Out of all the beautiful flowers in the world, the rose has always been a beauty favourite. And although your mind might first think of fragrance, rose water also provides plenty of benefits when it comes to skin care.
The ingredient can be used on its own or part of concoction. It can be found in cleansers, serums, spritzes and moisturisers of all sorts.
Not only does it sound and smell lovely, but there are plenty of rose water benefits ready for your skin to reap. Here is everything you need to know about it…
What is rose water?
Rose water is exactly as it sounds: rose petals and water. Most commonly, the rose petals are distilled in steam to create a mildly fragrant liquid. It was first produced by Persian chemist Avicenna in medieval times and is more traditionally known as a sweet and natural addition to tea and perfume.
And yes, in case you were wondering, you can make your own rose water. Two popular at-home methods are steaming and distilling, with the latter being the more time-consuming.
Alternatively, rose water can be found in most health food stores to use just as it is, as well as in beauty products (of course).
The benefits of rose water
Rose water was always destined to be used in beauty.
As a natural antibacterial, it can be used to help soothe all kinds of skin ailments, including eczema and redness. Some have even found success in using it to reduce acne.
Rose water also contains antioxidants, which can be useful in anti-ageing products for preventing and treating existing wrinkles.
But our favourite tid bit? A 2011 study using mice found that the extract of Damask rose petals can relax the central nervous system. Consequently, rose water can have a mood-boosting and calming effect. Delightful!
How to use it in your routine
#1 As a toner
Rose water makes a great toner, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins A and C. It’s excellent for reducing puffiness, tightening pores, diminishing redness caused by large capillaries, and softening fine lines. To use, spritz it directly onto cleansed skin using a spray bottle, or gently wipe it across your face with a cotton pad.
Rose water toners to try
- Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $52 (100ml) at Myer
- Natio Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner, $14.95 at Myer
- Oil Garden Rose Water, $13.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Andalou 1000 Roses® Floral Toner, $19.99 at Priceline
#2 To bring on sleep
Not a fan of lavender? Rose water makes an excellent calming replacement for the bedroom. Along with following our top natural tips for getting better sleep, take advantage of this soothing natural product by spritzing it onto your sheets and pillow covers. Then focus on emptying your mind and breathing deeply, enjoying the sweet floral scent as you drift off to dreamland.
#3 Bliss out your bath
The restorative effect (and divine smell) of rose water makes it ideal for bathtime. It works to lock in moisture and can also help to stave off the skin-drying effect of hot water. You won’t need much – just add a capful to running water for the ultimate aromatherapy experience.
#4 Nourish your hair
Rose water is an antiseptic, which means it’s great for soothing scalp irritation and getting rid of dandruff. Use it either as a diluted rinse after shampooing or simply add it to your shampoo for a two-in-one effect. It’ll leave your hair shiny and smelling lovely and fresh.
Even easier? Try these rose water shampoos
- Beach Road Naturals Organic Rosewater Shampoo, $18 at Coles
- Pantene Pro-V Micellar Series Blends Rosewater Shampoo, $9 (down from $18) at Woolworths
- Schwarzkopf BIO-TECH Repair Shampoo, $9 (down from $16.99) at Chemist Warehouse
- Essano Micellar & Rose Water Shampoo, $15.99 at Priceline
#5 Set your makeup
Rose water feels amazing when spritzed on bare skin, but did you know it can also be used to set makeup? Keep it in a spray bottle on your vanity for a final flourish. Alternatively, DB Cosmetics Mist Me Setting Spray ($14.95 at dbcosmetics.com.au) contains a double-dose of rose water and aloe vera to promote soft skin as well as provide an invisible shield over the face to set makeup.
Do you know about these rose water benefits? Do you use it in your routine?
i use rose water everyday as a toner, it gives my skin a natural glow.
Do you use any particular rose water as a toner? I am so used to seeing it in ethnic grocery stores, I wonder if that would work just as well as a toner.
that sounds awesome
LOVE the smell of rose. I have a perfume by Kate moss that came out years ago and smells like roses. it is one of my faves!
I think I have the same one!
I had no idea it was antibacterial. Learn something new every day!
Yeah, very fascinating!
Antibacterial is a great selling point.
It sounds interesting, I should try some of those products.
Just pure rosewater when i can get it from Turkish grocers. It feels soothing on just washed skin. But other than that, nothing else. It is just distilled water with some rose petals infusion in it.
You just answered my question, I was wondering if I could use the one I see at the green grocers. I love the smell of rose water
My question as well haha
I got given a bottle of rose water essence. I ended up using it in cooking.
It’s brilliant sprayed on your face in hot weather. I carry a tiny bottle of Jurlique with me all summer.
I have one of those products! Honestly thought it was setting spray at first and my makeup melted off haha
Smell of roses gives me hayfever and a headache so can’t use any product which smells of roses.
What a shame. Luckily plenty of other fragrances for you to try. Hopefully you find something that doesn’t affect you Hayley.
well im off to have a shower and wash my hair – now really wish I had some of that essano rosewater shampoo and conditioner – would love to try that
Thank You BH for a Wonderful Article on Rose Water, will have to buy a Rose Water Toner. 😊
I’ve used the Jurlique and Natio toners which are both lovely products.
Thanks for the feedback 🙂
When I was in Adelaide hills awhile ago we visited the farm where the Jurlique is made. Quite interesting.
I always think of Jurlique when I think of Roses
Same here haha
So many helpful ideas, will definitely try a few.
I can’t handle rose scents as they’re a migraine trigger.
Steer clear then. Migraine’s are cruel. Hope you find something nice that doesn’t adversely affect you Misfortune8.
Rose water is life. Middle Easterns love it, we use it in refreshing summer drinks and in some desserts too. I use it as a Toner as well. But i am super keen to try it with my shampoo
Love Rose Water!!!
Great article. I didn’t know about the benefits. I just like using it because I love the smell of roses so it’s good to know it actually does things.
My thoughts exactly
I used an e-gift voucher from Myer that I received at Christmas to purchase myself a Natio Rosewater gift set. I was so happy with the products that I bought some for my Mum as well. She loves the scent as much as I do.
I used to use the Jurlique one years ago and loved it
Most of the Jurlique products are really lovely.
Good to know
I didn’t know about these health and beauty benefits of rose water. Great article
It’s good to know about all these extra uses. I like it as a toner and it smells lovely too
I love rose water mist toners
I tried Pantene rose water shampoo. It smells lovely.
I like rose water that is produced from steam distillation (hydrosol)
I like the Natio Cleanser.
I use rosewater via a toning rosewater mist. I like Sukin or Mario Badescu
Compared to all the other toners, Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, $52, is very expensive. Hope it is worth it for those who buy it.
That is a lot to spend.
I received it for free once and although it is lovely, I don’t know if I’d spend that much on it
I didn’t know DB made a rosey face spray!! Must check that one out.
Might give Natio Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner, $14.95 at Myer at go. At this cost you cannot go too far wrong??
I agree Normap, and I love a lot of Natio’s products.
OH that sounds really nice
I love the scent of roses. Must try some of these products.
I make my own rose water by seeping petals in boiling water and letting cool and then straining -so easy and so nice to use
What a lovely thing to do JuJu. Impressive.
Such a great idea @JuJu47
I have tried the Jurlique mist and Natio Toner with rosewater. The mist in particular smelt beautiful.
The Oil Garden rose water spritz looks perfect for summer.
I hadn’t thought of using rosewater in these ways.
Misting rosewater on the face sounds really refreshing 🙂
I think I’ve commented on this already?