I have been wanting to try making a DIY rose water spray for years, and I finally tried it this summer – just as my rose bush was losing the last of its blooms! There are different ways to make homemade rose water, and this is the rose water infusion or simmering method. It’s quick and easy – basically like making a rose petal tea. Stored in the fridge, rose water is a delightful treat for the senses! Between the cooling feel and the delicious scent, I’ve enjoyed spraying this on my skin and hair all summer long. But you can use the same rose water recipe shared below as rose water for face or rose water for cooking!
Rose Water Recipe + Supplies:
- 5 cups rose petals*
- 9 cups distilled water
- 4 tsp vodka (optional)
- Fine strainer or paper coffee/tea filter
- Small glass jars/spray bottles
- Large pot
- Funnel
*5 cups of rose petals is what I used, because that’s what I had, but you can of course use less – simply adjust the amount of water. If you’re unsure of the measurements, or just want to throw in a handful of petals and not measure at all, basically you want to just cover the petals with water. Too much water and your DIY rose water will become too diluted.
Notes on rose petals: Please use pesticide-free rose petals. If you don’t have access to rose blooms in your backyard, source food grade or food safe blooms, to ensure it will be safe to spray this DIY rose petal spray on your skin and consume it (more on that later!).
How to Make DIY Rose Water Spray:
- Remove the petals from your roses and rinse the petals with clean, cold water to remove any bugs, etc. I use my salad spinner – just the strainer and the bowl – to quickly rinse and drain my rose petals.
- Add the rose petals to a clean, wide pot.
- Cover the rose petals with distilled water.
- Add vodka, if using (it acts as a preservative).
- On low heat, cook the rose petal solution but do not allow the water to boil.
- Simmer gently, on low heat, for approximately 20 to 40 minutes – or until the color has been lost from the rose petals.
- Strain into a clean bowl with a fine mesh strainer – I find a drip coffee filter works perfectly. I poured my solution into a bowl with a spout, to make pouring the strained rose water into bottles easier.
- Using a funnel, pour into sterilized/clean glass spray bottles.
- Store in the fridge, for up to 4 weeks.
How Much Vodka to Preserve Rose Water Spray?
I used approximately 4 tsp of vodka – I’ve read elsewhere that a good guide is 1 tsp for ever two cups of water. Next year I plan to experiment with other preservation methods, because I’d love for this rose spray facial mist to last me all through the winter. But using vodka was cheap and accessible to me for the moment (this was a VERY last minute project for me).
How to Make Rose Water – Photos:
Remove rose petals and rinse.
Cover rose petals with water and simmer, gently, for 20-40 minutes.
Once the petals have lost their color, remove from heat and strain.
My rose petal spray turned out to be the most absolute perfect shade of pink! Keep reading to find out how to use your rose water spray, learn about rose water benefits, and discover how to enjoy rose water in food and drink!
How to Use Rose Water:
Once you’ve made your simmered rose water, you can use rose water as:
- Skin toner
- Refreshing facial spray
- Scalp spray
- Tea
- Recipe flavor enhancer
- Room spray
- Pillow spray
- Aromatherapy
- Stress relief
Is Rose Water Good for Skin?
Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to sooth skin irritation, calm redness, and reduce puffiness. For some, rose water can also help improve skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. After weeks of application, I did not personally notice a positive change in my rosacea or acne – however, my rose water spray cleared up an annoying rash I had on my wrist in only two applications – likely due to the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of rose water. I was amazed! My rash had been painful and itchy, and nothing else had helped alleviate the discomfort. Although my acne and rosacea remained unchanged, I did find the rose spray helped keep any summertime oily skin at bay. My skin felt refreshed after every application. Please do a small skin test before using, and do not use if you are allergic to roses, of course. If you have severe skin problems, please consult a dermatologist before use.
Is Rose Water a Toner?
Yes, rose water can be used as a skin toner. I’ve read that rose water is natural toner and it can help balance your skin’s pH balance.
Do You Put on Rose Water Before or After Moisturizing?
Use rose water after washing your face, on clean skin, prior to any serums or moisturizers. Let it dry before following with the next steps of your skin care routine.
How to Use Rose Water on Skin?
If you are going to decant your rose water into a spray bottle, then spray it approximately 6 inches from your skin. You can apply a few sprays, let it sink in, and then apply more as needed. Be careful not to drench your face, otherwise it will just bead off the skin and you won’t enjoy the benefits. You can spray on your face, scalp, limbs, etc (external use only). If you prefer a cotton ball or cotton pad, try to use a really generous amount of rose water, so the cotton glides smoothly over your skill – you don’t want it to be too dry, otherwise you risk tugging/pulling on delicate skin.
Is Rose Water Good for Hair?
Rose water has conditioning properties, so it can be good for hair, but it’s also great for the scalp. The same way it can help skin on your face, it can help any irritation on scalps as well. I sprayed this onto my scalp and hair all summer as well, and my scalp always felt refreshed and my hair felt smooth. I’ve recently read that rose water can help promote hair growth, so I’m going to pay attention to my baby hairs and let you know if I find that to be true!
Is Rose Water Edible?
As mentioned, rose water has many skin soothing, beneficial properties. You can spray it daily onto your face, scalp and other skin. But you can also consume it! The easiest way is to make a rose water drink! I poured some of my rose water into spray bottles, but the rest I kept in a large canning jar and I added it to a fruity iced tea I made as a summer drink. I did not personally enjoy the taste of plain rose water, but mixed into a tea infusion, the taste was more subtle and very refreshing! You can also add it to recipes that call for water, to add a subtle rose flavor note to your favorite dishes.
How to Cook with Rose Water?
You will find recipes with rose water, but you can add it to almost any recipe where water is required. Here’s a great article on cooking with rose water (I’ll be experimenting with this myself next summer, when I can make more rose water, and I’ll be sure to sharing some recipes then).
Does Rose Water Smell Like Roses?
YES! Years ago, I made rose petal infused oils to use for homemade lip and skin balms. Disappointingly, the rose petals were no match for the aroma of the oil, and so my homemade balms did not have that delicious rose petal scent. This DIY rose petal water, however, smells exactly like roses! It smells amazing.
Where to Buy Rose Water?
If you’d prefer not to DIY, but are intrigued by the skin healing properties – or flavor! – of rose water, you can also purchase rose water online! You’ll find versions intended for cooking (like this) and versions to use as a facial spray (this like). Rose water sprays sold are more typically done with a distillation method (what I want to try next year). You’ll also find rose water sprays with other ingredients, like this fresh Rose Hydration Pore-Minimizing Mist, which contains rosewater and Damask Rose Extract.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Next Summer!
