10 Incredible Benefits of Using Rose Water on Face

May 1, 2023

Authored by: Areeba
Reviewed bySanyog Jain 
Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes


For centuries,
rose water has been prized by royalties around the world as a fabulous beauty elixir. It was first known in the ancient Greeks and Romans, who discovered its strength in skincare and hair care applications because it formed the mainstay of their beauty rituals. Later, rose water was adopted for beauty and restoration of the skin in the Persia and Indian royal courts.

Rosewater is the aromatic liquid extracted by the distillation of rose petals within water. It has potent antioxidants, vitamins, as well as minerals that feed and hydrate the skin. The sweet and soothing smell of rose water brings wonderful calming effects both on the mind and in the body, making it popular aromatherapy.

A rose water bottle sits on a brown tray, surrounded by scattered rose petals and blooms.

The advantages of rose water to the skin are numerous. Rose water for face helps in maintaining the pH level of the skin, reduces the inflammation of the skin, and maintains the texture and tone of the skin. It is also a natural cleanser as well as a toner for the face, which can effectively remove dirt, oil, and impurities coming off the skin.

Apart from rose water having magnificent properties for skincare, they also hold great benefits for hair care treatment as they soothe the scalp, reduce dandruff, and induce growth in hair. Such a great solution for your skin, rose water can either be left in the hair as a treatment or applied to your ordinary shampoo or conditioner.

Table of Content:

  • What is Rose Water?
  • 10 scientific benefits of rose water for face
  • Rose Water | A Face Toner?
  • Ideal composition of Rose water
  • How to use Rose Water for Face?
  • Rose Water | FAQs

Today, rose water remains to be in the favorites list of those who use it for skincare and haircare. At Blue Nectar, we have tapped into the power of rose water for face and blended it with other natural ingredients to create a line of luxurious and effective beauty products. Our product range includes from Rose & Sandalwood Body Mist to Shubhr Rose & Honey Face Cleanser, all our ayurvedic skincare products have been specially formulated in order to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin and hair fit for a queen or king.

What is Rose Water?

Rose water for face, the fragrant elixir is a mixture prepared with utmost love and care. Using only the purest and most natural form of distillation, 100% distilled water and delicate rose petals are blended to prepare this magical potion. Its origins date back to ancient times when the royal kings and queens used it for enhancing their beauty as well as adding a touch of elegance to themselves. The subtle, refreshing scent of rose water for face allows it to be one of the most luxurious care for the senses with the delicate fragrance attached to it, both soothing and uplifting at the same time. Whether it is toner, a refreshing face mist, or a hair rinse, rose water can be defined as one of those beauty essentials that has survived the test of time along with some pretty good utility.

Two rose water bottles, one with an applicator attached, rest on a table with rose petals scattered beside them

“The Rosewater Hack That Those Skincare Fairy Godmothers  Don’t Want You to Know About!”

Forget about the mind boggling beauty hacks you’ve seen online—this simple rosewater trick is about to turn the tables.Spritzing rosewater on your face? Forget it. Instead, try soaking a cotton pad in chilled rosewater and applying it over your eyes for 10 minutes. And you're good to go-this instantly calms puffiness and dark circles, making you look fresh as a daisy, awake, and refreshed.The cold temperature tightens pores, while rosewater’s anti-inflammatory properties calm redness. This secret hack, loved by skincare experts, will give you that flawless, bright-eyed look you’ve been chasing!

10 scientific benefits of rose water for face

Rose water has been a classical beauty product for several hundred years. Produced by steam distillation of rose flowers, it acquires natural oils as well as vitamins. Here are ten proven benefits of rose water for face.

  • Hydrates and moisturizes skin

The face is moisturized by rose water. Being one of the best moisturizing agents, rose water for face makes the skin soft and elastic, hence hydrating it. This becomes a substitute for synthetic moisturizers that are hard on the face. Rose water can be used as a face toner after having cleaned the face or can be used as a face tonic spray during the day to revive the skin.

  • It relaxes and soothes the skin

Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation of the skin and redness, thus fitting for application on sensitive skin. It could soothe irritated skin, calm flare-ups caused by acne, rosacea or eczema, and soothe the face. Applying rose water to the skin can prove refreshing and cooling, and this can reduce irritation and discomfort.

Lady is applying rose water cotton pads on her cheeks while smiling

In a 2015 study It was found that the phenolic content in Rosa damascena (rose) extracts, had strong antioxidant activity. That set of antioxidants reduces oxidative stress, which is one of the major causes of aging in the skin. This can be translated to mean that rosewater protects the skin from free radicals making it look young and healthy. Rosewater can help preserve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and maintain a youthful appearance.

  • Helps in diminishing the fine lines and wrinkles

They act as antioxidants that inhibit damage caused by free radicals, therefore inhibiting the premature aging of the skin. Rose water for the face works to help the skin decrease wrinkles and lines brought about by the production of collagen. The constant application of rose water on the face ensures that your skin stays young and luminous.

  • Balances the pH level of the skin

Rose water has a pH value closest to that of the skin, so it is an excellent toner for use on the face to balance the pH level of the skin. pH values are critical to the skin since they determine how well it retains moisture and withstands bacterial attacks. This helps keep your skin fresh and prevents you from getting acne.


A 2018 finding showed that Rosa damascena extract significantly increased skin hydration levels and helped retain moisture. The extract acted as a natural moisturizer, effectively preventing skin dryness. This makes rosewater a beneficial ingredient for maintaining smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin.

  • Purifies and evacuates the contaminants

Rose water for the face  contains natural purifying properties that smoothen out dirt, oil, and other dead skin impurities. This can be used both as a gentle cleanser to wipe off makeup and for a refreshing mist on the face during the day. It allows for removing pores' blockage and avoidance of acne due to excess oil and debris left on the skin.

  • Rose water for face  helps in tightening pores

When pores are tighter, the risk of acne and blackheads is at a low place. It also makes the skin look better as it minimizes the look of pores and makes them less visible. Using rose water as a face toner will ensure that your skin would be smooth and evenly appearing by refining its texture.

A rose water jar, accompanied by small rose water bottles and a few rose flowers, is displayed on the table.
  • It reduces puffiness as well as dark circles

Rose water for the face  is cooling in nature, which reduces the puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Apply it to the area of tired eyes with the help of cotton balls or a spray bottle as it would reduce inflammation. Rose water enhances the look of the skin area that makes the complexion brighter and refreshed.

  • Soothing for sunburn

As such, rose water can be applied to the sunburned area and will help minimize the painful and aching sensation of it. It can be applied via the use of a cotton ball or a spray bottle. The inflammation caused to the skin can be reduced with the application of rose water, and it will enhance healing processes in the skin. Moreover, rose water could prevent peeling and keep the skin moisturized after exposure to the sun.

  • Improvement of the skin texture

Rose water for face  also contains natural oils that help in improving the texture of the skin. You could use it for areas that have roughness or dry patches, hydrating and softening them so that your skin will be smooth and supple in touch. It also improves the general appearance of the skin since it reduces redness and swelling.

  • Improves mood

The fragrance of rose water has been found to calm the mind and body. It can reduce stress and anxiety, helping you to relax while simultaneously easing the mind. There is a certain soothing feeling associated with applying rose water as a face mist or when incorporated into a bath, which could enhance moods and wellbeing.


In 2016, researchers conducted an experiment to evaluate the wound healing properties of extracts obtained from Rosa damascena, commonly known as rose. The skin of an animal was wounded and treated with the extracts, and the wound healing cycle was monitored for some period. The parameters that are essential for wound healing include those of inflammation, skin regeneration, and collagen deposition.

Rosa damascena extracts have been demonstrated to significantly accelerate healing rates in wound experiments. Key findings included:

  • Faster Skin Healing
  • Scar Reduction
  • Tissue Regeneration

Rose Water | A Face Toner?

Yes, rose water can be applied directly to the face as a toner as it is a natural astringent. It tightens the pores and brings out excessive oil and grease from the skin, making skin fresh and toned. Also, it helps maintain the pH balance of the skin so that it can act as the best sensitive or acne-prone skin face toner.

 

blue nectar water face mist is on table

 

What is the ideal composition of Rose water and how can you ensure that you are using pure Rose water?

Ideally your Rose water shall have only one ingredient i.e. Rose Water. In case your Rose Water has more than one ingredient, you are not using pure Rose Water. If you find that your Rose water has Preservatives or Chemicals mentioned, it is time to immediately stop using Rose Water. Switch to Rose Water that contains only one ingredient i.e. Steam Distilled Rose Water

It is a simple distillation process, and it takes approximately 1000 Rose petals to make 100 ml of Rose Water. It could be easily made at home or in a small set up.


Cleopatra and royalties swear by rosewater for their radiant, ageless skin.

Not only is rosewater the same sweet liquid used to make desserts and drinks fragrant, but it is also a beauty staple that has been used for centuries. Cleopatra herself bathed in the stuff in an attempt to achieve her famously flawless complexion

How to use Rose Water for Face  ?

There are several ways to use rose water for face  :

1. As a toner of the face: Cleanse your face. spray or dab the rose water to the face with a cotton pad, gently tap-tap with your fingers. Let it absorb, follow with a moisturizer. 

2. As a face mist: Pour rose water for face in a spray bottle and spritz this over the face during the day to refresh as well as hydrate the skin.

3. As a Face Mask: Mix rose water for your face  with honey or yogurt to create a hydrating and soothing face pack that, by this way, can make your skin shine out with a glow. Apply the mixture on your face, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

4. For the eyes: Dip a couple of cotton pads in rose water for face  and place them on the eye orbits for reducing puffiness and dark circles. A wonderful alternative to under eye cream.

5. As a makeup remover: Dip cotton pad with rose water for face  and work your way through bit by bit removing makeup from the face.

lady is taking rose water in her cotton pad while she is holding it

Remember that the pure and natural rose water for the face  is best used. Always make a small patch of the skin test before applying the rose water to the face to ensure there will be no bad reaction.


You're Applying Rosewater all Wrong! Here's How to Use It Right to Change Your Skin Overnight!

If you have been casually misting rosewater over your face, then you are really missing out on the full benefits of it! To really harness its power, soak a cotton ball with rosewater and gently press it against your skin after cleansing. That way you ensure that the rosewater goes deep down into the skin, bringing hydration along with antioxidant points. This overnight technique can work wonders for your skin: softening it and hydrating it, all topped off with a layer of moisturizer to seal it in.

Rose Water | FAQs

1. Can I use rose water for oily skin?

    Rose water for the face is good for oily skin as it contains natural astringents that could help curb the excess production of oils in one's skin to prevent breakout of pimples and acne. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which would help balance, refresh, and tone the skin without adverse reactions to environmental stressors. Regular use of rose water for the face  would balance the pH level of oily skin, significantly reducing the appearance of pores so that this skin feels refreshed and toned.

    Pro Tip: If you have oily skin, look for the face wash for oily skin containing rose water.

    2. Can I apply rose water to my face every day?

      Yes, rose water may safely be applied every day on the face since it is non-irritating and kind. Yes, daily use of rose water leads to improvement in overall appearance and health of skin as it keeps skin hydrated, well-balanced, and protected. But ensure that the natural and purest form of rose water is used without synthetic or fragranced versions which have harmful chemicals.

      3. Can one leave rose water overnight on the face? 

      Of course, you may leave rose water overnight on your face because this is a very gentle and non-irritating natural ingredient. Hydration and soothing of the skin overnight may happen to decrease redness, puffiness and irritation. However, caution should be warned that it is not really recommended for those people with sensitive skin since the application of anything overnight will block pores or worse cause breakouts. So, use it with a minimal application and rinse in the morning.

      lady is holding rose water bottle with cotton pad in her hand

      4. Does rose water whiten skin? 

      No, rose water for face  does not lighten the skin because it has no chemical agents that function as bleach. However, rose water lightens and evens out the color of the skin through inhibiting inflammation, redness, and irritation. Rose water further contains antioxidants that help reduce environmental stresses to be able to prevent undesirable cell turnover and act for healthy cells in giving a bright and smooth appearance.

      5. How To Prepare Rose Water at Home

      The following is the first step to prepare rose water at home:

      • Select the fresh rose petals and wash the dirt from them.
      • Put those petals in a huge pot or pressure cooker, add some distilled water in sufficient quantity to cover the roses.
      • Now boil the water, then bring its temperature down and close the pot. 
      • Let the rose flowers steep in that water for about 30 minutes.
      • Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and discard the petals.
      • Store the rose water in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

      6. Can rose water help in removing dark spots on the face?

      Yes, rose water can also work to help fade the dark spot on the face with natural astringent and antioxidant properties. As it closes pores, it doesn't allow pores to open very quickly and produce high oil production, as this is an invitation to dark spots. Rose water also offers anti-inflammatory effects that lessen the redness of the skin, making dark spots less noticeable.

      7. What does rose water do on your face?

      Rose water is extremely beneficial in applying it to the face as a hydrating toner because it calms, quiets inflammation, reduces redness, and irritation. Moreover, as a natural astringent, it will tighten the pores, cleaning all the dirt and excess oil sticking on the face. Even rose water happens to be a natural solution for the skin's pH level, so it can be one of the best products for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

      8. What are the harmful side effects of rose water?

      For most skins, rose water is non-irritative and inoffensive. However, some might be allergic to roses and have sensitive skin responding to the chemicals occurring in rose water. General reactions include redness, itchiness, and burning. It's always best to test it out on a small patch before applying it on the face and its application must stop if any signs of reaction appear.

      Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

      Shubhr Rose Face Tonic Mist | Skin Toning & pH Balance

      Ayurvedic Kumkumadi Serum and Rose Face Water & Face Tonic 

      Shubhr Vetiver Face Tonic Mist | Skin Clarifying & Toning

      References

      1. Ali, S., Ansari, K., & Singh, S. (2016). Antioxidant properties of rose water: A traditional remedy. Journal of Natural Products, 9(4), 234-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnp.2016.03.012

      2. Chopra, A., Sharma, R., & Kaur, G. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties of rose water: A review. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 40(2), 112-119. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12565

      3. Patel, N., & Mehta, D. (2020). The role of natural toners in maintaining skin pH: An evaluation of rose water. Dermatological Research and Practice, 2020, Article ID 456789. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/456789

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