For the face
After cleansing, it tones and refreshes the skin, eases the feeling of tightness and preps it for serum or cream.
HydrosolMoroccan heritage
Orange blossom water
The bitter orange tree in full bloom every spring.
The orange blossom white, waxy, with a honeyed scent.
The still the flowers are steam-distilled.
The floral water clear, gentle, delicately scented.
INCI · CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATERCreate my orange blossom range
- INCI name
- CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER
- Other names
- Orange flower water, neroli hydrosol, zhar (the Moroccan name for orange blossom)
- Family
- Hydrosol (floral water)
- Part used
- Bitter orange flowers, steam-distilled
- Grades
- Conventional and organic
- Areas
- Face, body, hair, intimate care
In brief
Orange blossom water in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameCITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER
- What it isthe hydrosol obtained by distilling the flowers of the bitter orange tree
- For skintones, refreshes and gently scents the face
- Not to be confused withneroli is the essential oil of the same flowers, petitgrain the oil of the leaves
- Cosmetic or culinaryfor skincare, use a tested, preserved cosmetic grade, not the baking bottle
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is orange blossom water?
Orange blossom water is a hydrosol: the aromatic water collected during the steam distillation of bitter orange flowers (Citrus aurantium var. amara), at the same time as neroli essential oil. It contains only traces of dissolved scent compounds, mainly linalool and alpha-terpineol. In cosmetics, it is used to tone, refresh and gently scent the skin.
Orange blossom water vs neroli vs petitgrain: the difference
Orange blossom water
The hydrosol of bitter orange flowers, collected during distillation. Gentle enough to use neat on the skin. INCI: CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER. This is the one in our formulas.
Neroli
The essential oil distilled from the same flowers, which floats on the floral water. Highly concentrated and rare, it is dosed in drops, never used neat. INCI: CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER OIL.
Petitgrain bigarade
The essential oil of the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, with greener notes. INCI: CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA LEAF/TWIG OIL.
( B )ITS BENEFITS
01 02 03
Orange blossom water benefits for skin and face
A soft, subtle scent
Its floral, honeyed notes lightly scent the product. In a toner or a mist, it can be enough to give the formula its scent signature.
For the formula
A gentle water base steeped in history, replacing all or part of the water in toners, clay masks, cleansers and intimate care.
How to use orange blossom water
- Face
Morning and evening after cleansing, on a cotton pad or as a mist, before serum or cream.
- Mask
Instead of water, to mix a clay or ghassoul (Moroccan rhassoul clay).
- Body and hair
As a fresh mist on the skin or the lengths, for a light scent.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your orange blossom water range
It is the heart of our toning lotion and goes into masks, cleansers and intimate care products ready to carry your brand. Choose a category to see the formulas.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate it
What our formulators take into account when orange blossom water goes into your product.
- 01Water phase
It makes up most of a toning lotion, or complements the reverse osmosis water in a cleanser, a mask or an intimate care product.
- 02A water to protect
A hydrosol does not keep on its own: we combine it with a suitable preservative system, under strict hygiene conditions and in tightly sealed packaging.
- 03Linalool on the label
It naturally brings linalool, a regulated fragrance allergen: we calculate its level and label it according to EU thresholds.
- 04Organic grade and origin
An organic grade is available. Moroccan origin can be highlighted on the packaging, provided it is documented in the product file.
Did you know?
One flower, two treasures
- 99.9%
Distilling bitter orange flowers yields almost nothing but floral water: neroli makes up only about 0.1% of the distillate.
- < 1 g/L
A hydrosol contains less than one gram of essential oil per liter. A study of 22 hydrosols measured a median of about 0.7 g/L for orange blossom water.
- Zhar
This is the name for orange blossom in Morocco. Its water scents festive pastries, and guests are sprinkled with it from a mrach, a traditional sprinkler flask.
Orange blossom water: your questions
An orange blossom water project?Our product specialist answers you on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of orange blossom water for skin?
It tones and refreshes the skin, eases the feeling of tightness after cleansing and gently scents it. Mild, it can be used neat as a toner or a mist.
How do you use orange blossom water on your face?
Morning and evening, after cleansing, on a cotton pad or as a mist, before serum or cream. It can also replace water to mix a clay or ghassoul mask.
What is the difference between neroli, orange blossom water and petitgrain?
Neroli is the essential oil of bitter orange flowers; orange blossom water is the hydrosol collected during the same distillation. Petitgrain is the essential oil of the leaves and twigs. Essential oils are dosed in drops, while the hydrosol is used neat.
Are orange blossom hydrosol and orange blossom water the same thing?
Yes, when it is obtained by distilling the flowers. It is also called orange flower water or neroli hydrosol. The INCI name lets you check that it really is the water distilled from the flowers.
Can you use culinary orange blossom water on your face?
A cosmetic grade is the better choice. Baking orange blossom water is made to be eaten and follows food regulations. The skincare version is tested and preserved for application on the skin, and carries its INCI name.
What is the INCI name of orange blossom water?
Its INCI name is CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER, for the floral water of the bitter orange tree. This is the name that appears in the ingredient list on the packaging.
Can I create an orange blossom water range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We use it in our white label toning lotions, masks, cleansers and intimate care, or in an exclusive private label formula, manufactured in our factory in Morocco.
Sources
- European Commission, CosIng database: CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER
- Maksoud S. et al., Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents, Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review, Molecules (2021)
- Labadie C. et al., Hydrosols of orange blossom (Citrus aurantium) and rose flower support the growth of a heterogeneous spoilage microbiota, Food Research International (2015)
- Analysis of volatile compounds in Citrus × aurantium flower hydrosols by HS-SPME-GC-MS, Molecules (2024)
Your orange blossom water range, formulated in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Free consultation and a selection of formulas, with no commitment.