Neroli Hydrosol is the aromatic floral water left behind when neroli plant material is steam distilled, and you can use it straight as a facial toner, as a room spray, or as a gentle water replacement in creams, lotions and scrubs. It carries a soft, fresh, slightly green and sweet aroma, and it dissolves in water and alcohol but not in fixed oils. Azlok's Neroli Hydrosol is distilled in India and comes in sizes from a handy 100 gm bottle with a dropper right up to 20 kg for makers working at scale.
What is Neroli Hydrosol?
A hydrosol (also called a floral water or flower water) is the water-based product of steam distillation. When neroli is distilled, tiny amounts of the plant's aromatic compounds stay dissolved in the water, giving you a light, ready-to-use liquid that is far gentler than the concentrated essential oil.
The key details for this product:
- INCI name: Organic Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) distillate
- Raw material source: Neroli leaves
- Extraction: Steam distillation
- CAS number: 72968-50-4
- Colour: Colourless
- Odour: Soft, slightly green, fresh, sweet, anise/liquorice-like
- Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in fixed oils
Common uses
Because it is mild and water-soluble, neroli hydrosol slots neatly into everyday beauty and home recipes:
- Facial toner: Spritz or dab onto clean skin to freshen and refine.
- Water replacement in formulations: Use it instead of plain water in creams, lotions, gels and serums to add a natural scent.
- Facial steam: Add to warm water for a fragrant steam.
- Face and body scrubs: Blend into sugar or salt scrubs.
- Room spray and air freshener: Use on its own or with a little alcohol as a light home mist.
- Natural fragrance base: A gentle foundation for perfumes and cosmetic care products.
It is also noted for mild antibacterial properties and is sometimes used to help clean minor skin abrasions and small cuts, though it is a cosmetic support, not a medical treatment.
How to use it
For a quick toner, decant into a spray bottle and mist your face after cleansing, then follow with your usual moisturiser. As a formulation ingredient, swap it in for the water portion of a recipe — for example, replace the distilled water in a lotion or cream base with neroli hydrosol to carry aroma throughout the product. For a room spray, combine roughly four parts hydrosol with one part perfumer's alcohol in a fine-mist bottle and shake before use.
Because it dissolves in water and alcohol but not in oils, it works best in water-phase blends. If you are making an oil-based product, it will not incorporate on its own without an emulsifier.
Tips and safety notes
Neroli hydrosol is far gentler than essential oil, but a few sensible habits help:
- Patch-test first. Apply a little to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before using on the face.
- Do not ingest. This is a cosmetic-grade material meant for topical and formulation use.
- Keep it clean. Since hydrosols contain water, use clean tools and bottles, and consider adding a suitable cosmetic preservative if you are making products to sell or store for long periods.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- If irritation appears, stop use.
Buying and storage
Store your neroli hydrosol in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, which helps preserve its aroma and freshness. The stated shelf life is around two years. Smaller amber or dark bottles help limit light exposure once opened.
Azlok stocks Neroli Hydrosol from a 100 gm bottle with a 3 ml dropper, ideal for trying it out, through 500 gm, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg for hobbyists and small businesses who buy in volume. Pricing starts at ₹149, which makes it easy to test in your own recipes before committing to a larger pack.
FAQ
Is neroli hydrosol the same as neroli essential oil?
No. The essential oil is a concentrated aromatic extract, while the hydrosol is the gentle, water-based product of the same distillation. The hydrosol is milder and can usually be used directly on skin without dilution.
Can I use neroli hydrosol directly on my face?
Yes, it is commonly used as a ready-to-use facial toner. Do a 24-hour patch test first, and stop if you notice any irritation.
Does it need a preservative?
For personal short-term use, refrigeration and clean handling are often enough. If you are formulating products to store or sell, adding a suitable cosmetic preservative is recommended because hydrosols are water-based.
Can I mix it with carrier oils?
Not directly. Neroli hydrosol dissolves in water and alcohol but is insoluble in fixed oils, so you would need an emulsifier to combine it with oil-based ingredients.
How long does it last?
Stored in a cool, dry place away from light, it has a shelf life of about two years.