I first discovered rose water at the age of 20, as the beauty assistant at a leading publication. Upon first try as a face mist, I was hooked. No stickiness, simple hydration, not a sign of irritation on my skin and just a happy feeling all around. Soon enough, I realised I could use it as a mist to prime my skin before makeup or before using a heavy-duty face mask, I can spray it on my eyes to get rid of dryness thanks to frequent lens wear and even use it as a deodorant when I find myself in a tough spot (more on that later). It's been almost 10 years since my first tryst with the product and there's not been a single day that I don't have at least one bottle on my shelf and one in my travel beauty kit because it is a saviour of all kinds and works in all weather conditions. I spoke to two skin experts about their views on the humble floral water that benefits skin in a myriad of ways. Here's what they had to say.
01Key benefits of rose water for the skin
"Rose water is one of those rare, uncomplicated ingredients, a universal elixir, that has stood the test of time in beauty rituals across cultures," says Dr. Dinyar Workingboxwalla, dermatologist and co-founder, of BiE.Here are it's standout benefits:
- Calms Redness and Irritation: Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin and reduce redness or irritation.
- Refines Pores: The mild astringent nature of rose water helps tighten pores, leaving the skin feeling fresh and balanced.
- Hydrates Instantly: Acts as a quick hydration boost for the skin, perfect for a midday refresh or a post-cleanse ritual.
- Anti-Bacterial and Multi-Purpose: Thanks to its astringent and anti-bacterial properties, rose water can also work as an emergency deodorant substitute, as the author experienced during a trip to the Maldives.
- Benefits for the Scalp: Dr Workingboxwalla adds that rose water is excellent for scalp care: Hydrates a dry scalp and eases itchiness. Helps maintain the scalp's natural pH balance, crucial for healthy, shiny hair. Can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic hair mists, offering nourishment and a touch of fragrance.
- Hydrates a dry scalp and eases itchiness.
- Helps maintain the scalp's natural pH balance, crucial for healthy, shiny hair.
- Can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic hair mists, offering nourishment and a touch of fragrance. With its versatility and timeless appeal, rose water truly lives up to its reputation as a beauty essential!
02Does rose water work for all skin types?
Long story short, it does! Dr Workingboxwalla explains how: "The beauty of rose water is its simplicity—it meets your skin where it's at and gives it exactly what it needs, no matter your skin type."
- If you have sensitive skin, it acts like a calming hug, reducing redness and irritation.
- For oily or acne-prone skin, its gentle toning action can help balance oil production without being harsh.
- If your skin is dry, it's a quick and light way to layer hydration.
- Even combination skin benefits from its ability to bring equilibrium to both oily and dry zones.
- For mature skin, its antioxidants support skin health and enhance that dewy, youthful look we all love.
03How to pick the right rose water for your skin
Not every rose water bottle is created equal. While some may be at their purest form, which is the best kind, others have additives in an attempt to amplify them, which can work against the original ingredient. "When it is pure rose water without any added fragrance, it is completely natural, safe, and free of chemicals," says Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, partner dermatologist at KorinMi, India's first Korean skin clinic in Gurugram. "When purchasing rose water, it's important to look for a shorter shelf life. This generally indicates that the product is more natural and contains fewer chemicals. Checking the date of manufacture and the expiry date can help ensure that the product is minimally processed and better for your skin." Dr Workingboxwalla recommends looking for one that says '100% pure rose water' or 'steam-distilled rose water'. "The best ones use rosa damascena or rosa centifolia as their base. Anything beyond that—alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or unnecessary additives—is a red flag," he says. He also suggests doing a patch test if you have extremely reactive skin or a known aversion to roses.
04How To Use Rose Water For Face Care Routines
Did you know that rose water is also a popular Korean beauty ingredient? K-Beauty emphasizes hydration, making rose water a common addition to their skincare offerings. Here's how you can incorporate rose water into your skincare routine:
- Cleanse Your Face: Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin.
- Apply Rose Water: After cleansing, spritz or dab rose water onto your face using a cotton pad or your hands. This helps to refresh and hydrate your skin.
- Seal in the Moisture: While your skin is still slightly damp from the rose water, apply a moisturizer. This technique, inspired by Korean skincare, locks in hydration effectively. Tip : This is especially beneficial for dry or mature skin and works well as part of a double-cleansing routine. Rose water promises to deliver multiple benefits, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Time to grab a bottle (or more) of this floral favorite for your routine!
