Spending an arm and leg on a serum, some promising anti-aging cream, or a panacea to cover dark circles? No, we’re talking about rosewater, the water that deserves a place of honour in every bathroom cabinet. Rosewater is only one product, but it has everything you look for. Rosewater has more to offer than just an amazing smell. But what do you use it for, and what are the advantages? We tell you everything you need to know about rosewater!

What is rosewater?

First things first, before you head to your local pharmacist to buy a bottle of rosewater, you probably like to know what rosewater exactly is. It’s simpler than you think: rosewater is a liquid made of water and rose petals. Rosewater is a natural product and does not contain any chemical substances. It’s often used in perfumes, thanks to the sweet smell. Beauty products, medicines, and culinary purposes also benefit from rosewater. 

Even though the hype around rosewater is relatively new, the extraordinary water has been a beauty secret for centuries. For the last few hundred years, rosewater has been used in Iran and other parts of the Middle East, where the substance initially served for medical purposes. In the West, rosewater is currently seen as the solution to many beauty problems.

Kinds of rosewater

Rosewater contains 10 to 50 percent of rose oil. From the tradition in the Middle East rose oil is made of the Damask rose only. Rose oil is very expensive since it takes circa 60,000 roses per 1 ounce of oil. That works out at over 20,000 roses for just 10ml! This is visible in rosewater: the higher the concentration of rose oil, the higher the price tag.

Another kind of rosewater is made of dried flowers in which the buds and the flower leaves are dried. This kind of rosewater is perfect to eat. Would you like to use rosewater in your diet? In that case, we advise you to buy the rosewater that’s made of dried flowers.

Benefits of rosewater

Rosewater is very versatile and has a lot to offer. There’s hardly a beauty problem that rosewater can’t solve. To give you an overview of the issues rosewater can solve, here are the 15 greatest benefits of rosewater.

#1 Rosewater helps maintain the skin’s pH balance

#2 Stimulates the blood circulation

#3 Reduces skin redness

#4 Rosewater helps soothe acne, eczema, and skin inflammations

#5 Soothes and hydrates skin

#6 Reduces stress and anxiety

#7 Rosewater kills bacteria

#8 Nourishes your hair and leave you with thick, shiny tresses

#9 Provides long-lasting moisturisation and refreshment

#10 Reduces dandruff and scalp problems

#11 Rosewater is anti-inflammatory

#12 Has anti-aging properties, soothes fine lines, and reduces wrinkles

#13 Rosewater contains antioxidants and vitamin A, B3, C, D and E

#14 Boosts your immune system

#15 Rosewater enhances your mood

What do you use rosewater for?

It’s clear that your body, mind, hair, and skin benefit from rosewater. All the advantages we just mentioned give you lots of possibilities to use rosewater. From hairspray to anti-aging cream, this is what you can use rosewater for.

Rosewater helps reduce skin redness

Redness on the skin is a beauty problem many women have. This redness is often difficult to get rid of, but rosewater can help you out. Rosewater reduces redness and soothes your skin. The result: you’ll have neutral skin!

Rosewater as an after-sun

Spending too much time in the sun increases the risks of getting a sunburn. How do you treat a sunburn? Use rosewater as an after-sun! It cools down and soothes your burned skin. 

Rosewater as a facial and makeup cleanser

Rosewater is amazing for removing your makeup and cleansing your face.  It removes all bacteria, hydrates, and makes your skin silky smooth. Rosewater is a natural product and doesn’t contain any chemical substances.

Rosewater as hairspray

Spraying rosewater on your hair will make your tresses shine and smooth. Do you have dandruff and/or an irritated scalp? Then we strongly recommend that you use rosewater as your hairspray.

Rosewater as toner

Swap your toner for rosewater. It keeps your skin calm, soft, and hydrated. Use rosewater the same way you use your toner; sprinkle some rosewater on your cotton pad and apply it to your face, neck, and cleavage.

Rosewater as facemask

Use rosewater to make a wonderful facemask. On the internet, you can find many recipes on how to make a facemask with rosewater. Our favourites are the clay mask and the cucumber mask. To make the clay mask, you just mix clay with rosewater (that’s it!). To make the cucumber mask, you mix cucumber juice with yoghurt and rosewater. 

Rosewater for dark eye circles

Every woman knows how annoying dark circles under the eyes are. Rosewater can help you get rid of them for good. Rosewater is packed with several vitamins that help lighten discolouration around the eyes. Simply mix 2 tbsp of cold milk with 2 tbsp of rosewater. Dip your cotton pad into the mixture and let it settle for 10 minutes. The next morning you’ll look refreshed!

Rosewater as a bath oil

Rosewater makes taking your bath very, very relaxing. Swap your bath foam or bath oil for a splash of rosewater. Rosewater soothes your mind, your skin and promotes relaxation, plus it leaves you smelling like roses.

Rosewater as setting spray

Rosewater helps your makeup to stay in place all day. It hydrates your skin and keeps your makeup looking fresh. All you have to do is mist it over your face, and it will instantly set your makeup. Rosewater is also great to use midday if your makeup starts to look a little dull.

Rosewater as aftershave

Do you suffer from razor burns on your legs or bikini area? Rosewater calms redness, itching, and irritation and is a quick solution for calming razor burns. Pour some rosewater on a cotton pad and sweep it over the irritated areas. Rosewater is also recommended for men to use after shaving!

Rosewater in perfume

Like we said: the smell of rosewater is amazing. The scent is often used in perfumes, but you can use rosewater as a perfume on its own. Why buy an expensive perfume if you smell just as amazing with rosewater?

Rosewater in nutrition

Beauty on the outside starts on the inside. To give your skin a beautiful glow, just add some rosewater to your diet and/or beverages. Mix rosewater with mineral water or use it in a cocktail. All you have to do is make sure you pick a rosewater made of dried flowers: these are suitable to use in your diet.

Rosewater as medication

In the Middle East, rosewater has been used for medical purposes for centuries. In the UK, that’s not quite the case (yet). Several studies suggest that rosewater has a positive effect on several ailments. Rosewater can be used to treat:

Eye disorders like ocular mucositis, dacrocytes, and cataract

  • A sore throat
  • Cleaning wounds such as scars, cuts, and burns
  • Depression, anxiety, and stress
  • Acne and eczema
  • Dandruff
  • Hypersensitive belly
  • Constipation
  • Migraine & headache

Before you use rosewater, we advise you to go see your doctor or specialist.

Side effects of rosewater

Even though rosewater is a natural product and the chances of getting side effects are close to zero, there’s always an exception to the rule. Always test before use to make sure you’re not allergic to rosewater. Just sweep a little bit of rosewater on your arm and see if your skin reacts within 48 hours. Did nothing happen? Then you can safely use rosewater. Hypersensitivity reactions that may occur are:

  • Itchiness
  • Burning sensation
  • Redness/skin rashes