INCI: MELISSA OFFICINALIS FLOWER LEAF STEM WATER

The Melissa officinalis , or lemon balm , is a herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean and the western part of Asia. In cosmetics, its hydrosol is recognised for its purifying and soothing properties; it gently rebalances the skin and reduces signs of ageing. Let’s focus on this floral water with multiple virtues.
This substance is obtained by steam distillation of the aerial parts of the plant, namely the stems, leaves and flowers. Distillation results in two distinct fractions: the essential oil and the hydrosol. To achieve 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 none other than the hydrosol. Derived from the same plant, the two fractions have similar properties, but the hydrosol is less concentrated in active species, as 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, Melissa hydrosol is rich in neral, geranial, geraniol, nerol and geranic acid.It is a clear, mobile liquid, colourless to light yellow, with a distinctive scen
When applied topically, the hydrosol of lemon balm has soothing, regenerative and purifying properties.