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Learn all of the benefits of Rose Water, including a step-by-step tutorial on how to make rose water! Not only will you learn how to make homemade rosewater, but you’ll get a DIY Rosewater Face Toner recipe too!
By now most of you know I love a little DIY. From homemade kombucha to bath salts, if I have an ounce of free time I’m probably doing a DIY.
It just feels good to make things from scratch (probably why I have a blog!) and this rosewater is no exception.
Not only am I going to walk you through how to make rose water, I’m also sharing the benefits of rose water and its many uses, including a recipe for homemade rose water toner.
Be sure to check out my step-by-step video…
CHECK OUT MY VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE ROSE WATER
I’m walking you through how to make your own rose water step-by-step.
What is Rose Water + Rosewater Benefits
Rosewater is exactly as it sounds, roses + water. It gives you all the benefits of water plus the bonus of the anti-inflammatory and hydrating advantages of rose. Plus it smells awesome.
Rosewater is used in some cuisines for flavor, but I find myself using it most frequently in my skincare routine. People live and die by this stuff, but I’m not desperate enough to spend $10 on a small bottle. Especially since it’s so easy to make at home.
Fortunately, I’m thrifty and was able to make over 3 bottles for the same price. Love me a good deal, and especially when the DIY version is stupidly easy.
What are the benefits of rose water?
- helps balance the pH of skin
- soothes skin irritation
- reduces redness (has anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties!) including rosacea, acne and eczema
- may reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- some evidence the smell can reduce anxiety
[source]
Ingredients in Rose Water
This rosewater recipe is super simple and requires just two ingredients:
- Rose petals – use organic fresh roses if you can find and be sure to rinse them well as if there’s any pesticides, dirt or grime (or mold) it will end up in your rose water.
- Distilled water – make sure you use distilled water or else you’ll need to use the distillation method where you flip your pot lid upside down using just regular tap water.
How to Use Rose Water:
Now for some of the ways I like to use this homemade rose water in my skincare routine:
1. Skin Toner – by and far this is the #1 way I like to use it. Apple cider vinegar can also be a great skin toner, but let’s be real rosewater smells so much better and is just as effective. See recipe below to use as a facial spritz.
2. In the bath – I’ll add about a cup to my bath water for extra hydration and relaxation from the scent.
3. Natural Perfume– we’ll get into the discussion of conventional perfume another day, but let’s just say you are far better off sticking to this natural fragrance.
4. Face refresher/Make-up setter – Spray this on your face when you’re at your 3:00 PM slump or just a low mood…it works.
These are just a few of the many ways you can use rosewater. Now that I’ve hacked a super easy and cheap version for you, I challenge you to go out and experiment! But if you air on the side of caution, try my DIY Rose Water Face Toner. I promise you will be in love (roses included).
How to Store Rosewater:
This rose water recipe makes a big batch so I like to store my rose water in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Rosewater last?
If you store rose water in a clean and sterilized jar it should last in the fridge for up to 6 months.
More Homemade Skincare Products
PrintHow To Make Rose Water
Learn all of the benefits of Rose Water, including a step-by-step tutorial on how to make rose water! Not only will you learn how to make homemade rosewater, but you’ll get a DIY Rosewater Face Toner recipe too!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 litres 1x
- Category: Skincare
- Method: Boil
Ingredients
For the Homemade Rose water:
- Organic Roses (as many as you like-I use 7 stems)
- Distilled water (enough to cover the rose petals- I use about 1.5 litres)
For the Homemade Rosewater Face Toner:
- 1 tbsp pure rosewater (recipe above)
- about 4 tbsp of distilled water (or enough to fill your spray bottle)
- 1 2.5 ounce spray bottle
Instructions
For the Homemade Rose Water:
- Remove petals from stems and run them under lukewarm water to remove any leftover residue.
- Add petals to a large pot and top with enough distilled water to just cover (no more or you’ll dilute your rosewater).
- over medium-low heat bring the water to a simmer and cover.
- Let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until petals have lost their color and are a pale pink.
- Strain the mixture into a large bowl to separate the petals from the water.
- Discard petals and pour water in a clean glass jar to store.
For the Homemade Rose Water Face Toner:
- Combine all ingredients in spray bottle and shake.
- To apply: spray mist directly on face or spray a cotton pad and wipe face to remove any residue.
*Note: Using 7 stems makes around 1.5 litres of rose water. This seems like a lot but it keeps for a long time in the fridge. Just store in a sealed, glass container until ready to use.
Hi, I loved this post, just wandering if I need to add a preservatie, because water is involved? :/
Nope! Mine usually lists up to 6 months!
can i just reconfirm.., Rosewater lasts up to 6 months when sealed in a glass container stored in the fridge., but when stored in a spray bottle, though placed in the fridge, it only lasts up to 6-7days?
I have been making rosewater stored only in spray bottle, but i dont really use it beyond 7days., as read in a different article.
Hi,I just read your article about preparing rose water toner,here are few queries
1.Does rosewater toner opens the pores of the skin
2.Does rosewater toner makes skin dry
3.Does rosewater toner leads to a burning sensation on skin.
How is aloevera as a toner when compared with rosewater,also tell me that after applying natural aloevera gel over face does it opens pores?
Any idea where i can buy organic roses? have been looking around for a while. I don’t know if this is more difficult to find in the UK x
I would LOVE to try this but I really don’t want to make it with non-organic roses. I have tries searching for organic ones in different health stores but not found any. Where would you suggest I try looking?
Mountain rose herbs (website) has high quality stuff, including dried roses/petals.
Hi,
I made the rose water and spray it on my face. But I feel it is a big sticky to my face and my face turn like pink color. Is this normal ?
No definitely not normal. What kind of roses did you use? It’s possible if you didn’t use organic roses that some of the pesticides they’re sprayed with are causing it…
ok tq for your reply. Will try to redo again with organic roses.
Hi there. Is it only good to use red roses or can the roses be any color?
The rosewater turns out the best with red roses, but you could use pink ones too.
Hi there ! My rose bushes are in full bloom at the moment and this is just what I was looking for ! Can’t wait to try :))
Wonderful! So envious of your rose bushes 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi. I am wondering how long it will last the DIY rose water. What do I need to put to let it stay fresh? Is it safe to combined to other product to be applied in the face and body like natural clay mask?
Thank you.
I keep mine in the fridge for up to 6 months. And absolutely! Feel free to combine with other products 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi there. In the directions it reads in fine print that it can be stored up to 6 months in a sealed glass container. Does the container or jar have to be sealed or will it be okay if the lid fits or screws on like a mason jar?
I love this idea. Just tried it and the water turned green almost within 5 minutes of it being on the hob! I had realised I forgot to wash the petals, so I have just tried again, however I put them on for a quicker time and now the water is brown almost like tea!! Is this still usable & safe to use on my face?
Are you using organic roses? Typically you will get the green or brown color if they’re regular storebought roses!
The same thing just happened to me, and smelled horrendous. I have heirloom roses, Rugosa Rose. They were all freshly trimmed, washed and smelled lovely. It had only simmered about 13 min.
That was VERY helpful. I am so glad I didn’t ruin a batch of my rugosa petals with the distilled water. Many thanks.
I can’t wait to make this! Can you tell me though….does the rosewater need to be diluted to make a suitable toner, or can it be used full-strength? I wasn’t planning on diluting because my skin needs serious help, but I don’t want to do more harm than good if it’s too strong! Thanks!
You totally don’t need to dilute. I just recommend it if you have super sensitive skin like I do. Otherwise you can just use straight rosewater 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
I’m juuust starting to get into DIY beauty, and I’m sooo glad you posted this, Davida! The facial toners that I usually use are way too harsh on my skin, so I’ve been looking for some good toner formulas to make on my own. Also, LOVED the video!
Thank you, lovely! The rosewater toner is super gentle on skin. Honestly, my skin has transformed since I started using it! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Loveeee this! Rosewater is my favorite toner, but I’ve never made it myself. Definitely doing this once my current bottle runs out! Sidenote: I’m kind of convinced we like all the same things.
SAME PERSON. Knew it!!
Hi I wanted to ask you a question how long does this Rosewater last for
2-3 months when kept in cool dry dark place between use. Using only for yourself I would say only make 4oz at a time.
Also, for a zing I add half distilled water and half seltzer!
I will try the recipe. I hope it works. But I believe you must use it quickly otherwise it looses its scent.
Isn’t the rose water supposed to smell grass like? We followed your instructions using our garden roses but something just isn’t right.
I really think it depends on how fragrant the roses are to start with ??
Im pretty sure you are supposed to put on the lid of the pot upside down and put a glass jar in the middle of the petals boiling to collect the evaporating water. I think it’s the actual rose water and the water from the petals is rose tea
No, you should have a rose scent to the water.