The lavender has finished flower now and the buds are packed full of essential oil. 'Packed' is a relative word as it takes about 200 pounds of lavender to make 2 liters (70 ounces) of essential oil. The lavender is steam distilled to liberate the oil from the plant material. The oil rises to the top of the distillate and is removed. What is left is termed Hydrosol. Hydrosol has a pH in the 4.2 to 4.7 range. It is fully saturated with the essential oil and is used in the production of organic cosmetics and body products such as shampoos. Our hydrosols are certified organic and sold mainly to organic cosmetic companies.