Uses of Flower Water (Floral Water)
Question
What are the possible uses of Flower Water (Floral Water), such as the Rose Water product mentioned here? Can it be mixed into creams or lotions? Can it be used in food or desserts? What other applications are there? Please provide guidance.
Answer
Uses of Flower Water (Floral Water)
Flower water, also known as floral water or hydrosol, is produced by steam distillation of flowers or other plant parts. It contains the water-soluble aromatic compounds and a small amount of essential oil from the plant.
Based on the product information, flower waters like Rose Water (Rosa Damascena), Rose Petal Water, Bulgarian Rose Water, Jasmine Grandiflorum Floral Water, and Rosemary Water are primarily used in cosmetic formulations.
Cosmetic Applications
Flower waters are versatile ingredients in cosmetics and can be used in various products:
- Toners: They are excellent as facial toners to help balance the skin's pH and provide a refreshing feel.
- Creams and Lotions: Can be incorporated into the water phase of emulsions.
- Serums and Gels: Used as the base liquid.
- Body Mists/Sprays: Can be used alone or blended with other ingredients for a light, fragrant body spray.
- Masks: Added to powder masks or used as the liquid component in DIY masks.
They offer properties such as soothing, refreshing, and providing a pleasant natural fragrance. Some, like Rose Water, are noted for potential anti-septic, anti-bacterial, and anti-irritation benefits.
Flower waters can typically be used at concentrations from 1% up to 100% in cosmetic formulations.
Food and Other Uses
The specific flower waters described, such as Rose Water (Rosa Damascena), Rose Petal Water, Bulgarian Rose Water, Jasmine Grandiflorum Floral Water, and Rosemary Water, are preserved with phenoxyethanol, which is a cosmetic preservative and not suitable for food consumption. Therefore, these products should not be used in food or drinks.
For food applications, you would need to source food-grade floral waters that are produced under strict hygiene standards and without cosmetic preservatives.
Other potential applications might include using them in aromatherapy diffusers (though less concentrated than essential oils) or as a natural linen spray, but their primary intended use based on the product descriptions is for cosmetic formulation.
Related Products Mentioned
Rose Water (Rosa Damascena)
Rose Petal Water
Rosemary Water
Bulgarian Rose Water