Lemon Verbena Hydrosol

INCI: Aloysia Citrodora Flower Water

Lemon verbena hydrosol is a fragrant botanical water distilled from Aloysia citrodora.
It is valued in cosmetics for its refreshing, purifying, and soothing properties and its naturally uplifting citrus-herbal aroma.

1. Cosmetic Functions

• Skin-conditioning agent
• Mild astringent & toner
• Soothing / calming
• Refreshing and deodorizing
• Natural fragrance component

2. Skin Benefits

• Oily & acne-prone skin
• Helps regulate excess sebum
• Gently refines pores
• Refreshes congested skin

Normal & combination skin

• Improves skin clarity and comfort
• Maintains hydration balance

Sensitive skin

• Calming and less irritating than citrus essential oils
• Suitable when formulated at appropriate pH

3. Hair & Scalp Benefits

• Refreshes oily scalp
• Helps reduce scalp odor
• Adds light shine and freshness to hair mists
• Ideal for summer hair products

4. Typical Usage Levels

• Product Type Usage Rate
• Facial toners / mists 50–100%
• Creams & lotions 10–70% (water phase)
• Gels & serums 20–90%
• Cleansers 10–40%
• Scalp sprays & hair tonics 40–100%
• Clay masks 30–100%

5. Advantages Over Citrus Essential Oils

• Non-phototoxic (unlike lemon essential oil)
• Much gentler, suitable for leave-on products
• Provides fresh citrus aroma without irritation risk

6. Compatible Cosmetic Ingredients

• Humectants: glycerin, propylene glycol, panthenol
• Soothing agents: allantoin, aloe vera, centella extract
• Actives: niacinamide, zinc PCA (low levels), gluconolactone
• Botanicals: green tea, chamomile, witch hazel
• Surfactants: cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside

7. Example Formulations

A. Purifying Facial Toner

• Lemon verbena hydrosol – 70%
• Geranium hydrosol – 20%
• Glycerin – 3%
• Niacinamide – 3%
• Preservative – q.s.

B. Refreshing Scalp Mist

• Lemon verbena hydrosol – 60%
• Rosemary hydrosol – 30%
• Panthenol – 2%
• Zinc PCA – 0.5%
• Preservative – q.s.

C. Cooling After-Sun Mist

• Lemon verbena hydrosol – 80%
• Aloe vera juice – 15%
• Allantoin – 0.3%
• Preservative – q.s.

8. Preservation & Stability

Hydrosols require preservation once opened or formulated

Effective preservatives:

• Liquid Germall Plus
• Geogard ECT
• Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin
• Recommended pH range: 4.5–6.5