Origin and history of lavender water

The use of lavender water in cosmetics and medicine dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used it in the process of mummification, while Pericles considered it a powerful means of nerve calming and recommended it for psychiatric conditions. During the middle ages the floral water continued to be used for treating different health problems – St Hildegard of Bingen, for example, used it as liver cure (1).

The production of lavender water, as we know it today, started developing during the 11th century due to improved distillation techniques. In France, especially in the region of Provance, it became an integral part of the local culture and traditions. It is used not only for cosmetic purposes but also in cooking and as a home air freshener.

Content and properties of lavender water

Lavender contains more than 100 different chemical compounds, which are responsible for its unique properties. Among these are linalool and linalyl acetate, which have numerable beneficial properties – anti-inflammatory; anti-fungal and antioxidant ones. It also contains other antioxidants like tannins and flavonoids, which protect the skin against free radicals (3, 4, 5).

Lavender water also contains all these ingredients, which makes it an excellent addition to our skincare. It helps regulate the production of sebum and stimulates cell regeneration. That is why it is recommended for damaged skin. In addition, this hydrosol is Ph balanced, which makes it appropriate for frequent use, for all types of skin (2).

How to use lavender water in our facial and body skincare?

Introducing lavender water in your daily skincare is easy and very pleasant. The first option is to use it as a skin tonic, after facial cleansing. All you need to do is just spray some lavender water on your face or apply by use of a cotton pad. It will remove all remaining traces of make-up and will freshen the skin without dehydrating it. Regular use can also reduce redness and skin irritation while improving the skin tone at the same time.   

For additional hydration, you can mix a few drops of lavender water with your preferred moisturizer. It will not only strengthen the hydrating effect of the product but also add the pleasant aroma and soothing properties of lavender.

You can also use it as an ingredient of your homemade facial masks. For deep but tender cleansing, without excess dehydration, add some lavender water to two table spoonfuls of oat bran. Mix well and use as a facial mask.

If you put some lavender water in a spray bottle, you will get an excellent face and body mist. You can use it throughout the day for freshening and additional hydration, whenever you have the feeling that the air is too dry. This kind of mist is also useful before and after shaving and epilation – in order to minimize skin irritation and inflammation.

Lavender water is a useful assistant when travelling. It can help soothe the skin in unforeseen circumstances like sunburn, unpleasant itching or insect bites. In combination with chamomile, the product can be used for very little kids and babies – for example to soothe diaper rash (2). 

Other applications of lavender water

Lavandula Angustifolia hydrolate is a multi-functional product whose applications are much more varied than the popular use for skincare and hair care. 

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy lavender water is used to relieve stress, to soothe tension (6) and headache and to improve the quality of sleep. The soothing effect can be achieved in a number of different ways. Here are some examples:

● Pour a small quantity of lavender water directly into your aroma diffuser.

● Spray your pillow case with some lavender water before sleep.

● Prepare a poultice by pouring some lavender hydrolate onto a soft piece of cloth, to apply on your forehead, neck or shoulders

Body scenting

A lot of people who are fond of lavender aroma use that floral water as a perfume. It is also an excellent, safe option for young girls who want to have their own special fragrant presence.

Hair care

Another useful application of the product is in hair care. Lavender water can be used alone for scalp massage, which stimulates hair growth and improves hair strength. It is especially useful against dandruff, in which case lavender water can be added to hair shampoo to enrich it.

Air freshener at home or in the car

Due to its pleasant, soothing aroma, lavender water can be used as an air freshener at home, to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Use it as a room spray or spray some on fresh laundry to give it a charming, natural scent. Carry a small spry bottle of lavender water in your handbag, to use it in your car to make it an oasis of peace and calm amid the surrounding traffic chaos around you.

Cooking

A lot of people consider lavender aroma to be more pleasant than its taste. In some traditional cuisines though, pure lavender water is used in pastry-making. For example, a traditional dessert in the small French village of Les Baux-de-Provence is lavender creme brulee. 

Possible side effects and precaution

Despite the fact that lavender water is harmless for most people, it is always wise to do a sensitivity test before initial use. Apply a small quantity of lavender water on the inner side of your wrist and wait for 24 hours to check for any reaction.

People with very sensitive skin or those who are allergic to lavender should be very cautious. It is recommended to consult a specialist before using lavender water during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Avoid contact with the eyes and do not apply on open wounds.

You need to be very careful if you have pets! Lavender water contains very low quantities of essential oils but some of the chemical compounds contained in it are harmful for cats and dogs since they do not have the necessary enzymes to break them. So, to avoid the risk of having lavender water swallowed by your pets, you would rather not spray it directly in your rooms but use an aroma diffuser.

How to choose what type of lavender water to buy and how to store it?

When choosing what kind of lavender water to buy – go for 100% pure products, without any preservatives added. Pay attention to the label – terms like “hydrosol”, “hydrolate” and “floral water” are synonyms and thus refer to the same type of product.

Organic lavender water is recommended because it is produced from plants grown without using pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Keep lavender water in a cool, dark place and do not expose to direct sunlight.  

The usual shelf-life after opening is 6-12 months depending on storage conditions. For specific information, always read the instructions of use on the bottle / package box.

Frequently asked questions concerning lavender water 

Is lavender water good for drinking?

Yes, pure organic lavender water is good for drinking in small quantities. Its most ardent fans would add it to tea or different cakes and desserts.

How long can lavender water be stored?

Before opening, lavender water can be store for up to 2 years in a cool, dark place. After opening, it should be used within 6-12 months for best results.

Is it suitable for all types of skin?

Yes, lavender water is suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive skin. Despite that, remember that it is always better to do a sensitivity test before using it for the first time.

What is the difference between lavender water and lavender room spray?

Lavender water is a pure, steam distillation product, while commercially produced room sprays and air fresheners may contain other ingredients and artificial fragrances. Pure lavender water is safe and suitable for a range of different applications. On the other hand, room sprays should be used with caution – closely following the producer’s instructions.

In conclusion, the floral lavender water is a real treasure in the world of natural cosmetics. It deserves a prominent place in your cosmetics cabinet due to the multiple skin benefits it can bring and its pleasant fragrance.

Regardless of whether you choose to use it as a tonic, an addition to your facial cream or simply as a refreshing spray, lavender water will bring а touch of peace and comfort and tender care in your life.

Resources:

1. Bosson, L. (2019). Hydrosol Therapy: A Handbook for Aromatherapists and Other Practitioners. Singing Dragon, pp.107-109
2. Catty, S. (2001). Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, pp.103-105.
3. Mansour, B. a L. (2021b). Review on the medicinal properties of some aromatic hydrosols, ResearchGate [Preprint]. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349589991_Review_on_the_medicinal_properties_of_some_aromatic_hydrosols.
4. Santos, É.R.Q.D. et al. (2021) Linalool as a therapeutic and Medicinal tool in depression treatment: a review, Current Neuropharmacology, 20(6), pp. 1073–1092. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159x19666210920094504.
5. Shin, Y.K. and Seol, G.H. (2023) Effects of linalyl acetate on oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction: can linalyl acetate prevent mild cognitive impairment?, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1233977.
6. Al-Mansour, B. (2021) Review on the medicinal properties of some aromatic hydrosols, Zeugma Biological Science, 2(1), pp. 4–5. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1550443.