Roses are red, violets are blue, we’re obsessed with rose water, and you should be too! Rhyming aside, rose water is basically Mother Nature’s gift to skincare. This centuries-old beauty solution really is as simple as it sounds—just rose petals steeped in distilled water—but its anti-inflammatory properties, hydrating powers, and other beautifying skin benefits can’t be overstated.
Whether you're brand new to rose water or you already use rose water on a daily basis, we’ve broken down the top benefits of rose water and the best ways to use rose water in your beauty routine, including a few of our favorite rose water products. So keep scrolling and get ready to smell the roses with these must-know skin benefits of rose water.
Anti-Aging. Rose petals are packed with antioxidants that protect your skin from damage and fine lines caused by UV rays and pollution, making it a valuable addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.
Cleansing. For oily skin types and acne-prone skin types, rose water is a natural astringent, meaning it works like a powerful facial toner to draw out excess oil that leads to breakouts.
Soothing. Roses also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin, reduce puffiness and redness, and restore a healthy radiance to your complexion.
Antibacterial. The chemical properties in rose petals help fight off any new infections, while also boosting your skin’s recovery time from any existing infections. That means your annoying breakouts clear up faster and don’t come back with a vengeance.
Hydrating. The beauty of rose water spritzes is that they’re as moisturizing as they are lightweight.
Dr. Howard Sobel, attending dermatologist at Lenox Hill and founder of Sobel Skin has a simple recipe so you can make your own rose water at home. Making rose water yourself is an easy way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product without any additives. Here’s his recipe:
Steep one to two tablespoons of dried rose buds in water for three to five minutes.
Wait for water to cool, then store in a dark glass spray bottle.
Make sure to use it within one month to ensure potency and freshness.
You can also add rose essential oil to distilled water and store in a glass spray bottle. (Tip: Refrigerating rose water toner enhances it’s soothing and refreshing benefits!)
You can use your DIY rose water as a toner, makeup remover, cleanser, and soothing agent—so you’ll basically want to use it every day.
Face masks help nourish the skin by pushing hefty doses of active ingredients directly into the skin, so adding rose water to a face mask will only boost its moisturizing benefits. So next time you schedule a self-care night for yourself, add this mask to your product lineup for nourishing, soothing, and revitalizing ingredients that instantly replenish dry skin.
This face wash removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin while maintaining its natural moisture levels. Add in a blend of nourishing berries and moisturizing rose water and aloe, and your skin will feel soothed and comforted post-cleanse—never tight or dry.
This rose-based moisturizer helps lock in hydration and brightens the appearance of dull, tired skin. The secret? The natural antioxidants in rose water that protect and strengthen the skin’s barrier. (P.S. This hand cream smells like a dream!)
This face mask uses cucumber extract, aloe vera, and rose water to cool and soothe irritated skin. It even maintains the rose scent, so you can experience the aromatherapy qualities of rose water as well. It’s perfect for a mid-day refresh or self-care Sunday.
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