The Secret to Glowing Skin: 8 Amazing Benefits of Rose Water for Your Body

Rose water—usually made by steeping rose petals in water—is a popular natural remedy, perhaps most notably for skin health. Different components of rose have been studied for their effect on a range of health issues, from skin problems to headaches to pain. 

While chemical compounds in rose water are thought to have several possible medicinal uses due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties—among others—it’s important to note that there are limited studies on the health benefits of rose water in humans.

Many health claims have come from studies in animals. More research is needed on the potential benefits of rose water for humans to strengthen claims on its positive impact on various parts of health. 

1. Skin Benefits

Rose hips and rose petals contain chemical compounds considered beneficial in skincare.1 For example, a 2018 study found that the antioxidant activity of rose petal extract has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.2 The researchers found that rose petal extract reduced skin inflammation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which can cause skin damage. 

UV rays are the main cause the production of harmful molecules called free radical or oxidants, which is harmful. Oxidative stress—an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants—has been shown to worsen skin pigmentation and aging, causing changes like uneven skin tone, dry or rough skin, wrinkles, and sagging skin.3 

Findings from the 2018 study showed that rose petal extract had an antioxidant effect on the skin, likely due to anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid.2 

2. Hair Benefits

Although there is a lack of research on the benefits of rose water for hair health, some properties of rose may promote a healthy scalp. For example, the chemical compounds in rose leaves are thought to have astringent properties.1 Astringents are known to constrict the skin (essentially tightening pores) and to draw out oils. 

Rose water’s anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin may also help the scalp, which is simply another area of skin. 

Other types of essential oils may also promote scalp health. Certain herbs and rice water may also help hair. 

3. Brain Benefits

Rose oil may positively affect headaches and migraines, though more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. A 2017 study reported that rose oil made from Rosa damascena (R. damascena), used to treat headaches in traditional Persian medicine, may help reduce migraine pain when applied topically (on the skin).4

However, the researchers noted that the difference of rose oil, compared to a placebo (no rose oil), was only significant for people with certain types of migraine. 

4. Mental Health Benefits

Rose oil may have antidepressant effects. A couple of studies from 2015 showed that inhaling the scent of R. damascena oil reduced depression symptoms among men living with depression and increased dopamine and norepinephrine among women living with depression.56 

These studies also showed increased sexual functioning among men and women who were experiencing sexual dysfunction from taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs for depression.7 The improvement in sexual function was higher for men than women.

5. Digestive Benefits

R. damascena has been said to aid digestive problems and relieve constipation by acting as a laxative.8 However, these claims are based on traditional medicine approaches or animal models and lack scientific evidence.

6. Antifungal Benefits

In addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, rose extract may provide antifungal benefits. Certain types of extract from Rosa sempervirens (evergreen rose) have shown strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans,9 which is the most common cause of systemic and mucosal infections,10 such as vaginal yeast infections and thrush.11

7. Food Benefits

Rose fruit extract has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which may be applied to food. A 2020 study found that two different types of rose fruit extract, aqueous (mixed with water) and ethanolic (mixed with ethanol, a type of alcohol), had an antibacterial effect on 10 different bacteria strains, most notably on Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.12 

The researchers noted that rose extract's antibacterial effect can improve food's microbiological stability, essentially extending its shelf life, as it fights bacteria's growth.

This benefit may be more useful for the food industry than for personal use at home, but rose extract’s antibacterial properties could lead to more beneficial uses in terms of diet and gut health.

8. Pain Benefits

Rose oil massage and aromatherapy may provide pain relief. For example, rose oil massage has been shown to help with menstrual pain.7 One study found that rose oil and other essential oils reduced menstrual pain and bleeding when massaged on the abdomen every day for seven days.13 Another study found similar results: rose oil massage reduced menstrual pain compared to massage therapy alone.14

A study examining postoperative pain in children found that children who received R. damascena Mill. (damask rose) aromatherapy had significantly less pain.15

These studies had small sample sizes, and thus, more research is needed to understand better the potential benefits of rose oil and other rose derivatives for pain relief.

How to Do a Rosewater Spa Day

How to use rose water depends on what you’re using it for. For example, you can use essential oils that contain rose oil as part of aromatherapy. You could also try a tea that has rose in the blend.

You could also use rosewater-infused beauty products, such as cleanser or toner with rose water, to reap the potential skin benefits. For products containing rose water, such as skincare products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to apply the product and how often. 

Potential Reactions

It's important to be aware of potential reactions when using any new product, even ones with natural ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction to a skincare product, called allergic contact dermatitis, include:17

• Itchiness
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling

If you react to rose water or rose oil, gently wash it off, stop using it, and talk to your primary care provider or a dermatologist about other options. 

It’s best to test a small amount of rose water on a small part of your skin for a week before applying it to larger areas to ensure you don’t develop a reaction.17

Summary

Rose water and other products containing rose components, like rose oil, have several potential health benefits. However, more scientific research is needed to better determine rose water's effectiveness for various ailments in humans, such as pain and digestive issues. Nonetheless, different parts of the rose and its chemical compounds have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have made rose water a popular skincare product.