We know essential oils. We know much less about their gentler "sister": hydrosol. Yet, it is one of the key ingredients in several Harmony Animal Care products. What is a hydrosol, how does it differ from an essential oil, and why choose organic to care for your dog, cat, or horse? Here is the essentials.
What is a hydrosol?
A hydrosol is an aromatic water obtained by steam distillation of a plant. During distillation, the steam passes through the plant and carries away its aromatic compounds. As it cools, it separates into two:
- the essential oil, highly concentrated, which floats on the surface;
- the hydrosol, a water that retains a small fraction of the plant's aromatic molecules.
A hydrosol is therefore not an essential oil diluted in water: it is a product in its own right, resulting from the same distillation, with its own identity.
Hydrosol or floral water: what's the difference?
The two terms are often used interchangeably. By convention, we speak of floral water when the distilled plant is a flower (rose, orange blossom, cornflower...), and hydrosol for all distilled plants: leaves, stems, bark, or flowers. The process, however, remains the same.
Why are hydrosols beneficial for animals?
Their greatest quality is their gentleness. Much less concentrated than essential oils, hydrosols allow the aromatic world of a plant to be delivered in a more delicate way.
This is valuable for animals, whose sense of smell is much more developed than ours and whose skin can be sensitive. Cats, in particular, are known to be very sensitive to certain essential oils: this is one of the reasons why every formula must be designed species by species.
Why choose organic hydrosols?
A hydrosol is a direct reflection of the distilled plant. If the plant was treated, grown without care, or poorly stored, the hydrosol will bear the trace. Choosing hydrosols from organic farming means starting with a healthier and better-traced raw material.
It is a choice consistent with Harmony Animal Care's commitment: natural care, without cortisone, without antibiotics, and without harsh chemicals, developed with rigor and French traceability.
A delicate ingredient that requires real expertise
Because they are mainly composed of water, hydrosols are fragile products: they are naturally prone to bacterial growth. Their quality therefore depends as much on the plant as on the distillation, storage, and formulation.
This is why we entrusted our formulas to a specialist. Carole André, formulator of Harmony Animal Care products, is co-author of the reference work The Big Guide to Essential Oils, Hydrosols, and Vegetable Oils (De Boeck Supérieur, 2023), written with Xavier Fernandez and Alexandre Casale. This illustrated guide presents 152 essential oils, hydrosols, and vegetable oils, with their properties, conditions of use, and testimonials from specialists.
Discover The Big Guide to Essential Oils, Hydrosols, and Vegetable Oils on Amazon
This in-depth knowledge of hydrosols is at the heart of our way of formulating: choosing the right plant, for the right use, for the right animal.
Where can you find hydrosols in our products?
- HARMONY TOUCH — natural healing cream for dogs, cats, and horses, based on organic aloe vera and organic lavender hydrosol, combined with purifying essential oils. Ideal as a follow-up to CRISTAL SPRAY.
- ARNIGOLD — concentrated arnica and immortelle balm, based on organic lavender, immortelle, and peppermint hydrosols and soothing essential oils, for dogs and horses after a shock or exertion.
- ARNICLAY — clay and arnica poultice for sport or leisure horses, enriched with organic peppermint, lavender, and immortelle hydrosols.
- CRYOCLAY — cold-effect poultice for horse limbs after exertion, with organic peppermint hydrosol.
- SHINY — shine-effect shampoo for dogs and horses, with organic peppermint and lavender hydrosols.
- PROFLY — natural repellent shampoo for dogs and horses, with organic peppermint and lavender hydrosols.
Good practices
- Do not improvise: a hydrosol purchased for cooking or human cosmetics is not designed to treat an animal. Prefer products formulated for them.
- Respect the species: what is suitable for a horse is not necessarily suitable for a cat. Always follow the instructions specific to each product.
- Store properly: close the bottles after use and keep them away from heat and light.
- Ask for advice: in case of doubt, a serious wound, or a persistent symptom, consult your veterinarian.
In summary
A hydrosol is the gentleness of the plant at the service of the animal. Well chosen, well formulated, and well stored, it has a place in a natural and respectful care routine.
Discover our products for dogs, cats, and horses, formulated with rigor. Created in Monaco, Made in France.