What it is
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water is the hydrosol produced during steam distillation of bitter orange blossoms, carrying water-soluble aromatic constituents. It is used in cosmetics as a fragrant, skin-conditioning aqueous base and toning ingredient. It naturally imparts a soft floral scent to formulas.
Safety & warnings
As a dilute hydrosol it is generally mild and well tolerated. It does carry natural floral aroma constituents, including possible traces of fragrance allergens such as limonene and linalool, so individuals sensitive to citrus or floral fragrance may wish to patch test.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived; the aqueous distillate (hydrosol) co-produced with neroli essential oil during steam distillation of Citrus aurantium amara flowers.
History
Orange blossom water has a long history in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures for both culinary and cosmetic use, and it remains popular in skincare as a gentle floral hydrosol.
Questions everyone asks
What is neroli water?
It is the fragrant hydrosol left over from distilling bitter orange blossoms into neroli oil, used as a soft floral, skin-conditioning aqueous ingredient.
Is flower water the same as the essential oil?
No. The flower water is the dilute aqueous distillate, while neroli essential oil is the concentrated oil; the water is much gentler and primarily aromatic.