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The ingredient lists on many skin sprays (you may know them as toners, essences or face mists) are packed with unpronounceable ingredients no one without a lab coat would recognize. But have you heard about hydrosols? They’re a cleaner option because they’re made only from the cellular water in plants. Read on to find out how they can make your complexion look smoother, toned and more hydrated.

What is a Hydrosol?

Hydrosols are created when plant material is steam distilled, extracting the water from the plant cells. And this water is anything but basic H₂O — holistic aestheticians believe it has a many of therapeutic benefits (more on that to come).

It’s this distillation process that distinguishes hydrosols from many of the other face sprays out there — some of which are even called floral waters — but are often made just by mixing an essential oil with water. In order for a product to a be a true hydrosol, the water has to actually come from the plant.

Try it: evanhealy HydroSouls^TM are one of the best-selling clean beauty products in the Whole Body department. The brand uses an alembic copper distillation system that runs at low temperature and takes three to four hours (rather than typical stainless steel distillation, which takes thirty to forty-five minutes), resulting in a higher-quality, artisanal hydrosol.

Why Use a Hydrosol?

The real question is, why shouldn’t you? Like essential oils, they offer a seemingly never-ending list of aromatherapeutic benefits, depending on which plant they’re sourced from. They also have multiple topical benefits like making the skin appear smoother, toned and more hydrated. Seemingly, no matter your complexion concern, there’s a hydrosol for that. Case in point: The 6 different varieties Whole Foods Market sell nationally from evanhealy, which include Rose Geranium for excess oil, Lavender for redness and Rose Petal for hydration. (Head to your local Whole Foods Market store and Whole Body department to get 25% percent off all evanhealy facial care from May 3 to May 30. While supplies last.)

How Do I Use a Hydrosol?

Spoiler alert: All you have to do is spritz it on. Yes, it’s that easy. After you’ve cleansed your skin, hold the bottle a few inches away from your face and mist with about five to seven sprays (your skin should feel saturated), then press it in gently with your fingertips. Make this the first step in your morning routine and follow with the serum, moisturizer or oil of your choice (and sunscreen of course). Or, spray on the hydrosol anytime throughout the day to instantly refresh your complexion. Plus, you can also use these multi-tasking mists in any other number of ways: Spritzed onto your body as fragrance, in your car or home as an air freshener, on sheets and linens to freshen fabric … the list goes on and on.

Looking for a hydrosol to try? Check out evanhealy HydroSouls. A holistic aesthetician, Healy created her line in 1999, focusing on simple, plant-based skincare made with organic ingredients sourced from family farms, tribal villages, and women’s co-operatives. Head to your local Whole Foods Market Store and Whole Body Department to get 25% percent off evanhealy facial care from May 3 to May 30.