Vetiver Hydrosol

Vetiver hydrosol, also known as vetiver water, is obtained by steam distillation of the roots of the Vetiveria zizanoides plant. This plant, a perennial grass, is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a clear to slightly cloudy liquid with a distinct earthy, woody and slightly smoky odor. The pH of vetiver hydrosol is usually between 4.0 and 5.0, making it a slightly acidic solution.

The main components of vetiver hydrosol are aromatic compounds such as vetiverol , khusimol and β-vetivone. These components contribute to the soothing, anti-inflammatory and skin caring properties of the hydrosol. Vetiver hydrosol is often used in aromatherapy and skin care products for its moisturizing, soothing and regenerative properties.

Properties

• Calming: It has a calming effect on the skin and can help relieve stress and anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory: It helps reduce inflammation and soothes the skin.
• Antibacterial: It has antibacterial properties that can help fight skin infections.
• Soothing: It can help soothe skin irritations and redness.
• Moisturizing: It hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it supple and soft.
• Refreshing: It refreshes the skin and can help reduce swelling and fatigue.
• Grounding: It has a grounding and stabilizing effect, which can be useful in aromatherapy.

Applications

• Facial Toner: It can be used as a hydrating and soothing toner to soothe and refresh the skin.
• Body Mist: It works great as a refreshing body mist, especially on hot days or after exercise.
• Aromatherapy: It can be used in diffusers to create a calming and grounding atmosphere.
• Bath Additive: Add to bath water for a relaxing and aromatic experience.
• Compresses: It can be used in compresses to soothe skin inflammations and irritations.
• Hair Care: It can be used as a hair rinse to soothe the scalp and refresh the hair.
• Wound care: It promotes the healing of wounds and scars and can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.

What is a hydrosol?

• A hydrosol is created during the distillation process of plant material. The plant material is exposed to steam or immersed in boiling water. The heat causes the cells of the plant material containing the essential oil to soften and release their contents.
• The essential oil, which is volatile, rises together with the steam in cooling tubes. Here the steam cools and condenses into water. This condensed water, which comes from the cells of the plant, is known as hydrosol. It contains many components, including the water-soluble (hydrophilic) micromolecules of some components that are also found in the essential oil of the plant.
• Hydrosols often have different properties than the essential oil of the same plant material, providing unique applications and benefits. They are particularly suitable for children, the elderly and people with sensitive skin due to their mild nature.