Rose Hip Hydrosol is a light, water-soluble floral water produced by the steam distillation of rosehip plant material. It works well as a facial toner, a base for creams and lotions, and a refreshing mist, and Azlok offers it from a small 100 gm dropper bottle up to bulk 20 kg packs for makers.
What is Rose Hip Hydrosol?
Rosehips are the small, bright reddish-orange fruits left behind when rose blooms wilt on the bush. A hydrosol (also called a floral water or hydrolat) is the aromatic water that remains after steam is passed through plant material during distillation. This particular hydrosol carries the INCI name Rosa Canina and is colourless, with a soft, slightly green, fresh, sweet aroma that has a faint anise or liquorice-like note.
Because it is a hydrosol and not an essential oil, it is far gentler and comes ready to use without dilution. It is soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in fixed oils, which is worth remembering when you plan a formulation.
Common Uses
- Facial toner: Wipe over cleansed skin with a cotton pad, or decant into a fine-mist spray bottle for a quick refresh through the day.
- Facial steam: Add to warm water for a gentle, aromatic steam before your usual skincare routine.
- DIY creams and lotions: Use it as the water phase in homemade moisturisers, gels and emulsions.
- Sheet-mask soak and setting mist: A light spritz can be used to dampen cotton masks or set makeup.
How to Use It
- Cleanse and pat your skin dry.
- Spray the hydrosol lightly across the face, or apply with a cotton pad.
- Let it sink in for a moment, then follow with your serum, oil or moisturiser to seal in the moisture.
For formulators, replace part or all of the distilled water in a recipe with this hydrosol. Since it does not mix into oils, always add it to the water phase of your emulsion and use a proper emulsifier to bring the two phases together. Keep good manufacturing hygiene in mind and add a suitable cosmetic preservative when you make water-based products meant to last.
Tips and Safety Notes
- Do a small patch test on your inner arm before using it on your face, especially if your skin is reactive.
- This is a cosmetic-grade floral water. Do not drink it, and keep it away from the eyes and from children.
- Water-based products can grow microbes over time. Use clean, dry bottles, avoid touching the nozzle to skin, and refrigerate if you like a cooling mist.
- If you are pregnant, nursing or managing a skin condition, check with a qualified professional before adding new products.
Buying and Storage
Azlok stocks Rose Hip Hydrosol from a handy 100 gm bottle with a 3 ml dropper right up to 500 gm, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg packs, so hobbyists and small brands can both find a size that fits. Pricing starts at ₹149. It is made in India by steam distillation and carries CAS number 90106-38-0.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, which helps preserve the aroma and quality. Kept properly, it has a shelf life of about two years. Once opened, use clean tools each time and reseal tightly. If you notice cloudiness, an off smell or any change in colour, discard it.
FAQ
Is Rose Hip Hydrosol the same as rosehip oil?
No. Rosehip oil is a fixed carrier oil pressed from the seeds, while this hydrosol is a water-based distillate. They have different textures, solubility and uses, though both come from the rose plant.
Can I use it directly on my skin?
Yes. Hydrosols are gentle and do not need to be diluted. Simply mist or wipe it onto clean skin. Still, run a patch test first if your skin is sensitive.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
It is not compulsory, but storing it in a cool, dry place is important. Refrigeration can extend freshness and gives a pleasant cooling effect when used as a mist.
Can I mix it into oils?
Not directly. It is insoluble in fixed oils. To combine water and oil phases in a cream or lotion, you need an emulsifier.
How long does it last?
Unopened and stored well, it keeps for roughly two years. Once opened, use clean handling and watch for any change in smell, clarity or colour.