HOW THEY'RE MADE: DISTILLATION
Floral waters are a product of steam distillation.
Steam passes through the flowers, taking with it precious molecules from the plant. Then, as the steam is cooled, it condenses back into a liquid that consists of two phases.
Floating on the surface, lighter than water, is the essential oil. Below it is the water, which contains small amounts of water-soluble essential oil molecules. This "floral" water gently delivers, to the skin, the scents and properties of the distilled plant.
Floral waters have (in small proportions) the same characteristics and benefits as an essential oil.