8. Conclusion

The production of hydrolats and floral waters is the result of an ancestral practice linked to the manufacture of essential oils. Hydrodistillation (or steam distillation) is a process used to harvest these oils, which are considered the noble part of the extraction process. Hydrolats and floral waters have long been considered by-products of this process. However, some of these aqueous extracts, such as orange blossom water, rose water and cornflower water, have made their way into everyday use.

Over the years, the use of essential oils has become increasingly popular, and their commercialization has grown. Proportionately, cases of allergy and other misuse of these active concentrates have highlighted the potential danger of their use without strict regulation. As a result, both industry and consumers have taken a fresh look at the aqueous fraction associated...