The benefits of rose water

20/04/20213 min read

Bottles of essential rose oil and flowers on white wooden table

We use rosewater for a range of health and skincare benefits. Find out what rosewater is along with the different benefits they promote and ways to use it.

Summary

1What is rosewater?

Rosewater is made by distilling or simmering rose petals in water. This process departs the petals’ fragrance and oils into the water, leaving an...

Jump to details below

2Rosewater benefits

While rosewater may still be prized for its gentle fragrance, there is a range of reported beauty benefits that may work for your skincare routine...

Jump to details below

3Ways to use rosewater

Whether you choose a pre-made product or try making it at home, there are plenty of ways to use rosewater. You could try using pure rosewater in...

Jump to details below

Shop all Aromatherapy Home

Jump to section

What is rosewater?
Rosewater benefits
Ways to use rosewater
Related products

Explore related topics

Hair & Skin Health

Rosewater is thought to be one of the oldest beauty products on the planet. Long before roses were cultivated in gardens, wild roses were used to make rosewater.

Legend has it that rosewater was invented when petals fell into a fountain at an ancient royal wedding. As the sun heated the water, the rose petals released a wonderful perfume once the oils were released. The princess dabbed the droplets onto her skin, and the association with beauty began.¹

Rosewater was equally as popular in the Roman Empire, with fountains and public baths overflowing with petals. One story even suggests that Emperor Nero had pipes installed to sprinkle his guests with rosewater during a dinner party.²

Historically, rosewater was prized for its floral fragrance. Today, we use rosewater for a range of reported health and skincare benefits. But is it worth the hype? We’ve got everything you need to know below.

What is rosewater?

Rosewater is made by distilling or simmering rose petals in water. This process departs the petals’ fragrance and oils into the water, leaving an infusion behind.³

It’s possible to make rosewater at home, although it’s best to use certain types of rose petals to get the best result. You can also buy commercial rosewater, as well as products that contain it along with other ingredients.⁴

Rosewater benefits

While rosewater may still be prized for its gentle fragrance, there is a range of reported beauty benefits that may work for your skincare routine.

Some rosewater benefits might include:

flower rose purple blossom brown petal carnation geranium

Reduced redness⁵
Soothing effect⁶
Refresh and plump skin⁷
Helps even skin tone⁸
Moisturisation⁹
Enhanced mood¹⁰

Like with any skincare product, proceed with caution. If you notice any irritation, stop using your rosewater product immediately and seek professional advice. Nevertheless, rosewater is considered safe to use for most skin types.¹¹

Rosewater is a common ingredient in specific recipes too. If you plan to use rosewater in your cooking or drink preparation, watch out for any unwanted symptoms after eating and drinking.

Ways to use rosewater

Whether you choose a pre-made product or try making it at home, there are plenty of ways to use rosewater.

You could try using pure rosewater in the following ways:

As a skin toner
As a refreshing spray or mist
As a light, perfume
Mixed into your favourite creams
Mixed with oils as moisturising treatments¹²
In cooking and baking¹³
Mixed into smoothies and teas¹⁴

If you buy pure rosewater and plan to use it in drinks or food, remember to check that your chosen product is safe to consume.

You may also want to look for face care products or other beauty items that include rosewater as an ingredient. Many manufacturers take advantage of all the reported rosewater benefits by having it in their beauty products. You’ll be able to find serums, mists, masks, creams, toners, cleansers, and much more that include rosewater as an ingredient.¹⁵

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is for information only and does not constitute as medical advice. Please speak to your GP before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have skin sensitivity, pre-existing medical condition or any other reason for concern. Note that essential oils should not be applied direct to the skin unless it is diluted with a carrier oil first.