Floral water, a by-product of the plant steam distillation process that produces essential oils, is often overlooked for its therapeutic properties and discarded. But now some brands are replacing water with it to reap the benefits of essential oil molecules that escaped collection and the water-soluble plant nutrients that are not present in the oil. “We replace water with our vitamin and antioxidant-packed high-potency rose concentrate as the foundation for all of our hydrous products,” says Suki Kramer, founder, formulator, and president of Suki Skincare. “Made here at Suki, it matches skin’s chemistry and pH for deep derma penetration, creating balance for all skin types.” The Suki Moisture-Rich Cleansing Lotion produces a radiant, dewy complexion by creating a natural moisture base. Other products use floral water as a key ingredient as well, including the G.M Collin Vasco-Tonic Concentrate, which contains hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) flower water, and the Decléor Paris Aurabsolu Refreshing Mist, which is infused with mint floral water. Decléor’s Neroli Intense Hydrating Facial (starting at $95, 50 minutes) quenches thirsty skin with mint and orange blossom aromatic waters, a pure apple extract rich in vitamin C, neroli, and wild pansy flower syrup.
The handcrafted, organic olive-oil-based bodycare line produced by McEvoy Ranch, 80 Acres, offers a botanical facial steam as part of its Personal Care Collection. The set comes in three different fragrances—blood orange, lavendar, and verde—and includes 80 Acres Hand & Body Lotion, Hand & Body Wash, and a Soy Candle. “The botanical facial steam—a combination of all-organic lavender, calendula and chamomile flowers, rose petals, and mint leaves—not only cleanses and detoxifies skin, it opens pores, increases blood circulation, and imparts a beautiful, healthy glow,” says Jane Steele, co-creator of 80 Acres. “We included it in our Personal Care Collection because it provides the perfect opportunity for a simple and wholesome self-care ritual that nurtures beauty and soothes the soul.”—Kristin Vukovic