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 knowing, along with the details that may decide which one earns a place in your routine.

Why rosewater in skincare?

So why does rosewater keep finding its way back into our routines?

It is the fragrant water collected when rose petals are distilled, which helps explain why it is more interesting than perfumed tap water.

Laboratory studies have measured antioxidant activity in rose distillation products, which sounds extremely glamorous.

Still, that result belongs to the material studied and not automatically to every pink bottle on a shelf.

The type of rose matters, but so do the way it was distilled and the amount inside; after that, every other ingredient gets a chance to help the flower or completely crowd it out.

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 which contains 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 its botanical formulas and thoughtful packaging. Instead of beginning 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 rich, bouncy, and closer to a thin serum than the watery toners many of us grew up using. The drawback is also part of its personality: rosewood, bergamot, bitter orange, Damask rose, and geranium oils give it a full essential-oil bouquet. Choose this when you want cushion and scent, not a barely-there, fragrance-minimal step.

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater

Chantecaille offers a great choice out of the group with a two-ingredient list: Rose de Mai flower water and lactobacillus ferment. The brand steam-distills the whole Rose de Mai blossom in artesian well water in the South of France, giving this mist its naturally rosy aroma. We like the clarity of knowing exactly what is in the bottle. Still, this is a light mist, not a substantial lotion, so it may feel almost too simple if you want a toner with a richer texture or a broader botanical blend.

Sisley-Paris Floral Toning Lotion

Sisley-Paris lands on the traditional side with a classic wipe-on lotion made with rose, cornflower, and witch-hazel floral waters. It is the option for anyone who likes the familiar feeling of finishing a cleanse with a cotton pad before moving on to serum and moisturizer.

So, which rose is for you? Mario Badescu is the nostalgic mist, with a clear dye caveat. Whamisa is the rich, fermented, essential-oil bouquet. Santa Maria Novella brings Damask rose and centuries of apothecary history. Chantecaille keeps things to two ingredients, while Sisley-Paris gives us the most traditional floral-toner experience. We will keep testing the bottles that make skincare feel less like a chore and more like a small daily ritual, so come back for more honest skincare reviews soon.