Kewra Hydrosol Water is a light floral water collected during the steam distillation of kewra (screwpine) flowers. It carries the sweet, exotic aroma of the blooms in a gentle, water-based form, which makes it useful as a facial toner, a hydrating mist, a hair rinse and a fragrant base for creams, lotions and other homemade personal care recipes.
What Is Kewra Hydrosol Water?
When kewra flowers (INCI: Pandanus Odoratissimus Flower Water) are steam distilled, two things are produced: a small amount of concentrated essential oil and a much larger volume of aromatic water. That aromatic water is the hydrosol. It holds the water-soluble compounds of the flower, so it smells beautifully of kewra but is far milder than the neat oil. This makes it easy to use directly on skin and hair without heavy dilution.
Kewra hydrosol is soluble in water and alcohol but does not mix into fixed carrier oils. Keep that in mind when you plan a formulation.
Everyday Uses
- Facial toner or mist: Spritz over clean skin to refresh and hydrate, especially after a long, tiring day.
- Facial steam: Add a splash to warm water for a fragrant steam before your skincare routine.
- Hair care: Use as a final rinse or a light scalp spray for a pleasant, lingering scent.
- DIY formulations: Blend into creams, lotions, face packs, gel-based serums and room sprays as the water phase.
- Aromatherapy and linen mist: The calming, sweet aroma works well as a gentle room or pillow spray.
In many Indian kitchens, kewra water is also a much-loved flavouring for biryanis, sherbets, sweets like rasmalai and gulab jamun, and festive drinks. If you plan to use it in food, buy a grade clearly labelled food-safe and use it sparingly, as the aroma is strong.
How to Use It
- As a toner: Soak a cotton pad and sweep over cleansed skin, or decant into a spray bottle and mist directly.
- In a face pack: Replace plain water with kewra hydrosol when mixing multani mitti, sandalwood or besan packs.
- In DIY creams: Use it as part of the water phase; because it does not dissolve in fixed oils, add it to the water side of your recipe.
- For cooking: Add just a few drops near the end of cooking, as the fragrance is intense and can overpower a dish.
Tips and Safety Notes
- Do a patch test on your inner arm before applying to the face, especially if your skin is sensitive.
- Kewra hydrosol is far gentler than kewra essential oil, but avoid contact with the eyes.
- Do not ingest cosmetic-grade hydrosol. Use only a food-safe grade for cooking, and only in small amounts.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Because hydrosols are water-based and free of preservatives, they can spoil. Store carefully and watch for any change in smell or cloudiness.
Buying and Storage
Azlok offers Kewra Hydrosol Water starting at Rs.149, in sizes from a handy 100 gm bottle up to bulk 5 KG, 10 KG and 20 KG packs for small businesses and soap or cosmetic makers. It is sourced from Indian kewra flowers, with a shelf life of about two years when stored well.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the cap tightly closed to protect the aroma.
- Refrigeration can help extend freshness once opened.
- Always use clean, dry tools or spray nozzles to avoid contamination.
Start with a smaller size if you are trying it for the first time, then scale up to bulk once you know how you like to use it.
FAQ
Is kewra hydrosol the same as kewra essential oil?
No. The hydrosol is the aromatic water left after steam distillation, so it is much milder and water-based. The essential oil is the concentrated oil separated during the same process.
Can I use Kewra Hydrosol Water directly on my face?
Yes, most people can use it neat as a toner or mist. Do a patch test first if your skin is sensitive, and avoid the eye area.
Does kewra hydrosol mix with oils?
It is soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in fixed oils. In DIY recipes, add it to the water phase of your formulation.
Can I use it in food?
Kewra water is traditionally used to flavour biryanis, sweets and sherbets. Use only a grade that is clearly labelled food-safe, and add just a few drops as the aroma is strong.
How long does it last?
The shelf life is around two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle sealed and use clean tools to help it stay fresh.