Steam distillation - oil and hydrolate are different products

Steam as a way to transfer fragrance

In steam distillation, the volatile components of the raw material pass along with the steam to the cooling system. After condensation, an aqueous phase and, for appropriate raw materials, a separated oil phase are obtained. Water and oil have different compositions because the compounds differ in solubility. The method does not involve squeezing the plant or dissolving all its material. Prolonged heating can also change the profile, so the smell of the distillate does not have to copy the fresh raw material.

Water distillate and oil are not interchangeable in the recipe. They have different proportions of ingredients and properties. Also, the amount of raw material used during the process does not independently determine the intensity of the resulting scent. A description of a specific material is needed, not just the name of the method.

Meaning and application

The method of obtaining a raw material helps understand its origin, but does not determine how the finished product will be used. The oil and hydrolate have different forms. Do not assume that they can be used interchangeably or in the same quantity.

In practice

Check the name, list of ingredients and purpose of the packaging. If you choose a cosmetic for your skin, make sure the manufacturer anticipates such use. The description of natural distillation is not an instruction on how to dilute it yourself or compose mixtures for delicate areas.

Do not treat the name of the process as a guarantee of hypoallergenicity or the quality of the entire formulation. The finished cosmetic may also contain other ingredients that need to be taken into account. Check declarations about the lack of additives separately, do not derive them from the technology of obtaining one raw material.