DIY Rose Water
Rose water is not only beautifully fragrant but very versatile. It has an extensive range of uses including cooling mist, facial toner, hair perfume, and fabric freshener. Rose water can be used to replace some or all of the water in things like soap, hair rinse, and hair detangling spray.
There are two relatively easy ways to make rosewater at home. The easiest and quickest way is by simmering rose petals (dried or fresh) in water. The result is a fragrant, rose-colored water. This method is suited best for recipes and uses that will not sit around very long as it has a limited shelf life unless you add a preservative. I prefer to keep it simple and natural so I nix the preservative and make fresh batches weekly.
Choosing Rose Petals
There are many different varieties of roses. If you will be picking your own roses, do so in the early morning when the blossoms are the most fragrant. You can also purchase roses but they should be from an organic source.
NOTE: It’s important to use pesticide-free rose petals so your finished rosewater is not full of chemicals.
It’s possible to use dried petals. I like these. They are from the Damask Rose and are very fragrant!
Another option is to use lavender flowers. Follow the directions below for the dried petals and use the lavender water in place of the rosewater in the following recipes.
Uses For Rosewater
There are so many ways to use rosewater. Here are some of my favorites.
Perfumed Sprays
One thing many people miss after they have made the switch to healthy options in beauty care is the scented aspect of commercial products. Often times those artificial fragrances are the selling point for perfumes, soaps, and shampoos, but they are also one of the more dangerous ingredients used in these products.
Rosewater makes a wonderful base for making substitutes for perfumed sprays. You can make a simple hair perfume to add a touch of a floral scent to your hair. You can also just dab rosewater on your wrists and neck for a light hint of perfume.
Skin Care
Another excellent use for rosewater is in your skin care routine. Rosewater helps balance the skin’s PH, reduces redness and irritation, tightens pores, and helps cool and soothe hot skin.
Facial Toner: Store rosewater in a dark colored glass bottle. Add a drop or 2 of lavender or rose essential oil and apply to your face with a cotton ball after you shower or wash your face.
Cooling Mist: Store rosewater in a dark colored bottle with a fine mist spray top. You can keep it in your purse for on-the-go use or keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling. Mist on face to cool skin and freshen up.
Sunburn Relief: Mix equal parts rosewater and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and spray onto sunburned skin for relief.
Mood Improvement
Rosewater is also a wonderful mood enhancer. You can mist it on yourself in the same way you use the cooling spray and breathe in the scent to lift your mood. For a calming bath, add 1-2 cups to your bath water.
How to Make Rose Water
There are two different ways to make rose water, either by simmering or distillation.
I prefer the Simmering Method
Supplies:
dried rose petals (or fresh from an organic, pesticide-free source)
water
saucepan with lid
nut bag or several thicknesses of cheesecloth
dark bottle for storage (spray nozzle optional)
Directions:
Measure 1/4 cup of dried rose petals into your saucepan. Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup if you are using fresh petals.
Pour 1 1/2 cups water into your saucepan.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Reduce temperature to the lowest setting that still allows the water to simmer.
Simmer until the color of the rose petals has faded. Mine became almost colorless. This only took about 5-10 minutes.
Leave the lid on and cool completely.
Pour water and petals through the nut bag or cheesecloth into a dark, clean bottle. You can use a funnel or strain into a measuring bowl with a pour spout and then pour into your dark bottle.
Store in the refrigerator for several weeks or on the counter for up to one week.