How to make a simple homemade DIY Rose Water using organic fresh or dried rose petals. This hydrosol can be used in recipes, for skin, in beauty products like a natural perfume or deodorant, or even as a scented room mist!

I remember the first time I heard about rose water. It was around eight years ago.

My twin sister was telling me all about how rose water could help soothe and heal her acne, which I thought was so fascinating.

It’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties make it fantastic for soothing irritated, inflamed skin like acne, eczema, and rosacea.

What’s more, it can also help reduce skin redness, treat infections, prevent further swelling, and help cuts, burns, and scars heal faster.

As rose water is rich in antioxidants, this makes it very helpful in regenerating and strengthening skin cells.

Adding some rose water to your natural conditioner or shampoo may also help soothe an irritated scalp and control dandruff.

When it comes to sourcing ingredients, high quality, organic pre-made rose water can cost quite a bit, whereas purchasing the organic rose petals only cost me a few dollars and I could make my own DIY rose water at home to use in my recipes or natural beauty products.

When making hydrosols at home, a good rule of thumb is to double the amount of herbs needed when using dried herbs. For example, use 3 cups of fresh herbs or 6 cups of dried herbs to make the hydrosol.

Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade organic rose water – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!

Homemade Organic Rose Water

When making a flower water (or hydrosol), it’s ideal to use fresh flowers from the garden or those purchased from a local organic farmer that you know hasn’t sprayed any chemicals. The best hydrosols are made with flowers that are in season, which is when they’re most fragrant. However, you can make rose water using dried petals, too, and the process is the same.

I’ll often use these dried organic rose petals as they’re much more affordable and still really good quality.

Rose water can be used in countless recipes such as a natural facial toner, in a body moisturiser, and more.

Here’s how to make your very own natural rose water to save you spending a fortune on store-bought varieties. Ensure that you use organic, food-grade roses for this recipe.

Makes approximately 100ml (on average)

Ingredients:

• 6 cups dried organic rose petals
• Water (can used distilled if you prefer // see guide here is a guide for making distilled water at home)
• Ice cubes
• 100ml glass dropper bottle or clear glass bottle, for storage

To make:

1. Place a heat-resistant bowl or glass jar in the centre of a large saucepan or stockpot. The jar acts as a container to catch the condensing steam that will become the rose water.
2. Arrange the rose petals around the jar, then add just enough water to cover the petals in the saucepan, avoiding the glass jar. The jar needs to stay above the water and flowers so it can ‘catch’ the floral water as it condenses. Place the lid on top, but sit it upside down. Place the pan on medium-low heat and bring the water to a simmer.
3. Add two to four cups of ice on top of the inverted lid. Let the water simmer for 20-25 minutes, adding more ice to the top of the lid as it melts.
4. After simmering, carefully remove the lid, pouring the ice water into the sink. Alternatively, you can keep the water in a separate bowl to use on the garden once it has cooled. Then, using oven mitts, lift the glass jar of floral water out of the saucepan or stockpot and pour the water into a clean glass bottle or amber dropper bottle using a funnel.

Homemade hydrosols are an infusion of plant properties and distilled water. They will keep for years if stored in clean bottles and protected from light and heat. For more tips on how to store hydrosols, see here.

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post. 

Have you made your own flower water (hydrosol) before? How did it go? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

🖤 Vanessa