Water Distillation Service :
A High-Quality Option for Extracting Key Compounds from Plants and Herbs
In today’s rapidly growing natural extract industry—covering plant extracts and herbal extracts used in beauty, health, dietary supplements, or even beverages—“essential oil distillation” has become a critical process for capturing active ingredients and distinctive aromas from plants. These extracts not only boost product value but also offer diverse benefits for both health and beauty.
When discussing distillation techniques to obtain essential oils, many are familiar with steam distillation. However, there is another method well-suited to materials sensitive to heat and high pressure: water distillation, which operates at lower temperatures and pressures to preserve the full value of a plant’s active compounds and natural aromas. This article introduces water distillation, the key substances obtained, the scientific properties, and how to incorporate them into a wide range of products.
What Is Water Distillation?
Water distillation is a method of extracting essential oil by directly boiling raw materials—such as flowers or herbs—in water. The resulting vapor combines water and essential oil. This vapor then moves into a condenser, where it is cooled back into a liquid, allowing for systematic separation between the essential oil and the aromatic water (hydrosol).
Advantages of Extracting Essential Oils via Water Distillation
- Gentle on heat-sensitive plants – Avoids high temperatures or pressures, suitable for delicate ingredients like roses, lavender, jasmine, or young herb leaves
- Preserves natural aroma – Uses the temperature of boiling water (around 100°C) under normal atmospheric pressure without damaging the plant’s original scent
Types of Compounds Obtained from Water Distillation
Volatile Compounds in Essential Oil
- Monoterpenes (e.g., Limonene, α-Pinene, β-Pinene)
- Found in fresh-scented plants (e.g., lemongrass, citrus, kaffir lime)
- Offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
2. Sesquiterpenes (e.g., β-Caryophyllene)
- Found in spices like clove, ginger, turmeric
- Provide analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting effects
3. Aldehydes, Ketones, Esters, or Lactones (e.g., Citral, Linalool, Geraniol)
- Common in fragrant flowers (lavender, rose, jasmine) or culinary herbs (lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves)
- Possess antioxidant and aromatherapeutic properties
Water-Soluble (Hydrophilic) Compounds in Hydrosol
- Polyphenols
- Might leach into water during boiling, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
2. Flavonoids
- A group of compounds with high antioxidant activity that help hydrosols nourish and restore the skin, and may also contribute to overall health in certain cases.
Notable Properties
- Antioxidant – Polyphenols, flavonoids in hydrosol, and certain volatile molecules protect skin cells from free radicals, slowing skin aging
- Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing – Sesquiterpenes (like β-Caryophyllene) and monoterpenes (like Linalool) reduce inflammation and irritation
- Antimicrobial – Compounds such as Citral, Geraniol, and Eucalyptol combat bacteria and fungi, suitable for cleansers or acne-prevention products
- Aromatherapy and Mood Regulation – Esters or monoterpenes (e.g., Linalyl acetate) can calm the central nervous system, decrease stress, and uplift mood
- Skin Barrier Enhancement – Some water-soluble extracts (hydrosols) add hydration and reduce irritation, improving skin from within
Which Raw Materials Suit Water Distillation?
- Heat-Sensitive Herbs or Plants
- Flowers or tender leaves needing lower temperature and gentle processing (e.g., rose, lavender, jasmine)
- Materials Requiring Natural Aroma Preservation
- Water distillation occurs at ~100°C under normal pressure, preserving original scents
- Plants/Herbs with Moderate to Low Essential Oil Content
- Even with limited oil yield, water distillation can effectively extract desired compounds without higher steam-distillation pressures
Applications for Water Distillation Extracts
- Skincare and Cosmetics
- Toners, serums, lotions: The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actives from plant extracts or herbs derived via water distillation deeply nourish the skin
- Hydrosols: Used as facial sprays or moisturizing mists for sensitive skin
2. Health Products
- Functional Beverages: Hydrosols from lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, or other herbs enhance taste and aroma, offering health benefits
- Herbal Capsules: Concentrated essential oil or bioactive extracts can be encapsulated for dietary supplements or herbal remedies
3. Spa and Aromatherapy
- Massage Oils: Combine potent essential oils with carrier oils (jojoba, etc.) for therapeutic or relaxation effects
- Diffusers and Aroma Equipment: Essential oils from water distillation, used in diffusers, help create a tranquil environment, reducing stress and providing refreshing ambiance
Suitability for Various Scales: From Pilot to Full Production
- Pilot Scale
- Ideal for testing raw material effectiveness and fine-tuning formulations before large-scale manufacturing
- Semi-Industrial Scale
- Facilitates brand expansion and cost analysis, enabling confident scaling and production strategy
- Full Industrial Scale
- Supports extensive production runs while maintaining consistent quality, often in partnership with specialized collaborators
Why Choose Our Water Distillation Service?
- Multidisciplinary Experts
- Our biochemistry researchers understand a wide variety of plant and herbal extract profiles
- One-Stop, Comprehensive Service
- From plant species selection and water distillation planning to result analysis and marketing insights
- Advanced Equipment & Technology
- Automated boilers and condensers adaptable to different volumes for optimum essential oil yields
- Focus on Safety and Ecology
- Strict quality control throughout the process, minimal hazardous chemicals, and adherence to environmental care
- Research and Custom Formulation Support
- Guidance on adjusting concentrate levels or aroma profiles to meet market needs, plus in-depth research for health-oriented products
Essential oil extraction via water distillation is especially suitable for heat- or pressure-sensitive herbs and plants, delivering volatile compounds and some water-soluble elements (polyphenols, flavonoids) in a gentle manner. This method retains the chemical integrity of the plant or herb extracts—be they monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, or polyphenolic compounds—beneficial to both skin health and emotional well-being.
If you’re seeking a water distillation partner you can trust, to develop natural or herbal extracts, we stand ready to provide end-to-end support—covering raw material selection, extraction design, and quality assessment. Contact us to explore how we can create value-added solutions for cosmetics, health products, or aromatherapy lines using water distillation technology. Click here
