Rose Water For Skin: Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

Rose water soothes the skin while also keeping it moisturized, lovely, and vibrant.

It may, however, have certain negative side effects. Regardless, many women all over the world use rose water for skin care. Before using rose water on your face or skin, read this article to learn everything you need to know about its advantages and potential adverse effects. Keep reading to know more!

What Is Rose Water?

Rosewater is fragrant water prepared by steeping or steaming rose petals (1). Traditionally, this popular ingredient has been used in cosmetic formulations, Middle Eastern cuisine, medicine, and perfumes because of its pleasant fragrance. Rosewater contains about 10%-50% of rose oil, one of the major by-products obtained by distilling rose flowers. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, and antioxidant properties (1).

Trivia

Rosa damascena, also known as the Damask rose or Gole Mohammadi, is one of the most fragrant rose varieties used to make rose water and essential oils.

Benefits Of Rose Water For The Skin And Face

Many people use rosewater for face care as it may help provide the following benefits:

• May Help Balance Skin pH Levels: Our skin has a pHⁱ  Refers to the acidity and alkalinity levels of the skin or an ingredient, crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. between 4.1-5.8 (2). The pH of rose water is usually between 4.0-4.5. A study observed that skincare products with a pH between 4.0-5.0 could help minimize skin irritation and maintain the skins natural pH levels (3).
• Helps Ease Redness: A pre-feasibility report on rose water states that rose oil and rose water have an astringent effect on the blood capillaries close to the skin’s surface. Applying rose water helps ease redness caused by the enlarged capillaries (4).
• May Hydrate Your Skin: Rosewater feels refreshing on the skin and can help keep it hydrated. It is popularly used in toners to minimize the appearance of pores, as mists to refresh your makeup, soothe sunburns, and boost the efficacy of DIY masks, or as an essence. Traditionally, women bathed in rose water to keep their skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
• Has Antimicrobial Effects: Rose essential oil has antimicrobial effects. A study found that the essential oil and absolute had a strong antibacterial effect against strains of Aureus (cause acne), E. Coli, C. Violaceum, and several other bacteria (1). Since rose water contains rose oil, using rose water for acne may help minimize inflammation and breakouts and keep your skin healthy.
• Contains Antioxidants: Rosa damascena has antioxidant properties. The extracts of this rose and the essential oil derived from it have free radical scavenging properties (1). This may reduce oxidative stressⁱ  A state of imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body that leads to cell damage and various allergic conditions. and help improve signs of aging to maintain youthful skin.
• May Heal Wounds: Traditionally, rose oil is used for wound healing (1). Rose oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which support skin regeneration. Rose water is a by-product of rose oil extraction, and shares similar properties with rose oil. It is a common home remedy for soothing razor burns.
• Has Anti-inflammatory Effects: A rat study found that this floral extract could reduce edemaⁱ  A common condition that causes swelling due to the excess fluid in the body’s tissues and may affect any body part. in the paw. However, it stated that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Damascena (mainly its extracts) could be attributed to vitamin C present in it (1).

Surabhi Surendra, a lifestyle blogger, shares the benefits of rose water in her natural skin care routine. She writes, “I absolutely like the way rose water adds a shine and tautness to my face when I need skin toning (i).”

For Sonali Mitra, another beauty and lifestyle blogger, rose water forms a non-negotiable part of her beauty regimen. She says, “If you ask me to leave every other product and use just one thing for the rest of my life, I wouldn’t think twice before taking Rose water ONLY, till eternity…It helps in Hydration, controlling excess oil, removes dirt from clogged pores, Skin feels refreshed after every use, tightens the skin and has anti- aging properties (ii).”

Let us find out how to use rose water and reap all its benefits.

How To Use Rose Water For Skin And Face

1. Rose Water Toner

Rosewater is often used as a toner to reduce puffiness of the eyes (cotton pads soaked in cold rose water), soothe sunburns, and keep the skin hydrated.

You Will Need

• A few strands of saffron
• ½ cup of rose water
• A bottle

Process

1. Soak the saffron strands in half a cup of rose water.
2. Store the mixture in a bottle.
3. Saturate a cotton pad with the mixture and dab it on your cleansed face.
4. Let the rose water dry.

This combination may help brighten your skin. This works for all skin types. However, you may customize it accordingly. Here is how.

DIY Toners For Different Skin Types

1. Dry Skin: Mix 5 ml of glycerin and 30 ml of rose water.
2. Combination Skin: Mix 5 ml of glycerin, 5 ml of apple cider vinegar, and 30 ml of rose water.
3. Oily Skin: Mix 5 ml of apple cider vinegar and 50 ml of rose water.

2. Rose Water For Healthy Skin

Sandalwood oil was found to have therapeutic benefits, along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

(5). This popular remedy can soothe the skin and may help with uneven skin tone.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder
• 2 tablespoons of rose water

Process

1. Mix the rose water and sandalwood powder to make a thick paste.
2. Spread this mixture evenly on your face.
3. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Rose Water For Acne-Prone Skin

Witch hazel has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in salicylic acid that can soothe acne lesions (6). This recipe can tone oily skin and improve the appearance of skin pores.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

Process

1. Combine the witch hazel and rose water.
2. Apply this solution to the acne lesions.
3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

4. Rose Water And Aloe Vera Mask For Dry Skin

This gentle face mask helps soothe your skin and prevent inflammation. Aloe vera gel is an excellent ingredient that helps reduce inflammation. It also has antibacterial and moisturizing properties (7).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of rose water

Process

1. Combine both the ingredients.
2. Apply the mixture to your face like a face pack.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off.

5. Rose Water And Cucumber Mask For Sensitive Skin

Cucumber feels extremely cooling on the skin and has a refreshing effect (8). This face mask can help soothe sensitive skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of grated cucumber
• 2 tablespoons of rose water

Process

1. Blend the grated cucumber and rose water.
2. Apply this mask to your face.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

6. Rose Water And Honey Face Mask For Hydration

Honey has hydrating properties that help seal moisture in your skin (9). In combination with rose water, honey makes for an excellent hydrating solution for dry skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of rose water
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Apply this mixture to your face like a mask.
3. Leave it on for 10 -15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with cold water.

7. Rose Water And Basil Mask For Sunburns And Rashes

The holy basil-rose water mixture has excellent cooling properties. Holy basil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties (10). This solution helps calm your skin, soothe sunburns, and heal red and itchy patches.

You Will Need

• 10-15 holy basil
• 200 ml of rose water

Process

1. Crush the holy basil (tulsi) leaves and mix with rose water.
2. Strain the mixture and store it into a spray bottle and refrigerate.
3. Spray the mixture onto the affected areas.

8. Rose Water Mist

Rose water mist gently hydrates your skin, making it ideal for a quick revitalizing spritz. Its delicate scent may help relax and refresh you.

You Will Need

• 1 cup fresh organic rose petals
• 2 cups distilled water
• Pot with lid
• Heat-resistant bowl
• Ice cubes
• Empty spray bottle

Process

1. Rinse the fresh rose petals and place them in the pot.
2. Pour the distilled water over the petals, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Fill a bowl with ice and set it on the pot to collect the condensing rose water steam.
4. Transfer the collected rose water into a spray bottle using a funnel.
5. Store it in the fridge and use it as a refreshing facial or body mist.

These are a few ways to use rose water for your skin. However, it is better to avoid commercial rose water brands as they may contain preservatives and additives that may irritate the skin. Hence, it is best to prepare rose water at home. Find out how in the next section.

How To Make Rose Water At Home: DIY Recipe

Here’s the simplest way to make rose water using the simmering method.

You Will Need

• Petals of 10 roses
• 2 liters of distilled water

Process

1. Wash the rose petals with lukewarm water.
2. Put the petals in a large pot and add enough distilled water to completely soak them.
3. Cover the pot and simmer the water on low heat until the petals have lost their color.
4. Strain the liquid and discard the petals.
5. Store the rose water in a glass jar.

Although rose water is considered safe for the skin, you may experience certain side effects.

Side Effects Of Rose Water

There are several rose water uses but it is not without its disadvantages. There aren’t any significant side effects of rose water. However, it contains rose essential oil, which may cause allergies in some people. Hence, it is better to do a patch test before you use rose water. If you are sensitive to rose water, you may experience:

• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness or rashes

These are signs of an allergic reaction. In such cases, consult a dermatologist immediately.

Fun Fact

Iran boasts 90% of the total rose water production in the world.

Infographic: Surprising Uses Of Rose Water

Everyone knows what rose water is and how beneficial it is for the skin. It is mostly used as a beauty product and a skin care ingredient. But, beyond the normal beauty routine, this natural ingredient has a variety of other applications, and if you have it at home, you should be aware of them.

We have compiled a list of some lesser-known uses of rose water that you can check out in the infographic below. Keep scrolling!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rose water a good choice for all skin types?

Yes, rose water is normally considered a suitable choice for all skin types. It soothes, hydrates, and balances the skin, making it ideal for sensitive, oily, and dry skin.

How many times can you use rose water on your face a day?

You can apply rose water twice a day as a toner or moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Can we apply rose water on our face overnight daily?

Yes, you can. You can massage rose water on your face gently and leave it overnight daily to obtain soft and glowing skin.

What is the best time to use rose water?

There is no specific time to use rose water. You can apply rose water after washing your face in the morning or before going to bed at night.

Can rose water remove dark spots?

There are currently no studies that suggest that rose water can remove dark spots. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that regular application of rose water with other ingredients like lemon juice may lighten dark spots gradually over time.

Does rose water lighten skin?

There are currently no studies that suggest that rose water can lighten your skin. However, skincare enthusiasts believe that using a face mask combined with rose water and potato juice may lighten your skin over time.

Which rosewater is best?

Natural homemade rosewater is, without a doubt, the best for your skin.

Can I use rose water as sunscreen?

No, rose water cannot be used as sunscreen. It is ideal to use rosewater as a face mist in the morning before applying vitamin C and sunscreen. Also, it is not recommended to use rose water after applying sunscreen.

Which is better: rose water or toner?

Both provide similar advantages to the skin and can be a part of your skin care routine. That said, rose water is a natural toner free of toxic chemicals and is better for sensitive skin.

Does rose water cause pimples?

No, rose water is a natural toner that keeps your pores clean, eliminates excess oil, and shrinks pimples.

Illustration: Rose Water For Skin: Benefits How To Use And Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Wake up to beautiful skin in the morning! Check out the video below to discover the amazing benefits of rose water and learn how to use it at night for a glowing complexion!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD

   

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.

Read full bio of Dr. Vindhya L Veerula

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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