmonizing

Who is it for?

• All skin types
• Combination skin or skin prone to imbalances
• Skin lacking radiance

When to use it?

• Morning and evening as a “pivot” hydrosol
• Before a serum or oil
• As a refreshing mist

🤍 Roman chamomile hydrosol: for very sensitive skin

Roman chamomile hydrosol is particularly suitable for very sensitive skin or skin prone to irritation.

• Very soothing
• Calming
• Anti-discomfort

Who is it for?

• Very sensitive or reactive skin
• Skin prone to redness
• Children and fragile skin

When to use it?

• Morning and evening
• As a compress in case of irritation
• After a mask or exfoliation

🌿 Clary sage hydrosol: to regulate combination to oily skin

Clary sage hydrosol helps to regulate excess sebum and is suitable for skin prone to hormonal imbalances.

Effects

• Regulating
• Gentle purifying
• Toning

Who is it for?

• Combination to oily skin
• Skin prone to hormonal imbalances
• Oily scalps

When to use it?

• In the morning, to regulate
• As a scalp spray
• During periods of hormonal changes

Organic Rose Geranium Hydrosol 100ML - €8.90

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Organic Italian Helichrysum Floral Water 100ML - €8.90

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Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol 100ML - €8.90

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In summary: why incorporate a hydrosol into your routine?

Hydrosols are the often-overlooked key to simple and effective facial routines.

When used correctly, they provide the necessary water for skin balance and prepare the skin to receive an oil-based treatment.

A facial hydrosol is neither a gadget nor a simple scented mist: it forms the essential link between water and oil in a natural routine.

👉 Cleansing → Hydrosol → Oil or serum.

It is this complementarity that respects the natural functioning of the skin and optimizes the effectiveness of treatments.

🔎 Focus — Hydrosol or floral water: what's the difference?

The terms hydrosol and floral water are often used interchangeably. However, the difference depends on the extraction method and product quality.

🌿 Hydrosol (in the strict sense)

A hydrosol is the water directly resulting from the steam distillation of a plant.

It contains:

• water-soluble aromatic molecules
• natural traces of essential oil
• the complete essence of the distilled plant

👉 It is a raw distillation product, living and unprocessed.

🌸 Floral water

Originally, a floral water is simply a hydrosol obtained from flowers (rose, lavender, cornflower, chamomile…).

In this case, hydrosol and floral water refer to the same product.

⚠️ However, in commerce, the term floral water can also refer to:

• water to which a flavour or extract has been added
• fragranced water
• diluted or reconstituted floral water

What this changes for the skin

A real hydrolat:

• has a subtle and sometimes variable scent
• really works on the skin
• can be used as a stand-alone treatment

Diluted floral water:

• often smells stronger
• is more stable
• but contains fewer active ingredients

The SENZA choice

At SENZA, we use the term hydrolats, even if some plants are traditionally called floral waters.

Our products are:

• exclusively derived from distillation
• undiluted
• unreconstituted
• distilled in a 1:1 ratio

In summary: all our hydrolats are true floral waters, but not all floral waters are hydrolats.

Organic Italian Helichrysum Floral Water 100ML - €8.90

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Organic Rose de Provins Floral Water 100ML - €14.90

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Organic Fine Lavender Floral Water 100ML - €8.90

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How to use a hydrolat - FAQ

Can a hydrolat replace a moisturising cream?

No. A hydrolat provides water to the skin, but does not retain it. For long-lasting hydration, it should be followed by an oil or serum, which will encapsulate the water provided.

Can I use a hydrolat alone on my face?

Yes, occasionally, especially in cases of redness, heat, or warmth. But for complete hydrating action, it is best to combine it with an oil-based treatment.

Can I use a hydrolat several times a day?

Yes. SENZA hydrolats are gentle and can be used morning, evening, and as a refreshing mist during the day.

Is a hydrolat suitable for oily or blemish-prone skin?

Yes. Certain hydrolats such as lavender or clary sage help to rebalance sebum production and soothe imperfections.

Can I use a hydrolat around the eyes?

Yes, as a compress, with closed eyes. Cornflower hydrolat is particularly recommended for decongesting and soothing the eyes.

How to store a natural hydrolat without preservatives?

A hydrolat is a living product. It must be stored away from heat and light, and used within the indicated timeframe.

Why does the scent of my hydrolat vary?

It's normal. The scent depends on the plant, the season, and the distillation conditions. A variation in scent is often a sign of an authentic, non-standardised hydrolat.

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