Rose water has more potent antioxidants than green tea

A rose is the epitome of nature's captivating beauty, inside and out. Coveted for its smooth, silky petals and amorous scent, a rose has more layers to it beyond what the eyes can see.

This precious ingredient has a rich, romantic history and deeply rooted in the science of health and beauty. 

Rose water's wondrous benefits
Science has long been exploring the benefits of Rose water since its use in ancient times. Evidence has it that rose water is highly: 

• Rich in antioxidants;
• Anti-bacterial; and
• Relaxes anxiety/depression.

Other rose byproducts (such as Rosa damascena oil, methanol, ethanol, etc.), have also been found to have these benefits (Mahboubi, 2015):

• Anti-cancer;
• Enhances memory performance;
• Aphrodisiac;
• Eases PMS symptoms or pre-menstrual syndrome; and 
• Anti-diabetic, among its other positive effects.

Having a holistic approach to skin care, ESK's core philosophy is that beauty goes beyond skin deep. We hope that you find multiple uses for rose water to nourish your skin and overall wellness. Learn more about rose water and find our expert recommendations below.

Rich in antioxidants and more potent than green tea

Rose water, separated from rose oil, is naturally derived from different rose species -- such as Wild Rose (Rosa canina), Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) and Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia).

In the middle east, rose water has been commonly used for herbal tea, among other uses. A study on hot water infusions found that "the antioxidant activity was higher for Rosa damascena (damask rose) than for green tea (Vinokur, et. al., 2006 in Tobyn, et. al., 2011)."

Professors from the University of Karachi in Pakistan studied rose water's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They concluded that the higher the dose, the greater its benefits.

"By increasing the concentration of rose water, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were also increased. The topical application of the formulated cream rose water will help in reducing oxidative damage and give the antioxidant effect to our skin due to its high antioxidant values (Safia, et. al., 2019)."

The romantic history of rose water

A tale as old as time, rose water has been a key ingredient in beauty as far back as 200 AD.

Greek physician, Galen, was among the first to produce cosmetics using only rose water, beeswax and olive oil (Wilmott, et. al, 2005).

Another rosy fairytale, this one is from how Iranian physician, Avicenna (in portrait), discovered rose water in the 10th century at a prominent wedding:

"It was during the wedding feast of Akbar's son, when a canal was dug circling the wedding garden and (found to be) filled with rose water.

Then in the hot sun, the oil separated from the water and its exquisite perfume was realized, captured and manufactured (Tobyn, et. al., 2011)."
 

Today's modern rose water elixirs

Now in the 21st century, we're still very much in love with rose water. It is a timeless ingredient and a perfect gift for her.

Here are some rose water solutions that we absolutely adore:

<

>

Jurlique
Rosewater Balancing Mist

Bio Code
Rose Floral Water Mist

Hylunia
Age-Defying Rose Water Mist

JAYJUN
Blooming Rose Water Toner

Sun Potion
Solar Rose Water

<

>

Elemis
Pro-Collagen Rose and Relax Duo

Elemis
Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro-Mist

Elemis
Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser

How much do you love these? Let's count the ways. Comment below, leave your reviews and share this with a friend!

References:

• Clarke, S. (2008). Chapter 7 - Composition of essential oils and other materials. Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy (Second Edition). Churchill Livingstone. Pages 123-229. ISBN 9780443104039. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-10403-9.00007-8
• Flannery, M. (2021). Avicenna. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Avicenna. Accessed 26 April 2021.
• liam Andrew Publishing. Editor(s): Meyer R. Rosen. Pages 437-472. ISBN 9780815515043. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-081551504-3.50026-2
• Mahboubi M. (2015). Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 6(1), 1016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.09.005
• Safia, A., Aamir, Z., Iqbal, A., Rafi, S., & Zafar, M. (2019). Assessment of Rose Water and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of a Rose Water Based Cream Formulation. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 11(1), 43-48. https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/11/IJPCR,Vol11,Issue1,Article8.pdf
• Tobyn G., Denham A., Whitelegg M. (2011). Chapter 25 - Rosa damascena, damask rose. Medical Herbs. Churchill Livingstone. Pages 253-270. ISBN 9780443103445. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-10344-5.00030-6
• Wilmott J. M., Aust D., Brockway B. E., Kulkarni V. (2005). Chapter 21 - The Delivery Systems' Delivery System. In Personal Care & Cosmetic Technology, Delivery System Handbook for Personal Care and Cosmetic Products. Wil