What is "Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water" and what is its utility?

The Pelargonium graveolens is a shrub belonging to the family of Geraniaceae. The name of this plant is derived from the Greek pelargós (πελαργός), which means stork, as the shape of the fruit resembles the beak of this bird. Originally from Southern Africa, it was imported into Europe at the end of the 16th century. Due to its fragrant and aesthetic flowers, it became very popular in the gardens of French chateaus. Numerous hybridisations were carried out, giving birth to an exceptional variety of species: over 600 species are recorded today worldwide.

The rose geranium, also known as bourbon geranium because it originates from Reunion, is a hybrid species resulting from the reproduction between P. capitatum x P. graveolens and P. capitatum x P. radens. This type of geranium is primarily cultivated for its rose-like scent; it is widely used in perfumery.

"Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water" is the name I.N.C.I. used to refer to the floral water or hydrosol of rose geranium.

This substance is obtained bysteam distillation of the leaves and stems of the plant. Distillation allows for the extraction of two distinct fractions: theessential oiland thehydrosol. To do this, the plant is heated in a still filled with water for several hours. The steam is then cooled in a condenser and collected in liquid form. The essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, floats on the surface, which is nothing but the hydrosol. Derived from the same plant, the two fractions have similar properties, but the hydrosol is less concentrated in active species because the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities. Therefore, it can be used without contraindications by children and pregnant women, unlike the essential oil.

In terms of its chemical composition, rose geranium hydrosol is rich in citronellol, geraniol and to a lesser extent, linalool. It is a clear, mobile liquid, colourless with a fresh rose scent.