What's the difference between rose oil and rose water?
Written by
Stella Nilsson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D."Rose oil" and "rose water" originate from the same flower petals but serve two distinct purposes due to their production methods. Rose oil is an essential oil distilled from the flower through steam distillation and contains concentrated amounts of therapeutic additives. Rose water is a hydrosol that remains after distillation and provides moisturizing properties. Understanding the distinctions will help you choose the right product.
Rose Oil Characteristics
- Contains 300+ bioactive compounds like citronellol and geraniol
- Requires dilution before topical application due to potency
- Offers therapeutic benefits for skin and emotional health
- Used in aromatherapy diffusers for mood enhancement
Rose Water Features
- Mild water-based solution safe for direct skin application
- Serves as gentle toner for all skin types including sensitive
- Provides light hydration without oily residue
- Adds floral essence to culinary recipes and beverages
When seeking therapeutic results, such as reduced inflammation or mood improvement, rose oil can be a useful choice due to its concentrated nature when properly diluted. It can be used in massage blends, as it is also beneficial for reducing muscle soreness, or added to diffusers during stressful times. Always verify the purity of essential oils through GC/MS test results.
Opt for rose water to use for everyday gentle skin care protocols or in the kitchen. After cleansing, apply it to your face with a light spray to calibrate the pH. Add it to cakes or drinks for some floral notes. The mild solution is ideal for sensitive skin and does not require dilution. Read the ingredient lists carefully to ensure the product's purity and avoid synthetic additives.
Utilize both goods to obtain increased benefits. Apply unscented rose water and place rose oil serums on top to enhance the skin's ability to absorb moisture. Use rose water as a spray for makeup settings on the face before applying rose oil-scented extracts. This will allow hydration to be absorbed more efficiently and have a therapeutic effect.
Storage needs can vary significantly. Rose oil should be stored in dark glass bottles and kept away from direct heat. Rose water must be refrigerated after opening to prevent bacterial growth. It may be helpful to mark the bottles with the opening date to determine their freshness.
Read the full article: Benefits of Rose Oil: A Complete Guide
