Hydrosols
What is a hydrosol?
In the heart of our studio, this process is nothing short of alchemy. Using traditional herbalism methods we take heaps of fresh plant matter and subject it to a meticulous ritual of steam distillation.
Hydrosols are a process of using fresh plant matter that’s then steam distilled to create a floral water, known as a hydrosol. Hydrosols are the essence of each plant captured through a meticulous process of over 6 hours of steam distillation in our five-gallon copper still.
Hydrosols are a gentle yet effective ingredient that are suitable for all skin types, gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
Our in-house 5 gallon copper still about to go into production.
What products are Hydrosols in?
We use farm fresh hydrosols as the base ingredient in both of our toners.
These hydrosols serve as the cornerstone of our toners, harnessing the specific benefits of each plant to address various skin concerns for each of our two toner formulations. Despite their potency, they remain remarkably gentle and soothing, offering a milder alternative to essential oils, providing a water-based formulation of plant constituents that are both gentle and effective. At Gatherwise Farm, we conduct our plant steam distillations in-house using our copper still, ensuring the quality and integrity of each hydrosol.
How are hydrosols different from essential oils?
They are both derived from steam distillation of plant matter. However there is a big difference between the potency of essential oils vs hydrosols. Both are created during the steam distillation process of capturing the plant volatile oils and constituents - the steam distilled Hydrosols are technically the “byproduct” of essential oils. Similar to the process used to extract essential oils, our method yields not only hydrosols but also a small amount of essential oil, enriching the water with potent plant constituents.
Steam is passed through the plant material. The heat from the steam causes the plant cells to burst and release their essential oils. As the steam carries the volatile compounds from the plant, it passes through a condenser where it cools down and condenses back into a liquid form. This mixture separates into two distinct layers due to the difference in density between water and oil.
1 Gallon of our in-house lavender hydrosol. A beautiful display of the floral water, separated from the essential oil resting on the top.
Gatherwise lavender getting prepped for the copper still.
What do they offer the skin?
Hydrosols are rich in potent plant compounds, such as antibacterial, soothing properties, anti-inflammatory properties and much more. They are ideal in skincare as they pack potent beneficial plant properties that encourage balance for the skin but are gentle enough for even the most sensetive skin types. Each plant we meticulously select offers unique benefits tailored to specific skincare needs.
Every plant we hand-select brings its own unique set of gifts to our formulations. From soothing chamomile to revitalizing rose geranium, each botanical is carefully chosen for its specific skincare benefits.
Hydration Toner Hydrosols
- Lavender hydrosol
- Plantago hydrosol
- Lemon balm hydrosol
- Comfrey hydrosol
Geranium Toner Hydrosols
- Rose Geranium
- Plantago hydrosol
- Chamomile hydrosol
- Meadowsweet hydrosol
- Comfrey hydrosol
- Lemon balm hydrosol
Why are they so important in our products?
Our toners, crafted around these hydrosols, are like potions for the skin. They target specific concerns with precision, yet they're gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Hydrosols are nature's gentle healers - a softer, subtler alternative to their essential oil counterparts.
Here at Gatherwise, it's all about quality, integrity, and a deep reverence for nature's wisdom. That's why every step of our process, from plant selection to distillation, happens right here on at the farm. It's a labor of love, and the secret behind skincare that's truly transformative.
Our farm grown chamomile processed and ready to start the 6 hour long alchemy of steam distillation.
