Purodem® CPD Series
Hydrolats: Distilled Plant Waters in Professional Aromatherapy Practice
A professional CPD course developing safe, structured, and informed use of hydrolats in PEOT (Professional Essential Oils Therapy) practice.
CPD Course Overview
- CPD Hours: 3–6
- Level: Professional CPD
- Delivery: Distance learning
- Assessment: Competency-based
- Prerequisites: See below
- Professional hydrolat use
- Safety and stability awareness
- Therapeutic application skills
- Quality assessment confidence
- Direct application to practice
About The CPD Course
Hydrolats are often misunderstood, described just as gentle or diluted by-products of essential oil distillation, yet they are complex aromatic waters with distinct chemical profiles and therapeutic potential. In professional essential oil therapy practice, they require informed handling, appropriate storage, and clear application rationale.
This course is designed to develop a structured, safety-led approach to working with hydrolats. You will learn how hydrolats differ from essential oils, how quality and stability influence their use, and how to apply them appropriately in therapeutic and formulation contexts. Through guided learning and reflective practice, you will build confidence in selecting, using, and integrating hydrolats within professional practice.
Who This Course Is For
This CPD is suitable for aromatherapists, holistic practitioners, formulation students, and professionals working with aromatic plant materials who wish to develop confidence in the professional use of hydrolats. Prior experience with essential oils is helpful but not essential.
CPD Course Content
Unit 1: Introduction to Hydrolats
- What hydrolats (hydrosols) are and how they differ from other aromatic waters
- Distinguishing true hydrolats from aromatic waters and floral waters
- Overview of steam distillation and how hydrolats are produced
- Chemical composition of hydrolats, including water-soluble constituents and volatile components
- Comparison with essential oils in terms of potency, risk profile, and therapeutic application
Unit 2: Hydrolat Properties
- pH and natural acidity of hydrolats and how this affects stability and shelf life
- Thermal sensitivity and microbiological vulnerability
- Recognising changes over time and common signs of spoilage
- Understanding natural variation between batches or distillation sources
- Assessing organoleptic characteristics, including colour, aroma, and clarity
Unit 3: Hydrolat Safety
- Understanding microbial contamination risks and prevention strategies
- Appropriate storage practices, including refrigeration, packaging choices, and hygiene
- Shelf-life considerations for opened versus unopened hydrolats
- Contraindications and client considerations, where relevant
- Protecting vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin
Unit 4: Therapeutic Actions of Common Hydrolats
- Overview of the therapeutic actions of commonly used hydrolats
- Examples may include:
- Lavender: soothing, cooling, and calming properties
- Chamomile: anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects
- Rose: hydrating, toning, and emotionally supportive qualities
- Tea Tree: gently clarifying and antimicrobial actions
- Peppermint: cooling and refreshing effects
- Neroli: calming and balancing properties
- Witch Hazel (non-alcoholic): astringent and toning actions
- Note that hydrolats used during teaching may vary depending on availability and delivery format
Unit 5: Applications in Professional Practice
- Topical applications of hydrolats, including skin mists, compresses, cleansing solutions, and toners
- Aromatherapy applications such as inhalation via humidifiers or steam
- Use of hydrolats in treatment room sprays, pillow sprays, and linen mists
- Blending hydrolats with each other to create customised aromatic or functional effects
- Integrating hydrolats thoughtfully into holistic treatment sequences
Unit 6: Simple Hydrolat Formulations
- Guided creation of two to four simple hydrolat preparations, such as:
- A hydrolat-based facial toner
- A calming pillow or linen spray
- A topical compress for potential inflammation or heat
- A balanced hydrolat blend for emotional support
- Emphasis on formulation technique, therapeutic rationale, safety considerations, and clear documentation
Unit 7: Assessing Hydrolat Quality
- Visual and aromatic assessment of hydrolats
- Identifying off-notes, cloudiness, or signs of instability
- Understanding expiry dates, batch information, and traceability
- Working with reputable suppliers and sourcing responsibly
- Recognising microbiological concerns and knowing when a hydrolat should be discarded
Unit 8: Professional Documentation & Reflective Practice
- Recording hydrolat use accurately in treatment notes or formulation logs
- Creating hydrolat profiles for personal reference and ongoing learning
- Using reflective practice to review preferences, effectiveness, and client feedback
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
The course is delivered through a combination of tutor-led teaching, guided practical hydrolat evaluation, and structured self-study.
Assessment is competency-based, focusing on understanding, safe application, and reflective practice rather than product outcome or “right or wrong” results.
Assessment methods may include:
- Hydrolat application worksheets
- Quality assessment of a provided hydrolat
- Practical creation of a hydrolat-based preparation
- Short-answer knowledge checks on safety, applications, and storage
- Reflective journaling based on selected hydrolats
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this CPD, participants will be able to:
Understand
- What hydrolats are, how they are produced, and how they differ chemically and therapeutically from essential oils
- Key properties of hydrolats, including pH, microbiological sensitivity, stability, and typical therapeutic actions
- Factors influencing hydrolat quality, including distillation parameters, plant material, and storage conditions
Apply
- Select appropriate hydrolats for potential therapeutic, skincare, or wellbeing purposes
- Use hydrolats safely and effectively in topical, inhalation, and environmental applications
- Prepare simple hydrolat-based preparations such as compresses, facial mists, skin toners, and room sprays
- Assess the condition, freshness, and suitability of a hydrolat for professional use
Integrate into Practice
- Implement appropriate storage, hygiene, and shelf-life management to maintain hydrolat safety
- Record hydrolat use accurately in client notes, treatment plans, or formulation logs
- Demonstrate awareness of legal, safety, and professional standards relevant to hydrolat use
Your CPD Tutor
Deana Kassim
Deana Kassim is Principal Tutor and Director at Purodem. She is a qualified educator, experienced clinical aromatherapist, and member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA), with over 20 years’ experience across the beauty, wellness, and education sectors.
At Purodem, Deana leads professional training in clinical aromatherapy and therapeutic product formulation, alongside ongoing work in bespoke aromatherapeutic remedy development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with hydrolats to take this CPD?
No prior hydrolat experience is required. This CPD is designed to introduce hydrolats in a structured, professional way while remaining useful for practitioners who already use them informally.
Is this course suitable for beginners as well as qualified aromatherapists?
Yes. The course is suitable for beginners with basic aromatherapy knowledge, as well as qualified practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of hydrolat use.
How are hydrolats different from essential oils?
Hydrolats are aromatic waters produced during steam distillation and contain water-soluble constituents in much lower concentrations than essential oils. They have a different safety profile, potency, and range of applications.
Does the course cover hydrolat safety and storage?
Yes. Safety is a core focus of the course and includes microbial risk, storage conditions, shelf life, hygiene, and suitability for different client groups.
Will I learn how to assess hydrolat quality?
Yes. You will learn how to assess hydrolats using visual and aromatic evaluation, recognise signs of spoilage or instability, and understand batch and expiry information.
Will I need to purchase specific hydrolats to complete the course?
No specific purchases are required. Guidance will be provided to allow learners to work with hydrolats they already have access to, where practical activities are included.
Does this CPD include practical formulation work?
Yes. The course includes guided creation of simple hydrolat-based preparations, with an emphasis on technique, safety, and professional rationale rather than product complexity.
Is this CPD relevant for skincare and formulation practice?
Yes. Hydrolats are widely used in skincare and topical formulations, and this CPD covers their safe and appropriate use within a professional context.
Is this course assessed, and how?
Assessment is competency-based and may include worksheets, short-answer knowledge checks, practical activities, and reflective journaling.
Will I receive a certificate on completion?
Yes. On successful completion, you will receive a certificate confirming your CPD hours and participation in the course.
Access
This CPD is being prepared for release as part of the Purodem® Professional CPD Series. You are invited to register your interest to be notified when enrolment opens and full course details, including pricing, are released. Registration does not involve payment or commitment.
Continue Your Professional Development
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