Rose Water and the benefits behind our favorite flower
With summer upon us here, the sweltering heat has left our skin with the need for some consistent refreshment, perhaps you noticed the heat making your usual skin care routine a bit futile in the face of this extreme weather we’re facing. If this is the case then here we offer an oasis of skincare that we think will help you cope with this unruly weather.
Rose has always been one of our favorite skincare ingredients, in part because of its scent, but these formulas prove that rose can take many forms: a nostalgic face spray, a rich fermented toner, or a nearly bare-bones floral water. Here are five worth considering, alongside with the details that may decide which earns a place in your routine.
Why rosewater in skincare?
So why does rosewater keep finding its way back into our routines?
By definition rose water is the end product of steeping or distilling fresh rose petals in water, but not all rose water is made the same. This of course is reflected in the price points and ingredient purity found in different products across the market. The species of rose, the method of distillation, and the oil content found in each rose were are all considerations made when curating these selections. Historically roses were only afforded to those of high societal status and served often as aphrodisiacs or were used in rituals of skin care. Now the trend of usage of rose water in skincare products is an ever recurring one as our summers get hotter and our desire for a natural solution to our faces melting off becomes a more pressing one.
From Damascan rose formulated toners to face mists that have a minimal feeling of wear the benefits of rose water can be observed in many different interpretations of skincare. Rose water is great for managing the inflammatory effects of UV exposure, it also contains anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties. It provides Vitamin C and flavinoids which help fight aging and acts as a mild astringent which helps control oiliness on the face. For these reasons and many more we find these rose products to be our favorites for the season.
Of course it would be a skincare sin to not cite our sources so here are some of the studies we referenced when writing this article . https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3586833/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6261181/
Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater
If you had any sort of affliction with skincare like we did in the late 2010’s then you already know about Mario Badescu’s iconic skincare products. From your favorite celebrities to your next door neighbors someone you knew owned at least one of their products (if not this toner specifically) . Not without good cause of course, their au natural formulation was the much needed counter balance to the heavy makeup looks frequently worn in that era. We love this product for its rejuvenating effect on the skin which is due to its Bladderwrack (Seaweed) Extract, this ingredient is known for nourishing and hydrating skin, it’s said to improve evenness in overall skin tone and help with skin texture. With the sweet subtle aroma of the Damascan rose flower water this product features alongside aloe vera known for its anti inflammatory properties its easy to see why this is one of our summertime essentials.
Whamsica organic’s Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
This South Korean brand has been on our radar for a while, what really caught our attention was their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and organic ingredients. They boast a 97% organic ingredient usage in their products which not unlike their formulation process, stood out to us for all the right reasons.
Instead of starting off with water, this toner uses an aloe vera extract base, then adds a fermented complex of rosebud, calendula, dandelion, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, chamomile, and lotus. The texture is viscid, bouncy, and closer to a serum than the water based toners many of us are accustomed to. It offers a full bouquet of essential oils from the rosewood, bergamot, bitter orange, Damask rose, and geranium oils it has. This toner is your best option when you want presence via scent, a substantial full day feeling of refreshment.
Chantecaille Pure Rosewater
Chantecaille offers a simplistic formulation of only two ingredients: Rose de Mai flower water and lactobacillus ferment. Their process starts and ends with steam-distilling whole Rose de Mai blossoms in artesian well water in the South of France, giving this mist its rosy aroma. This incredibly minimalistic and refined approach to production is what makes this skincare line so desirable for all those who prefer the certainty of knowing exactly what’s in the bottle and its origins which is one of Chantecaille’s strong selling points. Still, this is a light mist, not a substantial lotion, so it may feel almost too plain if you want a toner with a richer texture or a broader botanical blend.
Fresh Rose Toner
Sisley-Paris lands on the traditional side with a classic toner made with rose, cornflower, and witch-hazel floral waters. We recommend this toner to those who prefer the familiar feeling of finishing a cleanse with a cotton pad before moving on to other skincare steps. We find that this lotion works best for those with dry and sensitive skin types. If an alcohol free product is what you seek then for all those with easily irritated skin this will be your holy grail.
So, which rose is for you? Mario Badescu’s nostalgic mist, Whamisa with it’s rich and fermented organic formula? Perhaps Chantecaille who keeps it simple with just two ingredients or rather Sisley-Paris which offers us the most traditional floral-toner experience.