Description

Spiraea ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet or dropwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. Spiraea ulmaria flower water, also known as meadowsweet flower water or hydrosol, is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract essential oils from the plant's flowers. It is valued for its soothing and aromatic properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Spiraea ulmaria flower water contains a variety of compounds derived from the plant’s essential oils and water-soluble components, including:

Salicylic Acid: Present in trace amounts, providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and rutin, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: Providing astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Saponins: Offering mild therapeutic benefits.
The composition of flower water is less concentrated than essential oil, but it retains beneficial properties from the plant's flowers.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a clear to slightly cloudy liquid.
Odor: Fresh, slightly sweet, and floral, with a hint of the plant's natural fragrance.
Solubility: Completely miscible with water.
pH: Generally slightly acidic, but can vary depending on the specific production process.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The flowers of Spiraea ulmaria are collected during the blooming period, usually in summer.
Distillation: The flowers are subjected to steam distillation, a process where steam passes through the plant material, extracting essential oils and volatile compounds. The resulting condensate contains both essential oil and flower water.
Separation: After distillation, the essential oil and flower water are separated. The flower water is collected for use.
Filtration: The flower water may be filtered to remove any residual plant material or impurities.
Formulation: The flower water can be used directly or incorporated into cosmetic, skincare, and other products.

Applications:

Cosmetics and Skincare: Used in facial toners, mists, and creams for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It helps balance the skin and provide a pleasant, floral aroma.
Aromatherapy: Employed in aromatherapy products for its gentle, calming fragrance.
Herbal Remedies: Utilized in various herbal formulations for its mild therapeutic effects and refreshing qualities.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of Spiraea ulmaria flower water is generally sustainable, particularly when using organic cultivation methods. Ensuring responsible harvesting practices helps preserve natural habitats.
Safety: Flower water is typically considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, but individuals with allergies to aspirin or related compounds should be cautious due to the presence of salicylic acid.

INCI


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84775-57-5 EC number 283-886-3