Collection: Hydrosols & Waters

Hydrosols, also called hydrolats or floral waters, are the aromatic waters produced during steam distillation of plants. As steam passes through the plant material, it carries both volatile aromatic molecules and water soluble compounds. When the vapour is cooled, the essential oil separates to the top, while the hydrosol remains as the fragrant water beneath.

Unlike water that has been scented with essential oils, true hydrosols are whole plant distillates with their own chemistry, pH, and gentle therapeutic properties. They typically contain micro droplets of essential oil alongside low level acids, plant sugars, and trace bioactive compounds that support skin barrier health.

How Are Hydrosols Different from Essential Oils?

Extraction process: Both hydrosols and essential oils are produced during steam distillation, but the essential oil is the concentrated oil phase, while the hydrosol is the water phase. Hydrosols are ready to use on the skin without further dilution.

Chemical profile: Hydrosols contain very small amounts of aromatic compounds plus unique water soluble molecules that do not appear in essential oils. This gives them a milder, more balanced action.

Skin friendliness: Hydrosols have a naturally slightly acidic pH that supports the skin barrier and microbiome. They are generally suitable for sensitive, reactive, and delicate skin.

Aromatic character: The scent of a hydrosol is softer and lighter than the matching essential oil. It feels refreshing, subtle, and suitable for frequent use.

Why Hydrosols Are Ideal for Skincare

Studies on plant distillates and floral waters suggest they can offer gentle antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and soothing effects, while remaining much less intense than essential oils. For daily skincare, this makes them a practical, skin friendly option.

• Barrier support: Their slightly acidic pH helps maintain the skin's natural acid mantle.
• Soothing action: Low level terpenes and plant acids can help calm redness and discomfort.
• Lightweight hydration: Hydrosols act as a refreshing water phase that layers well under serums and oils.
• Everyday safe: Suitable for most skin types, including children and more sensitive adults when used appropriately.

Popular Hydrosols in Botanical Skincare

• Kānuka Hydrosol - Fresh, earthy, and gently grounding. Used to support skin clarity and comfort.
• Lavender Hydrosol - Classic soothing facial mist for stressed or heat flushed skin.
• Rose Hydrosol - Hydrating and softening, ideal for dry, mature, or devitalised skin.
• Manuka Hydrosol - Earthy, balancing water that suits problem prone or irritated skin.
• Peppermint Hydrosol - Cooling and refreshing, often used after sun or exercise.

How to Use Hydrosols Safely

• Use as a facial mist or toner on clean skin.
• Layer under serums and facial oils to improve spread and absorption.
• Apply as a compress for areas of heat or irritation.
• Use as the water phase in clay masks or gentle gels.
• Spritz on scalp or hair for a light refresh.

Are Hydrosols Right for You?

If you want a plant based product that feels light, calming, and easy to use, hydrosols are a very practical choice. They deliver the subtle, water soluble side of a plant's chemistry in a form that fits neatly into everyday routines. At Zurma Botanical Oil Studio, we select hydrosols for quality, aroma, and gentle effectiveness so you can use them with confidence in your skincare, hair care, and ritual mists.

Colloidal silver and colloidal gold are suspensions of microscopic metal particles in purified water. They draw on a long history of traditional use, while also being studied in modern laboratories for their antimicrobial and skin supporting properties, especially when used topically in controlled amounts.

Colloidal Silver: Contains nano sized particles of elemental silver. Research shows that silver at this scale can interfere with bacterial membranes and enzyme systems, giving it broad antimicrobial activity against many bacteria and some fungi when used at appropriate concentrations.

Colloidal Gold: Contains nano sized particles of elemental gold. Laboratory studies suggest potential roles in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell signalling, although most data are still early and based on in vitro models.

How Are They Different from Other Silver or Gold Products?

Not ionic silver: Ionic silver and silver salts behave differently from metallic colloids and can have different safety profiles.

Not herbal extracts: Colloidal silver and gold are mineral preparations in purified water, with no plant material present.

Free from fragrance and alcohol: They contain no essential oils, perfumes, or alcohol, which makes them suitable even for simple, fragrance free routines.

Why Colloidal Silver Is Used in Skincare

Peer reviewed studies indicate that silver nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria and can be helpful in supporting the natural balance of the skin surface when used appropriately in topical preparations.

• Antimicrobial support: Helps reduce bacterial load on the skin surface.
• Breakout prone skin: Can be used as part of a routine for skin that tends to congestion, when used alongside good cleansing and barrier care.
• Post care support: Often used after hair removal, shaving, or minor environmental stress for a gentle, non sting refresh.

Why Colloidal Gold Is Used in Skincare

Gold nanoparticles are being investigated for their potential to support cell signalling, protect against oxidative stress, and work alongside other active ingredients in formulations.

• Antioxidant support: Early studies suggest a role in buffering some markers of oxidative stress.
• Mature and stressed skin: Often included in formulas that aim to support radiance and a more refined appearance.
• Synergy with other actives: Used as a companion ingredient in serums and gels that contain plant or vitamin based actives.

How to Use Colloidal Silver and Gold Safely

• Use topically on clean skin as a mist, compress, or as part of a gel or serum.
• Avoid direct contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse gently with clean water.
• Store away from direct sunlight to help maintain particle stability.
• Patch test on a small area first, especially if your skin is reactive.
• For internal use, always follow current safety guidance and consult a qualified health professional, as most colloidal products are best suited for topical or external use.

Are Colloidal Silver and Gold Right for You?

If you are looking for focused, mineral based support in your skincare, colloidal silver and gold can offer targeted benefits when used thoughtfully. They sit well alongside botanical ingredients such as hydrosols, carrier oils, and plant extracts, and can help round out a routine aimed at clarity, resilience, and calm skin.

At Zurma Botanical Oil Studio, we focus on clarity, quality, and simple ingredient lists so you know exactly what is going on your skin. Colloidal silver and colloidal gold fit that approach as clean, minimalist tools that can support modern, natural skincare practices.