Rose water is derived directly from rose petals, and it typically takes a large bouquet to produce a small amount of the stuff. Just seeing the price of roses at the supermarket can make us run and hide, so it’s unlikely we’ll even buy prepared rose face toner from the drugstore. However, finding organic, cheap, and beautiful roses for homemade rose water isn’t as hard as it sounds.
Why Use Rose Water?
You’re probably wondering why you would go through the trouble of making your own rose water. As an ingredient, rose petals are filled with antioxidants that remove toxins from your body. Rose petals also have antifungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, meaning they:
- Control oil on face and skin
- Hydrate and make skin plump
- Reduce redness and inflammation
- Brighten skin to make it glow
- Clean and tighten pores
- Improve the appearance of rashes
- Treat itchy scalps and dandruff
To make your own rose water for skincare, you can’t use regular roses; they must be organic.
Why Organic Rose Water?
There are no limits to the number of pesticides a farmer can use on roses, which means the highly toxic rose is probably sold at your local supermarket and flower shop. Pesticide exposure on the skin, even when diluted, can cause irritation, burns, and other serious health effects. While it’s tempting to buy non-organic flowers to save money, you could damage your skin.
Is it Possible to Buy Cheap Organic Roses?
Since you’re using rose water for the benefit it will have on your skin, hair, and nails, you’ll want to stick to organic. The cheapest way to obtain roses is by growing them, but if you can’t buy a rose plant, try ordering online. Thanksgiving flowers from Bouqs.com are inexpensive, especially bought in bulk or through subscription, and many of their bouquets contain red roses.
How to Make Homemade Rose Water
To make rose water, you’ll need the following ingredients and instruments:
- 2 Cups of Organic No Pesticides Large Fresh Rose Petals OR
- 1 Cup of Organic No Pesticides Small Fresh Rose Petals
- Distilled Water
- Rose essential oil (Optional: For Added Scent)
- Saucepan
- Spoon or Spatula for Stirring
- Storage Container (Mason Jar or Spray Bottle)
Make sure you thoroughly wash your rose petals before making your rose water.
Cooking Directions
Before you start, gather all ingredients together on your stovetop, then follow our directions:
- Add 2 cups of large or 1 cup of small rose petals into a small saucepan. The amount you use doesn’t matter, but the more petals you use, the more rose water you’ll make.
- Pour enough distilled water on top of the rose petals to cover them. Press the roses down if they float. Don’t pour too much water, or you’ll dilute the recipe.
- Use medium heat until the mixture simmers, stirring as you go, so nothing sticks.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-30 minutes or until the petals are a pale white.
- Strain water into a glass jar until it cools completely. The mixture will be a different color depending on the roses you use, but I find red roses look, feel and smell the best.
- Add rose concentrate for a stronger rose scent unless your mixture has a strong smell.
The whole cooking process should take 30 minutes. Cooling may take upwards of an hour.
Storage Options
Always store rose water in your refrigerator to keep it cold and fresh for up to a month. If you want to place your mixture in the bathroom, you’ll need to throw it out after a week.
Uses for Rose Water
Our recipe makes a concentrated batch, but you can dilute your mixture to make a face mist, spot correction toner, or skin essence. Use rose water after washing and before adding creme.
- Face Mist: 1 tbsp of rose water mix + 4 tbsp of mineral water.
- Spot Correction Toner: Add 2 drops of rubbing alcohol to the rose water mixture.
- Skin Essence: 1 tbsp of rose water mix + 5-6 tbsp of mineral water.
Rosewater, even in a concentrated form, is gentle enough to be used every single day. You won’t have to rinse your face after use. If your skin feels irritated or stings after using the spot correction toner, use less rubbing alcohol in the mixture or stop using the toner altogether.
