Did you know that by knowing how to handle and store hydrosols correctly, you can increase their shelf lives, reduce contamination and save money? Learn how to store hydrosols to preserve them for many years.
What Are Hydrosols?
Hydrosols, also known as floral waters/distillates/hydrolats, are aromatic, refreshing by-products of the essential oil distillation process.
These waters look just like water, except for the fact that they smell incredibly beautiful, with varying scents corresponding to the flower/plant they are extracted from. Their scents are also much more delicate and soft, compared to the concentrated scents of essential oils.
Apart from the aromatic factor, hydrosols are also filled with healing, medicinal and therapeutic properties. They are used in skin care, hair care, cuisine and health care.
Hydrosols are also great for use with babies, pets and those with sensitive skin.
To find out about the benefits and usage tips for hydrosols, read: 25 Ways to Use Hydrosols.
How to Store Hydrosols
As soon as you buy a hydrosol, transfer a smaller amount of it (like 1 oz) into a spray or dropper bottle, and store the remaining bulk of it in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.
Note: Make sure you keep track of the shelf life and expiry of your hydrosols, too. Here are some of the shelf lives of a few popular hydrosols:
- Lavender – 2 years
- Neroli – 2 years
- Rose – 2 years
- Rosemary – 1 to 2 years
For the full list of popular hydrosols and their shelf lives, read: How Long Do Hydrosols Last?
Other Important Tips on Storing Hydrosols
- The best place to keep hydrosols is in a cool place like the refrigerator. But do not freeze hydrosols.
- Keep hydrosols in a cool, dark and dry cupboard. Avoid damp, humid or sun-lit areas for storing hydrosols because UV rays make hydrosols deteriorate faster. Damp and humid conditions encourage molding or ‘blooming’, where a white murky substance forms at the bottom of the hydrosol.
- Store in an amber glass bottle to prevent light degradation and plastic degradation. However, note that storing in a clear container will help you pick up any mold or bloom formation.
- Use clean and sterile bottles to store hydrosols.
- Securely close the hydrosols with their caps/ covers to prevent oxidation.
