How is lemon verbena hydrosol used?

Grown in the tropical regions of South America, the lemon verbena is a shrubby plant from the Verbenaceae family. It can be recognised by its small flowers bearing thin and narrow petals that are arranged in clusters on the stems. They are either white or lilac in colour with yellow stamens that stand out in the centre. The Gauls considered it a sacred herb and used it to "cast spells and predict the future", "break curses and bring joy", according to the texts of Pliny the Elder. Long used solely for culinary purposes, lemon verbena subsequently made its entrance into the therapeutic and cosmetic fields.

From its flowers, we obtain through steam distillation of thelemon verbena hydrosol. It presents itself as a colourless liquid, sometimes slightly opalescent, and has a fresh and tangy characteristic scent that makes it very popular in perfumery. Although the floral water is less loaded with actives than its essential oil, it remains an interesting ingredient to incorporate into cosmetic care and can be used by the whole family, including children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Thanks to its composition rich in active molecules with anti-inflammatory properties, lemon verbena hydrosol can be used on the skin to reduce redness and itching. It indeed contains geranial, a compound capable of inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, a complex inflammasome that triggers an inflammatory signalling pathway. NLRP3 notably increases the synthesis of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Furthermore, the application of lemon verbena hydrosol helps to combat oxidative stress. Pollution or UV rays are responsible for the excessive generation of free radicals, species that damage DNA, cell membranes, and certain proteins. However, the lemon verbena floral water contains citral, a natural antioxidant that activates the Nrf2 transcription factor by dissociating it from its KEAP1 inhibitor. This notably increases the production of glutathione, a compound also capable of neutralising free radicals through an electron donation.

The hydrosol of lemon verbena is also highly valued by individuals with oily or acne-prone skin for its antibacterial properties. This ingredient helps to eliminate certain bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes, which is partly responsible for acne. The floral water of lemon verbena works by inhibiting the ability of these bacteria to communicate with each other via molecular mediators (quorum sensing).

How to apply lemon verbena hydrolat?

It is important to note that lemon verbena hydrosol is never used undiluted. It is typically diluted in water, at 5 or 10%.

• As a toner.

  Lemon verbena hydrosol serves as an excellent facial toner. Its use helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce redness or itching, and assist in limiting bacterial proliferation in cases of acne. After the stages of makeup removal and skin cleansing, soak a cotton pad, preferably reusable and washable, with lemon verbena hydrosol diluted in water and apply it to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. You can perform this action morning and evening according to your desires and needs.

• In spray form.

  You can also enjoy the benefits of lemon verbena hydrosol by using it diluted in water in the form of a spray. In the morning or during the day, gently mist the floral water onto your face, taking care to keep your eyes closed. This action also allows you to appreciate the refreshing properties of the lemon verbena hydrosol.

• As a mask.

  Lemon hydrosol integrates perfectly into a mask to purify or restore radiance to the skin. For this purpose, we offer a radiance mask enriched with organic lemon verbena floral water (INCI: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water), but also with organic turmeric (INCI: Curcuma Longa Root Extract) and yellow clay (INCI: Kaolin). It revitalises the skin and protects it from the negative effects of oxidative stress, by neutralising free radicals, for a uniform and luminous complexion.

Thelemon verbena hydrosol is also a beneficial ingredient for hair and scalp. It is particularly used for its refreshing effect and the pleasant fragrance it imparts to the hair. It is also highly appreciated by individuals with irritated or itchy scalp, as it possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Moreover, the floral water of lemon verbena is light and non-greasy, which allows it to be used both on the scalp itself and on the lengths of the hair.

• As a corrective treatment.

  Applying diluted lemon verbena hydrosol in water to the scalp can soothe irritations, which also limits its flaking. To do this, apply a few drops to your scalp and gently massage. There is no need to rinse, as lemon verbena floral water does not have a greasy texture.

  Note : It is said that lemon verbena hydrosol has an anti-lice effect and can be used as a preventive or corrective treatment. To do this, apply a few drops behind each ear and gently massage. However, this property has not been scientifically proven.

• In a refreshing spray.

  Just as with the face, it is possible to dilute lemon verbena hydrosol in water and then spray it onto your hair lengths. This will give your hair a light, tangy and fresh fragrance, without weighing it down.

• CANAC P. & al. Traité d'aromathérapie scientifique et médicale, les hydrolats (1ère édition). Paris : Édition Sang de la Terre (2018).

• LUIZ R. & al. Citral prevents UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in hairless mice. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology (2019).