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Lavender Hydrosol Vs Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Hydrosol Vs Lavender Essential Oil

Aug 08, 2025

Fernanda Carvalho

Lavender smells lovely! But there are two main types. Do you know them? They are lavender hydrosol and lavender essential oil. They come from the same plant. But they are made differently. This makes them unique. People use them for many things. Like relaxing or helping skin. 

This blog will explain both. We will look at lavender hydrosol vs lavender essential oil. Learn how they are different. Find out how to use each one safely. Let's explore!

 

What Is Lavender Hydrosol 

Lavender hydrosol is a floral water. It is made when steam distills lavender flowers. The steam turns into water. This water captures some lavender goodness. It smells like fresh lavender. But it is very mild. Hydrosol is mostly water. 

It has tiny bits of lavender oil in it. You can spray it directly on your skin. It feels gentle and cooling. People use it as a face mist. Or to calm minor skin irritations. It is good for sensitive skin. What Is Lavender Hydrosol? It's a gentle, water-based lavender product.

Lavender Hydrosol Safety Tips

Check for purity and clarity when you open it.

Lavender hydrosol should be clear or very faint in color, with no chunks or milky residue. If it looks off or smells sharp, it may be spoiled 

Store it in the fridge.

Place in dark glass bottles. Use it within 6–12 months from the date of distillation or as directed by the supplier.

Hydrosols are gentle, but still test for skin sensitivity.

• Spray a little on your forearm and wait 30 minutes.

• If there is redness or itching, don’t use it there.

Never add essential oil to hydrosol and call it a hydrosol.

True hydrosol is the water left after steam distillation and should not contain added oil or synthetic fragrance.

 

What Is Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is very strong. It is also made by steam distilling lavender flowers. But it captures the powerful oil part. Only a tiny drop comes from many flowers. This oil has the true scent of lavender and is very concentrated. 

You should not apply it directly on your skin. Always mix it with a carrier oil first. People use it in diffusers. They smell it to relax. It can also be added to lotions or baths. What is lavender essential oil? It is the highly concentrated oil from lavender plants.

Which Type Of Lavender Essential Oil Is Best?

True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is usually best. It is the most common type. It is known for its calming scent and gentle effects on skin.

Lavender Essential Oil Safety Tips

Always dilute lavender essential oil before putting it on your skin.

Use just 1–2 tiny drops in one teaspoon of carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) so it stays gentle and safe.

Do a patch test first.

Dab a little of the diluted mixture on the inside of your arm. Wait 24 hours. If your skin feels cute, red, or sore, do not use it again.

Keep it away from eyes, nose, mouth, and cuts.

Even diluted lavender oil can sting or make these areas feel sore. Do not apply there.

Store it safely, where kids and pets can’t reach.

Always screw the bottle tight and keep it out of arms and paws. It should stay in a dark, cool place.

Never swallow lavender essential oil.

It is not for eating. If someone drinks it, they might feel sick, dizzy, or worse.

 

Lavender Hydrosol Vs Lavender Essential Oil

Let's compare lavender hydrosol vs lavender essential oil directly:

  • Strength: Hydrosol is very mild. Essential oil is very strong.

  • Use on Skin: You can spray hydrosol right on skin. Essential oil must be diluted first (mixed with oil or lotion).

  • Safety: Hydrosol is safer for kids and sensitive skin. Essential oil needs careful handling.

  • Smell: Hydrosol smells light and fresh. Essential oil smells deep and powerful.

  • Main Ingredient: Hydrosol is mostly water. Essential oil is pure plant oil.

  • Cost: Hydrosol is usually cheaper. Essential oil costs more because it takes many plants to make a little oil.

  • Best For: Hydrosol is great for sprays and sensitive skin. Essential oil is best for diffusers or diluted blends.

  • Feel: Hydrosol feels cooling. Essential oil feels oily unless mixed.

  • Concentration: Hydrosol has only tiny bits of oil. Essential oil is pure concentration.

  • Shelf Life: Hydrosol doesn't last as long. Keep it cool. Essential oil lasts much longer.

Understanding lavender hydrosol vs lavender essential oil helps you choose wisely.

 

Is Hydrosol Better Than Essential Oil?

So, is hydrosol better than essential oil? Not always. It depends on what you need. As per the blog “lavender hydrosol vs lavender essential oil”, They are different tools. 

Hydrosol is milder and safer for direct use. It is perfect for face mists or sensitive skin. Essential oil is much stronger. It is better for a strong scent in a diffuser. Or when diluted for massage. One isn't better than the other overall. 

Think about your task. Need a gentle spray? Pick hydrosol. Want a powerful aroma? Use diluted essential oil. Is Hydrosol Better Than Essential Oil? Only for some things! Choose based on your needs. Both are great from the lavender plant. Use them safely and enjoy!

 

You Got Questions We Got Answers! 

Question

Answer

Does hydrosol hold oil goodness?

Yes! A little oil dissolves into the water during distillation.

Which smells stronger?

Essential oil! it’s the “pure power” of lavender. Hydrosol is very mild.

Can I mix them?

Yes: use hydrosol as a base, add a drop or two of the oil for a scent boost.

Which is best for sensitive skin?

Hydrosol is safer; diluted essential oil can be fine with patch testing.