Rose water is obviously a staple clean skincare product. And I know I’m late to jump on the trend. But, although it’s refreshing, smells great & makes me feel like a medieval princess, I started to wonder, what is it actually for? Why has it been used since the Middle Ages, other than the (hard-to-ignore) fact it makes you smell like…well…a rose? And, is rose water actually good for you?

The use of rose water for skin care and health originated in Iran. Just imagine, medieval Iranian royalty spritzing themselves with rose water as they sit on their golden thrones. Sounds pretty good, right? Wouldn’t mind if I do.

When I first jumped on the rose water bandwagon, I was only applying it to my face. But, I was ignorant to its multi-tasking magic. Now, it’s my number-one handbag essential!

There are many uses of rose water. Let me count the ways…

1. A natural perfume

As if it weren’t totally obvious, rose water has been used for centuries as perfume! Just as you would with a normal perfume – which usually has alcohol denatured at the top of the ingredients list – spray it on your wrists and neck.

You really won’t miss artificial perfume once you use rose water. Nothing can achieve the scent of pure rose petals like the real thing. It’s better for your skin, as alcohol is very drying, and you won’t be breathing in any toxic chemicals.

2. Sore throat spray

Ditch your pharmacy-bought ’throat sprays’, because rose water does the same thing, but it’s completely natural. It’s safe to consume, and its potent anti-inflammatory properties are the perfect antidote to that nasty sore throat feeling. (I don’t want my breath to smell like roses, said no one ever.)

3. Skin soother

The same anti-inflammatory powers work on your skin. Turns out, there are many benefits of rose water for your skin. You might be wondering, is rose water good for acne or oily skin? Whether you’ve got acne, eczema, rosacea or any other sore skin complaint, it’ll give you some cooling respite. Studies have also shown that the antioxidants in rose water can repair cell damage.

Rose water is also good for rosacea, cooling redness and flushing. I suffer from rosacea and in the warmer weather we’ve been having, rose water is my go-to. Some of you with sensitive skin might be wondering if it’s safe to apply rose water to your face? The answer is a firm YES. My skin is incredibly sensitive, and rose water calms it down. I’ve been using rose water on my face every day since I got it!

4. Natural first aid kit

I wasn’t kidding when I called it the perfect antidote. Rose water is a great multi-tasker with many health benefits. It has antiseptic and antibacterial abilities, which can help with acne, skin infections and wounds. You can even use it to treat conjunctivitis. It’ll clean them up and decrease the risk of infection. If you, or your kids, get hurt on-the-go, you’ll be happy you didn’t leave it at home.

5. Headache reliever

Most of us carry painkillers in our purses. That’s just the ‘pop-a-pill’ world we live in. And I’m not saying you need to throw the pills away, but you might want to after this. Another health benefit of rose water is its scent can alleviate headaches.

You can either spritz your face with it and let it sink in, or soak a face towel in warm water & rose water and lie it over your head. Even if doesn’t clear your headache, at least you tried something else first.

6. Natural uplifter

When I smell flowers as I walk down the street I feel elated, even if it’s just for a second. But if you’ve got a bottled floral potion in your bag, you can put that feeling on repeat. Yes, rose water has mental health benefits too! I’ve gotta warn you though, you might get addicted…

7. Facial refresher & make-up setter

You know when you get that icky feeling around midday and you just wanna splash your face with water? Or better yet, wash it? But, you’ve probably got a full face of makeup on so it’s next to impossible to do that without having to reapply in the office toilets. And it’s not like you’re carrying your face wash to work everyday. No thanks.

With a quick spritz of rose water on your face, you’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed, and it won’t ruin your makeup either. You can use it as a make-up setter too, so feel free to spray it over make-up after you apply and during the day.

8. Rose water aperitif

Apparently there are benefits of drinking rose water too. I’m not sure I’d recommend chugging it by the litre, but its anti-inflammatory effects can work internally as well. People have been consuming it for thousands of years, so we’d know if it’s poisonous by now… And, it tastes as beautiful as it looks.

You can mix it into smoothies, or put a few drops in your water. Drinking rose water can ease digestion and inflammation and encourage all of the external benefits mentioned above. Before you start reaping the benefits of drinking rose water, make sure your rose water is 100% rose petals.

9. Rose water hair mist

Now do you believe that rose water is one of the most versatile natural beauty products? It’s certainly one way to simplify your beauty routine. Rose water has multiple benefits for hair. As a mild astringent, it can reduce dandruff and greasiness.

Its anti-inflammatory benefits can soothe psoriasis and eczema of the scalp. Plus, your hair will smell great. Added to the long list of rose water benefits for hair is the ability to straighten hair and lessen frizz. Ditch the straighteners, ladies!

My product picks

Disclaimer: I’m not sponsored by any of the following brands, I just like them!

Can be used internally & externally:

These are ideal if you want to take advantage of the many uses and health benefits of rose water.

I’ve been using Balm Balm’s Rose Floral Water. It only has one ingredient – Organic Rosa damascena (Rose) flower distillate – and it smells amazing. It’s super affordable too.

Alteya Organics’ Bulgarian Rose Water is also 100% rose water, created from Bulgarian roses and distilled with ancient techniques. It’s a real find for a great price.

Only for your face:

For those of you that want to use rose water on your face, here are some targeted facial products with added moisturising properties.

Fresh’s Rose Floral Toner is essentially rose water with a few moisturising ingredients, like Glycerin. It’s reasonably priced and proven to moisturise the skin for 24 hours, which is absolutely welcome. 

Herbivore’s Rose Hibiscus Face Mist is a tempting combo of hibiscus extract, rose water and coconut water. It also contains aloe vera, so the moisturising benefits are mega.

Chantecaille bottles its Pure Rose Water in France (from the Rose de Mai, to be precise), and it also contains Glycerin for added moisturising properties. It’s free from everything apart from parabens. Chantecaille has a full rose product line, so you’ll have no shortage of rosey options to choose from.

On another note, if you’re a brand or website looking for a freelance beauty copywriter or health and wellness writer, click the button below. Equally, if you just want to talk natural skincare and how much you love rose water, hit me up!