Rose Water

A flower that evokes glamour, chic and romance, the rose comes from the rose bush, a voluptuous thorny shrub from which magnificent buds of intense colour emerge.

Although it has been cultivated for centuries, the rose is now produced in large quantities for its precious elixir. This liquid, obtained by distillation, is none other thanrose water. It is marketed either as an essential oil or as a hydrosol. A symbol of femininity in Phoenician times,rosewater is an age-old natural cosmetic.

Damask rose: an irresistible flower fragrance.

The rose is a flower native to Syria. With the conquests of the Ottoman Empire, its production developed in Turkey, Bulgaria and Morocco. These new cradles of floral water and thorny flower production have earned the label of "Valley of the Roses". Although Damascus rose is the best quality available, the rosewater produced in these countries is equivalent. Moreover, with the conflicts in the Middle East,rose water production is set to reach record levels in these three countries.

While the Damascus rose is renowned for its dazzling beauty, it also graced the gardens of Arab notables in the Middle East and North Africa. The diffused fragrance of these roses served primarily to cool the air and reduce the heat in these hot countries. But it was during the 10th century, in Persia (modern-day Iran), that the first distillation was carried out to obtain essential rose oil.

The discovery of the astringent and toning powers of rose water

It was around this time thatrosewater began to be used as a natural cosmetic. The pearl of perfumes became a much-appreciated product in local perfume shops and then, as a beauty product, to care for the face.

The water made from this delicate flower has beneficial effects for the skin. Among the benefits, which we will explain later, are the following qualities for the face:

• Astringent power
• Invigorating virtue
• Instant cooling
• Instant soothing

Rose water helps to tighten skin tissue and has an anti-wrinkle effect on the face. It also deeply cleanses and purifies the skin. It's not for nothing that this marvellous liquid is often used in the composition of 'Toners', purifying solutions for brightening the complexion. In fact, its astringent and toning properties help to free up the pores on the face. A simple wipe with a dry cotton pad will remove any impurities from the face, even after washing.

Rose water also soothes the scalp. People prone to itching or dandruff can massage their hair with floral water. This soothes the scalp and prevents scratching.

Other typical virtues of rose water

Despite its pronounced taste for beauty and facial vitality, rosewater has an exquisite fragrance. Very pleasant to smell, it instantly activates the happy hormones. In fact,rosewater hydrosol has an anti-depressant effect on people suffering from psychological illnesses. Its excellent scent relaxes and soothes the mind.

It is often used in massage oils. Without going overboard on its intrinsic qualities, its astringent effect helps the body to relax and relaxes the muscles. A few drops of rosewater in the bath after a hard day's work can only do you good. Especially if you're planning a beauty treatment afterwards.

What's more, in North African countries,rosewater is frequently used to treat high fevers. It is customary for people to wrap their heads in towels soaked in rosewater. This practice helps to lower the temperature. This is perhaps the only therapeutic use that can be identified to date.

In North African countries, rose water is still used to make oriental pastries and certain sweet dishes. Edible rose petals are even sometimes added to certain preparations.

Our online product: hydrosol or essential oil?

Originally, rose essential oil made the fortune of Lebanese importers who acted as intermediaries between Syrian distilleries and the world of Parisian haute couture. Just to give you an idea, it takes around 4 tonnes of rose petals to obtain one litre of essential oil, which is an expensive production cost.

As you can see, our online shop sellsrosewater hydrosol. However, the difference in price does not mean that the quality is inferior. For your information, hydrolat is the recovery of water from distillation. It contains all the aromatic components of the thorny plant. It is exactly this water that is used in cosmetics. Rose essential oil, on the other hand, is a much nobler product, used to make top-of-the-range perfumes.

Our advice on use

If you want to enjoy the benefits of our rose water, use it in the morning as soon as you wake up. Apply a few drops to a cotton wool pad, then insist on applying it to your face. Very sensitive skin may experience a little redness. But don't worry. They tend to fade quickly. This skin reaction diminishes once the face gets used to heavy use of the cosmetic product.

Once your face has been thoroughly purified, your skin will look firmer. Don't neglect the application ofrose water. Over time, it makes the skin firmer and slows down the ageing process.

Mainly rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it is an excellent way of reducing acne and blackheads. This action is possible thanks to the opening of the skin's pores, which removes impurities and imperfections.