- 19 May 2026
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Hydrosols and floral waters are experiencing remarkable growth, driven by increasing demand for naturalness and transparency. However, behind their apparent simplicity lies a demanding production process that directly determines their quality.
Botanical expertise
An authentic hydrosol is obtained exclusively through steam distillation, without dilution or the addition of aromatic substances. This traditional method makes it possible to extract the plant’s water-soluble compounds while preserving its natural signature.
However, the quality of the final product is closely linked to the quality of the raw material. Plants harvested under poor conditions, exposed to excessive heat, or improperly dried can lead to significant visual and olfactory defects. These variations in practices often explain the price differences observed on the market. Controlling the entire supply chain, starting from crop selection, therefore represents an essential lever for us.
By controlling the quality of the plants from the very beginning, as well as every stage of the manufacturing process, we guarantee hydrosols that meet the highest standards, both in terms of regulatory compliance and sensory quality. This level of commitment allows you to use our ingredients with complete confidence, benefiting from compliant INCI designations and impeccable traceability.
Focus on Organic Spearmint Hydrosol
Obtained from the distillation of the aerial parts before flowering, Organic Spearmint, harvested from our organic cultivation fields and distilled at our distillery in Eygluy-Escoulin, provides a softer and rounder sensation of freshness, without an intense cooling effect. It is used to bring a balanced fresh note and to soften or round out stronger menthol accords.
Compatible with numerous applications (cosmetics, hygiene products, and functional perfumery), spearmint hydrosol is particularly well suited for formulations intended for sensitive users or frequent use, notably due to its purifying, soothing, and relaxing properties.
Microbiological control
Sensitive products
Hydrosols and floral waters are naturally sensitive matrices from a microbiological standpoint.
Derived from plants, they contain nutrients, including sugars, that can promote the growth of bacteria and yeasts.
For manufacturers, this sensitivity represents a major challenge
The integration of these ingredients into cosmetic or food formulations requires perfect control of their stability over time. Membrane filtration using low-porosity filters is now the most widely used stabilization method, as it significantly reduces the initial microbial load. In addition, preservative systems compatible with organic standards can be used, particularly in cosmetic applications.
However, these operations remain highly delicate. They require strict hygiene conditions, suitable equipment, and specific expertise that is often difficult to implement within standard production lines. Full control of this critical step relies on:
- rigorous selection of raw materials,
- filtration processes considered as critical operations,
- controlled environments (clean rooms),
- and strict operating procedures.
An increasing number of manufacturers are asking us to manage this process and guarantee the bacteriological quality of the hydrosols and floral waters they use. Our expertise enables us to ensure consistent microbiological quality, securing both your industrial applications and the shelf life of your finished products.
Did you know?
Our experience allows us to deliver a 99.1% service quality rate for Hydrosols and Floral Waters to our customers.
Olfactory expertise
Olfactory longevity value
With the growing use of these products, expectations regarding their olfactory performance are becoming increasingly demanding. Consumers today pay close attention to the sensory quality of products, which drives manufacturers to ensure an olfactory experience that is both pleasant, long-lasting, and consistent. As a result, fragrance longevity over time, as well as batch-to-batch stability, have become key challenges.
Maintaining a consistent and reliable olfactory signature has become a decisive factor in ensuring user satisfaction and preserving the perceived quality of products.
The influence of numerous parameters
The previously mentioned defects, as well as the conditions under which distillation and filtration operations are carried out, have a direct influence on the final olfactory quality of products.
Each stage of the manufacturing process can indeed alter the balance of aromatic compounds and affect the desired sensory characteristics. Interactions between raw materials and preservative agents also play a decisive role. These phenomena can lead to variations in the initial olfactory profile and influence its evolution over time. It is therefore essential to control all formulation and production parameters in order to ensure the stability and consistency of the products’ olfactory properties.
Document control
Reliable commitments
Hydrosols and floral waters are still relatively little-known ingredients. Development and regulatory departments require precise and reliable data attesting to their quality.
High-level requirements
These ingredients must be capable of delivering real added value to finished products, particularly through attributes related to their functional activity, their organic or fair-trade nature, as well as their origin of production.
As consumers are increasingly attentive to traceability and the quality of raw materials used, these criteria have become key differentiating factors.
In this context, the choice of producer is particularly important. Working with a supplier that has a structured regulatory department, along with relevant labels and certifications for its raw materials, represents a major asset. It not only helps secure regulatory and quality aspects of projects, but also strengthens the credibility and market positioning of the products.
Why choose Elixens France?
Elixens meets four key criteria:
- Agricultural and distillation expertise through our filière Dauphiné-Provence
- High-performance quality approach
- Guaranteed olfactory quality
- Comprehensive documentation service
Our hydrosols and floral waters are 100% natural and organic, with a strong sustainability profile. Most are also certified fair trade and COSMOS.
Elixens France is committed to making their use simpler, more reliable, and more enjoyable. So, let your creativity flow by relying on our organic hydrosols and floral waters, and let’s share together what nature inspires.