Hydrosols: Definition and Applications

Essential oils are obtained through various processes, such as supercritical CO2 extraction and distillation. These processes also yield a by-product, known as hydrosols. Hydrosols have a higher water content, comprising water-soluble components and, possibly, a small amount of essential oil components [1].

Figure 1. Essential oils (top), hydrosol (bottom) [2]

Hydrosols are often discarded as waste and are generally considered to have low economic value [3]. However, based on research findings, hydrosols hold significant potential for various applications, as outlined below:

Functional (soft) drinks

Traditional hydrosols are frequently consumed as beverages [4]. For instance, in Turkey, sage hydrosol is used as a natural antibiotic to combat various bacterial diseases and digestive disorders [5]. Additionally, Citrus aurantium flower hydrosol, commonly known as neroli, has been employed in traditional medicine to alleviate mild depression and serve as a heart tonic [6]. Lavender hydrosol is known for its revitalizing and relaxing properties when added to water [7].

Aromatherapy

Depending on the aromatic intensity of the hydrosol, they can help prevent body odor, alleviate itching caused by dry skin and dandruff, aid in managing insect bites, and be used in skincare or as massage products (ensuring that the concentration of soluble aromatics is not high enough to cause skin sensitivity) [8]. Furthermore, hydrosols are frequently used as air fresheners to reduce stress and anxiety due to their therapeutic properties [9].

Cosmetics

Hydrosols are utilized as the aqueous phase in the production of lotions, creams, and soaps, or as stand-alone tonics. For example, substituting water with lavender hydrosol in cosmetics may help maintain the microbiological stability of cosmetic formulations [7, 10].

In conclusion, hydrosols can be processed into various applications with significant potential for commercialization (pending further research results). Thus, hydrosols should no longer be regarded as waste but as valuable products.

For any questions about Mitra Ayu products, including hydrosols, please contact us at info@ptmitraayu.com or send us a message here.

References:

[1] https://mjfas.utm.my/index.php/mjfas/article/view/1586

[2] http://snowyriverlavender.com.au/category/distillery/

[3] https://jppipa.unram.ac.id/index.php/jppipa/article/view/1239

[4]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270276194_Hydrosols_and_water-soluble_essential_oils_of_aromatic_plants_Future_economic_products

[5] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0972060X.2013.764175

[6] https://brieflands.com/articles/ijpr-128216.html

[7] http://www.naturalingredient.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/lam12346.pdf

[8] https://www.essencejournal.com/pdf/2014/vol2issue1/PartA/7-204.pdf

[9] https://fiver.ifvcns.rs/handle/123456789/1958

[10] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466856414001738