How to Make a Hydrosol at Home

A Step-by-Step Guide Using Spearmint and a Simple Distiller

There’s something magical about capturing the essence of a plant in its purest, most natural form. If you’ve ever used rose water or lavender hydrosols, you’ve already experienced the soothing, aromatic benefits of herbal hydrosols—also known as flower waters, floral hydrosols, or aromatic water. Today, I’m walking you through exactly how to make a hydrosol using fresh spearmint from my garden, a stainless steel countertop distiller, and a few simple tools you likely already have.

No fancy equipment needed—just real plant material, some time, and a love for working with aromatic plants.

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What Is a Hydrosol?

A true hydrosol is the water-based result of steam distillation—a gentle process that captures the essence of aromatic plants. Here’s how it works: water is heated beneath fresh plant material, producing steam that draws out the volatile oils of the plant. As the steam cools and condenses, it separates into two parts: a small amount of essential oil, and a fragrant, water-based liquid called hydrosol.

Aromatic Water, Not Just Scented Water

Unlike infused waters or diluted essential oils, genuine hydrosols—sometimes called floral waters or aromatic waters—contain the water-soluble plant compounds that are naturally present in the herb or flower. This makes them a much gentler option for regular use, especially on sensitive skin, children, or even in herbal teas (if food-safe).

Hydrosols carry the therapeutic properties of the plant in a milder form. They can be used in a variety of ways, from facial toners, body mists, and hair care sprays, to DIY recipes and even cleaning products.

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Why I Chose Spearmint

I chose spearmint for this batch of homemade hydrosol because it’s one of my personal garden staples. It’s a cooling herb with a bright, fresh scent that lifts the mood and soothes the skin. The leaves were harvested early in the morning, when the plant matter is at its most aromatic.

The resulting mint hydrosol is perfect in a mint spritz bottle for those hot summer days, and I love using it as a facial toner, body mist, or even as a hair rinse to help calm an irritated scalp.

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Save for Later!

Other Herbs to Use for DIY Hydrosols

You don’t need fancy equipment to explore the world of herbal hydrosols. Once you’ve learned how to make a hydrosol, you can experiment with a variety of plants depending on what you grow or have access to.

Here are a few of my favorite botanicals to distill:

Lavender

Lavender hydrosol is one of the most beloved floral hydrosols for good reason. It’s soothing, calming, and wonderful for facial toners, room sprays, and even baby care. It’s also excellent for minor skin irritations, making it a must-have in your natural first aid kit.

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Chamomile

Chamomile hydrosol is incredibly gentle and calming—especially great for sensitive or inflamed skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in diaper sprays, sunburn relief, or to settle irritated skin after shaving.

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Yarrow

Yarrow is a more medicinal-smelling herb, but it’s powerful. A yarrow hydrosol can help with acne-prone skin, minor cuts, or skin that’s healing. It’s rich in compounds that support skin regeneration and reduce redness, making it one of my go-to options for targeted skin concerns.

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Other Favorites

You can also experiment with:

• Rose hydrosol – A luxurious favorite with a long shelf life, wonderful in skincare routines and natural perfumes.
• Rosemary hydrosol – Stimulating and clarifying, often used for hair care and scalp health.
• Lemon balm – A gentle herb that supports emotional balance and has mild antiviral properties.
• Orange blossom (neroli) – Light, floral, and comforting, commonly used in body care and room sprays.
• Holy basil (tulsi) – Uplifting and grounding, perfect for daily routines or spiritual use.

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A Gentle Option for Natural Living

The beauty of DIY hydrosol making is that it connects you more closely to the plants you use. With a simple setup—a large stock pot, distilled water, ice cubes, and a clean mason jar—you can make your own hydrosol at home from fresh or dried herbs.

Once you try it, you’ll likely want to explore even more combinations. And as always, when using hydrosols internally or on sensitive skin, start with small amounts, check for reactions, and use at your own risk.

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Supplies You’ll Need

Whether you’re using a distiller or going the large stock pot and glass bowl route, here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh spearmint or any aromatic plant matter (fresh rose petals work beautifully too!)
• Distilled water (preferable but filtered or tap water can work as well)
• A home distiller or a stovetop setup with a clean mason jar, stainless steel pot, and heat-safe glass bowl
• A pot lid (or pot upside down) if not using a distiller
• A bag of ice or ice cubes (optional mini water pump)
• A measuring cup and bottles for storage
• A dark place to store your finished homemade hydrosol

Tip: The first step is always gathering high-quality, clean aromatic plants early in the morning, when their volatile oils are strongest.

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How to Make a Hydrosol Using a Distiller

(or a large pot if you’re just getting started)

Harvest Your Herb

Begin by harvesting fresh spearmint in the early morning when the plant’s natural oils are at their peak. Gently rinse off any dirt and pat dry. Lightly fill the herb basket of your distiller—or the center of your pot—with the fresh spearmint leaves and stems. Avoid packing it too tightly, so steam can move through easily.

Prepare the Distiller

Fill the base of your distiller with distilled water, and make sure your glass receiving jar or bowl is positioned correctly to catch the hydrosol. The option of using a mini water pump is extremely preferred. I’ve use mine without it before and I went through my ice very quickly and was unable to utilize all the herbs/water left over. I am still using ice every so often in the bucket/tub with the water pump but not nearly the same amount. 

If you’re using a large pot instead, place a heat-safe bowl upside-down in the center. Arrange the herbs around the bowl, and then place another heat-safe bowl on top to catch the hydrosol. Invert the pot lid and place ice cubes or a sealed bag of ice on top. This helps create condensation during distillation.

Begin the Steam Distillation

Turn the heat to medium and allow the water to slowly come to a simmer. As the steam rises, it will carry the plant’s water-soluble compounds and essential oils with it. When that steam hits the cool lid or condenser, it turns back into liquid and drips down into the receiving bowl or bottle. If you have a distiller, the steam goes through the pipes and cools in the submerged coils, emptying out the bottom opening into your glass jar.

Let the process continue until you’ve collected a good amount of hydrosol—usually about 45 minutes to an hour, or depending upon the size of your distiller. Mine has a 2 cup water loss. When I’ve gotten close to the amount of hydrosol, minus 2 cups worth, I know it’s time to discontinue. 

Cool and Bottle

Once your distillation is complete, let the hydrosol cool fully. Then carefully pour it into sterilized, dark-colored glass bottles. Amber or cobalt blue bottles work best to protect the hydrosol from light.

Don’t forget to label the bottle with the name of the herb and the date it was made. For best results, store your hydrosol in the refrigerator or in a dark, cool cabinet. It should keep well for 6 to 12 months.

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Ways to Use Your Homemade Hydrosol

This part is the most fun! Hydrosols are gentle, versatile, and truly a joy to use in many areas of your daily life.

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In Skin Care

Facial Toner or Post-Cleansing Mist

Spritz directly onto the face after cleansing to calm and balance the skin.

Soothing Add-On to Your Skincare Routine

Hydrosols can be used as a gentle layer under your moisturizer, helping your skin absorb the benefits of the volatile oils of the plant.

Breakout Support

Mix your hydrosol with witch hazel or aloe vera gel to help soothe irritated or acne-prone skin.

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In Home & Body

Refreshing Body Mist

On a hot day, a cool spritz of your hydrosol feels amazing and can uplift your mood too.

Natural Hair Care Spray

Use it on your scalp to relieve dryness or irritation—especially helpful with rosemary hydrosol or peppermint hydrosol.

Room or Linen Spray

Floral waters like lavender or rose hydrosol make lovely natural air fresheners or linen sprays.

DIY Cleaning Products

Add to your homemade cleaners for their aromatic and gentle cleansing properties.

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In Your Daily Routine

Internal Use with Caution

If your hydrosol is food-safe, you can add a small amount to herbal tea or mix with honey for a mild remedy.

DIY Projects and Recipes

Hydrosols blend beautifully with oils and emulsifiers in all kinds of DIY skincare or body care recipes.

Bath or Foot Soaks

Add to your bath for a calming, cooling soak—chamomile hydrosol is one of my personal favorites for this.

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A Note on Safety

Always use at your own risk, especially when applying to sensitive skin or using internally. True hydrosols are safe in small amounts, but it’s always wise to do a patch test or consult a trusted resource if unsure

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a hydrosol is a beautiful introduction to working with plant matter in a mindful, intentional way. It’s a wonderful skill to add to your natural formulator toolbox—whether you’re creating diy hydrosols for daily routine, or looking for natural ways to connect with herbs.

And don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. Like most diy projects, this one gets easier—and more rewarding—each round.

Let me know if you give this a try or if you’d like help getting started. I love hearing how others use their homemade hydrosol in creative ways!