Frankincense hydrosol is the aromatic water produced during the distillation of Boswellia (frankincense) resin. It carries a soft, woody-resinous scent and is used mainly as a facial toner, refreshing mist, and a water-phase ingredient in creams, lotions and DIY skincare. It is gentle enough for daily use and needs no dilution when applied to the skin as a mist.
What is Frankincense Hydrosol?
A hydrosol, sometimes called a floral or botanical water, is what remains after steam passes through plant material during distillation. With frankincense, that plant material is the dried resin of the Boswellia tree. The result is a water infused with the tiny water-soluble aromatic compounds of the resin, far more diluted and gentler than an essential oil.
Azlok's Frankincense hydrosol (INCI: Boswellia Carterii Gum Extract) is soluble in water and alcohol but does not mix into fixed carrier oils. That makes it a natural choice for the water part of any homemade formulation.
Everyday Uses
- Facial toner: Sweep it over cleansed skin with a cotton pad to refresh and lightly tone before moisturiser.
- Face and room mist: Decant into a spray bottle for a quick spritz during the day, or to cool down after a hot commute.
- Facial steam: Add a little to warm water for a fragrant steam session before your skincare routine.
- Skincare ingredient: Use it as the water base in creams, lotions, gel masks and clay masks.
- Linen and pillow spray: Its calming, grounding aroma suits a bedtime wind-down.
How to Use It
For most uses, frankincense hydrosol can be applied as it is. Here are simple ways to work it in:
- As a toner: After cleansing, dampen a cotton pad and gently wipe across the face and neck. Follow with your serum or moisturiser.
- As a mist: Pour into a fine-mist bottle and spray from about 20 cm away, eyes closed. Let it settle or pat in lightly.
- In a mask: Mix with clay (such as multani mitti or kaolin) instead of plain water for a more fragrant, skin-friendly paste.
- In formulations: Replace part or all of the distilled water in a lotion or gel recipe. Because hydrosols contain no preservatives, add a suitable cosmetic preservative if you are making a product to store.
Tips and Safety Notes
- Do a patch test on your inner forearm before first use, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
- Keep it away from the eyes and out of reach of children.
- This is a cosmetic-use botanical water. Do not drink it or use it as a medicine, and do not treat it as a cure for any condition.
- Hydrosols are water-based and can spoil if contaminated. Use clean hands and clean bottles, and never dip fingers into the main bottle.
- If you notice cloudiness, an off smell or floating particles, stop using it.
Buying and Storage
Azlok offers Frankincense hydrosol from 100 Gm right up to 20 KG, so it suits both home users and small businesses making batches of skincare or bath products. Pricing starts at ₹149, and the larger packs are handy if you formulate regularly.
Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. A refrigerator can help extend freshness, particularly in warm Indian climates. The stated shelf life is around 2 years, though keeping it cool and clean matters more than the date on the label. Decant only what you need into a smaller working bottle and keep the main stock sealed.
FAQ
Is frankincense hydrosol the same as frankincense essential oil?
No. The hydrosol is the gentle, water-based by-product of distillation, while the essential oil is the concentrated aromatic extract. The hydrosol is far milder and can be used directly on skin, whereas the oil must always be diluted.
Can I use it every day?
Yes, most people can use it daily as a toner or mist. Do a patch test first, and if your skin is sensitive, start with a few times a week and see how it responds.
Does it need to be diluted?
Not for direct skin use as a toner or mist. If you are adding it to a formulation, you can use it neat as the water phase or blend it with other ingredients as your recipe requires.
How should I store it and how long does it last?
Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place, or refrigerate it in hot weather. Used and stored cleanly, it stays good for about two years.
Can I mix it with carrier oils?
No. Frankincense hydrosol is soluble in water and alcohol but not in fixed oils. To combine it with an oil phase, you would need a proper emulsifier, as in a cream or lotion.