Lily Cole photographed by Tim Walker for iD, 2006
By Katie May Ruscoe
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet… and word in beauty circles is that the “queen of flowers” has some pretty sweet benefits for your skin, too.
Rose water is the latest natural ingredient to find internet fame, but new to the scene she is not – the cosmetic, culinary, religious and medicinal use of this delicate, perfumed elixir dates back thousands of years, with the earliest published recipes using rose water coming from the Middle East between the 8th and 11th centuries.
Civilisations across Europe, Northern Africa and the Indian subcontinent have all for many centuries used rose water for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities, and even THE Cleopatra was said to have incorporated rose water into her beauty routine.
So why is it suddenly trending again, and how are we incorporating it into beauty routines in 2025? Let’s take a moment to stop and smell the roses, and unpack it.
What’s the (back) story?
The rose water industry was thought to have originated in Persia (today known as Iran), where its use flourished in both cosmetic and medicinal preparations around the 10th century.
Known as Golāb, rosewater’s popularity soon spread across the Islamic world, while the Crusades of 1095 - 1272 carried its reputation over to Europe, making it a profitable source of trade. Within a few centuries (so practically viral speed by early modern history standards) rose water found fame in India, where the Mughals, who ruled much of India for centuries, used it extensively in their daily lives.
By the Regency period (1811-1820 or thereabouts), rose water had become a must in European beauty cabinets and ‘toilette’ routines - if you were THAT girl in the day you were positively dousing yourself with the stuff through a variety of cold creams, facial tonics, bath preparations, splashes, and even hair treatments. Given that Regency era England was famously stank af, the elegant and refreshing scent of rosewater was no doubt very much appreciated.
Pooja photographed by Rid Burman, Vogue India 2022
How is it made?
Rose water is a Hydrosol, meaning it's created through a steam distillation process that releases essential oils and natural compounds, capturing the rose essence in water form.
Traditionally, rose water is distilled specifically from the Damask Rose (also known as Rose Otto), with much of the world’s rose water supply coming from either Central Iran or the Bulgarian Rose Valley. A high quality rose water should appear clear and colourless and will only list steam-distilled rose water as an ingredient.
Lara Stone photographed by Quentin de Briey for Vogue Ukraine, 2018
What can it do for me?
MAX HYDRATION
Rosewater is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture to help keep skin hydrated – ideal as we creep into winter with all its cold air and aggressive heat pump use. It’s also great for setting and refreshing your beat.
TONING AND REFRESHING
Rose water is a favourite in toning and hydrating mists for good reason. Its low PH level helps balance your skin’s oils without being drying or stripping, while aromatic compounds of Citronellol, Geraniol and Nerol (which give roses their dreamy scent) have relaxing and calming properties. Spritzing yourself with rose water also just feels very glam, and who doesn’t want a touch of that through the day?
SOOTHING AND HEALING
The Phenylethanol and Eugenol in rose water offer a mild antiseptic effect, while tannins soothe redness, irritation, and swelling, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products aimed at soothing sensitive or inflamed skin.
ANTI-AGING
Rose water contains Flavonoids and Phenols – compounds that neutralise free radicals, protecting the skin and body from oxidative stress associated with aging, inflammation, and cellular damage. Vitamins A, B & E are also in the mix, lending extra antioxidant muscle.
DON'T FORGET THE HAIR
Rose water is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in hair care (particularly mists, serums and gentle hair cleansers) thanks to its ability to soothe the scalp, reduce dandruff, and add shine. Gorge!
SHOP: OTHER PRETTY ROSY THINGS
