For centuries, rosewater has held a place in the imagination and beauty practices across the world. Its soothing, hydrating and fragrant properties have given it cult beauty status to this day. However, beyond the romance, what exactly are the benefits of rosewater and is it actually good for skin and hair? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the uses of rosewater on skin, scalp and hair. We’ll also review the best ways to use rosewater in your beauty routine.
What is Rosewater?
Rosewater is a lightly fragrant hydrosol (aromatic water) that’s created by steam-distilling fresh rose petals. These usually come from the Rosa damascena (Damask rose) or Rosa centifolia plants. Although it contains only small amounts of essential oil, rosewater is rich in compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins. These compounds give rosewater its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The use of rosewater dates back thousands of years. Its origins are in ancient Persia where the main uses of rosewater included medicine, food, beauty, hair and religious rituals. Over time, it became a staple in the Middle Eastern, Indian and Roman cultures. In Europe, rosewater was brought back from the middle east by the crusaders during the Middle Ages. It became even more popular during the Victorian era with main uses of rosewater including skin tonics, perfume or remedies.
In more recent times, scientific research has been able to validate many of these traditional uses. Studies have shown that Rosa damascena extracts have notable antioxidant benefits and thus help to protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution. Research also supports its anti-inflammatory actions particularly in reducing skin irritation and redness. Additionally, rosewater contains compounds like geraniol and citronellol which have mild antibacterial and antifungal activity which may be good for acne-prone or reactive skin. Today rosewater remains a popular ingredient in skincare, scalp and hair products largely due to its ability to hydrate, calm and refresh.
Benefits of Rosewater for Skin
Rosewater is a popular skincare ingredient for good reason. It’s hydrating, calming and suitable for most skin types, especially sensitive or acne-prone skin. Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it can help support the skin barrier and improve overall texture and tone. Here are some of the main ways rosewater can benefit the skin:
- Hydrates & Refreshes: Rosewater has natural humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin. It can be used to gently hydrate the skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue. This makes it ideal for layering under serums or moisturisers or simply as a spot refresher. You can use it as a hydrating toner after cleansing or mist it over the face during the day to help revive dry or tired skin.
- Calms Irritation & Redness: One of the best-known benefits of rosewater on skin is its soothing effect. Its anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g. flavonoids and polyphenols) can help reduce redness and calm irritation. This makes rosewater especially good for conditions like rosacea, eczema or reactive skin.
- Balances Oil & pH Levels: The skin’s natural pH hovers around 4.7 to 5.5. Rosewater sits typically around pH 4.0–4.5 so it can help rebalance the skin after cleansing which often increases pH. Rosewater can also help regulate sebum production and so may be maybe good for oily or combination skin types. For these benefits, use rosewater as a toner to gently rebalance the skin after cleansing.
- Antioxidant Support: Rosewater contains antioxidant compounds, including vitamin C and phenolic acids. These help to neutralise free radicals and protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by pollution and UV exposure. Whilst it’s not a replacement for targeted antioxidant serums or sunscreen, rosewater can help support the skin’s defences.
- Helps with Breakouts & Healing: Thanks to its mild antibacterial properties, rosewater may help reduce the bacteria that contribute to acne. It can also support the skin’s natural healing process. Although it is not a primary acne treatment, rosewater can be a good addition to skincare routines for acne prone skin.
Benefits of Rosewater for Hair & Scalp
Beyond the skin, rosewater can also have many beneficial uses in your hair routine. With its soothing, hydrating and balancing properties, rosewater is especially helpful for managing scalp irritation, dryness and dullness. Here are the best uses of rosewater for max benefit to your scalp and hair:
- Soothes Itchy or Irritated Scalp:Rosewater has mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which can help reduce itching, flaking and irritation on the scalp. This makes it a useful option if you’re dealing with conditions like dandruff, scalp eczema or general sensitivity. You can apply rosewater directly to the scalp using a spray bottle or cotton pad then rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
- Balances Scalp pH: Like the skin on your face, your scalp has a natural pH that can be disrupted by harsh shampoos, product build-up or environmental stress. Rosewater’s slightly acidic pH can help restore balance, which in turn supports a healthier scalp environment and may reduce oiliness or dryness.
- Supports Hair Growth: Although there isn’t strong clinical evidence linking rosewater to hair growth, its ability to soothe inflammation and improve scalp health may indirectly support hair follicles. Massaging rosewater into the scalp regularly might also improve circulation which can also be beneficial for hair growth over time.
- Hydrates & Softens Hair: Rosewater can help add lightweight moisture to the hair without weighing it down, This makes it useful for softening dry ends and improving manageability. It may also help reduce frizz and smooth the hair cuticle, especially when used between washes or after heat styling. For a nourishing leave-in treatment, try mixing rosewater with a few drops of a lightweight oil like argan or jojoba.
- Adds Shine & Freshness: If your hair feels dull or lifeless, rosewater can offer a quick refresh. It adds a subtle shine and leaves behind a soft floral scent. Keep a small spray bottle in your bag to lightly mist over your hair for added freshness and hydration throughout the day.
How to Use Rosewater
Rosewater is a simple and super versatile addition to your skin and haircare routine. You can either get a pure rosewater tonic or find as an ingredient in pre-made skin and hair products. When choosing a product, try to find pure steam-distilled rosewater made from organic petals to preserve its compounds and their benefits. Look for products that are free from alcohol, synthetic fragrance and unnecessary preservatives as these can irritate the skin or scalp. Ideally, it should also come in a dark glass bottle to protect its delicate compounds from light degradation. Here are the easiest and best ways to use rosewater in your daily skincare routine:
- Toner: Use rosewater after cleansing to refresh and lightly hydrate the skin.
- Face mist: Spritz over the face during the day to cool and rehydrate. This is great in dry environments or after exercise.
- Mask base: Mix with powdered clay or other mask ingredients to add soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Makeup setting spray: Lightly mist over makeup to soften the finish and add a subtle glow.
You can also use rosewater quiet easily on the hair and scalp. Again, you can find it in pre-made shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments but can also easily add pure rosewater into your haircare routine. Here are the best uses of rosewater for the scalp and hair:
- Scalp Spray: Apply directly to the scalp to help calm irritation, dryness or itching. Leave it in or rinse out as preferred.
- Hair Rinse: Pour over clean hair after washing to add shine and fragrance. Rinse out after 15-20 minutes,
- Leave-in Treatment: Blend with a few drops of a lightweight hair oil and apply to the ends of damp hair to soften and condition.
- Frizz Control: Smooth a small amount over dry hair to tame flyaways and add moisture without weighing it down.
Risks & Precautions
Although rosewater is generally well-tolerated, especially when it’s 100% pure and alcohol-free, its not for everyone. Here are some of the main risks and precautions to keep in mind:
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to roses or floral compounds, do a patch test first or speak with your doctor if you have severe allergies.
- Product Quality: Many commercial rosewaters contain synthetic fragrances or preservatives. Opt for pure, steam-distilled rosewater (ideally labelled Rosa damascena hydrosol).
- Storage: Keep rosewater in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Refrigeration is ideal.
Beyond its romantic origins and heady scent, rosewater is a gentle, multitasking beauty ingredient that suits a variety of skin and hair types. Whether you’re dealing with redness, dullness, dry patches or scalp sensitivity, rosewater offers a multitude of benefits for your skin and hair. That being said, remember that rosewater is a supportive treatment rather than a standalone solution for active skin, scalp or hair problems.
At City Skin Clinic, we are super passionate with personalised skincare and beauty. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
