What is the difference between
fragrance oils, essential oils and hydrosols? 

A brief overview about why essential oils are of higher quality than fragrance oils and why hydrosols are beneficial to your skin.

Fragrance oils are synthetically manufactured chemical scents and contain artificial substances. They are developed in a laboratory. One of the main benefits is that they are non-volatile and generally last longer than essential oils. Fragrance oils are comparatively stable thanks to their chemical ingredients.
They do not offer any inherent benefits unless chemical ingredients are added that help to improve the skin. Supplemented by artificial vitamins the true effects of fragrance oils are often vague and the list of potential side effects is shockingly impressive.

Nowadays it is unfortunately quite common to rely heavily on fragrance oils.
Certainly, for one purpose: cutting costs and avoiding a complex blending procedure.

Synthetic fragrances should be avoided or only used in small doses; yet they are one of the most spread cosmetic ingredients out there.

Essential oils are steam-distilled, or solvent extracted from pure plant parts such as the blossom, fruit, leaf, stem, or bark. They are used as scents and flavors in cosmetics, perfumes, or treatment applications in aromatherapy. Essential oils are also called absolute oils due to their unaltered nature.

The main reason essential oils are deemed as most valuable oils are their unrivaled softening as well as moisturizing qualities for skin and hair.
The complex extraction processes ensure that natural essential oils keep the inherent qualities of the plants alive. If used correctly, an essential oil not only provides enhancements for your skin but also contributes to the all-round well-being of body and mind as the scents are very intense.

As it is the case with every natural ingredient, some people may still be allergic to components from an essential oil.
Paracelsus states: 'All things are poison and nothing (is) without poison; only the dose makes that a thing is no poison.'
All natural ingredients does not mean it works for everyone. It is important to find the correct balance by mixing them together. Hydrosols are one example of making use of essential oils without the risk of overdosing.
A good product will make sure that you get all the benefits from an essential oil without dealing with side effects.

Hydrosols are known as natural, floral waters.
The word 'hydrosol' is formed from the combination of the two words 'hydro' meaning water and 'sol' meaning solution. 
A true hydrosol is made out of condensed water captured after steam distillation. They are produced by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant resources. 

Hydrosols have similar properties as essential oils. These aromatic waters are just much less concentrated and contain minimal essential amounts (typically around 0.2%). It is still enough that hydrosols have a scent like the essential oil.

Hydrosols excellently complement essential oils because they are gentle enough to be used directly on the skin for products such as the Kōena Tropical Face Mist.

As described above, the plant's natural benefits determine the effect: a special scent for aromatherapy, skin hydration and moisturizing, anti-inflammatory or caring effects to mitigate skin problems.

Kōena is focusing on only using essential oils and hydrosols and change the beauty industry for the better.

You will find alcohol* as main ingredient in many cosmetic products where it is used as stabilizer that irritates and dries out your skin. Kōena avoids or keeps the dose of alcohol as little as possible. Instead, Kōena relies on special hydrosols as a base for fragrances and face mists.

*Ethanol is the alcohol used for perfumery. A fancier term is 'Perfumers Alcohol' which is a blend of ethanol, isopropyl myristate and mono propylene glycol.