Rosewater And Glycerin For Skin: Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects

Flawless skin is not an overnight miracle. But achieving it is not impossible either. You need to follow the right skincare regimen and use the right ingredients. Glycerin and rosewater are two natural beauty ingredients that most women rely on for healthy skin. A blend of glycerin and rose water is extremely beneficial for your face (unless you are allergic to it) and can keep your skin healthy. Additionally, the fragrance from the rosewater can also have a therapeutic effect.

Scroll down and find out how to use rose water and glycerin for your face and skin.As already mentioned, glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the atmosphere and binds it to your skin and prevents dryness (2).

Areeba, a blogger, describes in one of her blogs her experience of using rosewater and glycerin in her skin care routine: “I have been using this recipe for soft skin for more than a year now. I first came across this two years back and to be honest with you guys, I was not as much interested at first to try it out. Not because I thought it would react on my skin in any way but for the fact that glycerin is of a sticky consistency and I never tend to like that kind of products. Nevertheless, I tried it just to know what was all the craze about! Not that I expected it to show results in a single night, I noticed softer skin the first morning and VOILA… I have been using it since then! (i).”

Trivia

The process of obtaining refined rose water by steam distillation was attributed to ancient Persian chemists. During medieval times, rosewater was widely featured in perfumery and foods.

Glycerin And Rosewater: What Are The Benefits?

The combination of rosewater and glycerin is good for your face. These two ingredients have several benefits. Let’s look at each ingredient in detail.

Glycerin can help your skin in many ways:

1. It May Protect The Skin Barrier

Glycerin is a humectant that keeps your skin moisturized. The transepidermal water loss or TEWL (loss of water from your body through the epidermis) is a factor that reflects the normal function of your skin’s barrier. A mice study showed that regular application of glycerin might prevent TEWL and keep the skin hydrated and the skin barrier intact (1).

2. It Prevents Skin Dryness

If you have dry and dehydrated skin and issues like atopic dermatitisⁱ  XA chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, red rash-like lesions on the face, hands, and other skin folds. , your skin will love glycerin.

A study conducted in the U.S. revealed that around 31.8% of the adult population suffer from atopic dermatitis. Further, it stated that the percentage of eczema was reported to be higher in women at 8.9% compared with men at 5.7%. Further, the study also stated that Hispanic adults were more likely to have atopic dermatitis than non-Hispanic whites.

As already mentioned, glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the atmosphere and binds it to your skin and prevents dryness (2).

Quick Tip

Glycerin is also good for soothing dry, chapped lips, especially during winter. It hydrates lips and prevents any bleeding or irritation.

3. It Improves Skin Permeability

Human skin has a low permeability. This means it is tough for foreign substances to penetrate the skin layers. This is why certain skincare products do not work for you. Glycerol (commercially known as glycerin) can help improve the skin’s permeability (3).

Rosewater has the following skin benefits:

4. It Is Good For Sensitive And Aging Skin

If you have dry and aging skin that is sensitive to products, rosewater can help keep it healthy. It has anti-aging benefits, and when applied topically, it has an astringent effect on your skin. It soothes the capillaries right beneath your skin layer and prevents redness (4).

5. It Has Anti-inflammatory Effects

Rose flowers contain tanninsⁱ  XBeneficial compounds naturally found in plants possessing strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. , anthocyaninsⁱ  XA group of pigments that give fruits and vegetables their characteristic purple, red, or blue hues. , and essential oils. Rose extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and also protect the fibroblast cells (cells responsible for collagen synthesis) from damage (5).

6. It Calms The Skin

There is no denying that applying rosewater on the skin has a calming and soothing effect. The floral essence has a hydrating effect on your skin and is exceptionally beneficial in rejuvenating your tired skin at the end of the day and soothing sun damage.

7. It May Soothe Eczema Symptoms

Rose extract has anti-inflammatory characteristics. It can effectively address various conditions, whether they are internal or external, and potentially provide relief from the discomfort associated with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea (5).

A mommy blogger shared an experience using rosewater to soothe her daughter’s skin rash. She learned about this remedy from a friend who found success with rosewater in soothing skin rashes for their own children. She said in her blog, “I took it home and that night applied it gently over the rash that was on her arm. After about a week, the rash was gone (ii).”

8. It Minimizes Pimple Marks

Rosewater can be a helpful natural remedy for reducing the appearance of pimple marks. Research indicates that rose water is abundant in vitamin C and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the study found that rosewater’s antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics may expedite the healing process for cuts, burns, and scars (6). Therefore, it might also help heal inflamed acne or pimples and minimize the risk of developing spots. By gently applying rosewater to the affected areas, you can potentially improve the texture and tone of your skin over time. While it may not provide instant results, consistent use can contribute to a healthier skin tone.

A blogger shared her experience with rosewater and glycerin, highlighting the benefits. She found this natural and inexpensive combination to be a highly effective and pleasant moisturizer for their skin, free from harsh chemicals and leaving a light, non-oily feel. She said, “And it’s worth every penny! It is everything it’s supposed to be. Moisturizing without being oily, nice smelling, non-comedogenic (iii).”

Commercially available rosewater may contain other chemicals, which may not give you the same benefits as homemade rose water (that has pure rose extracts).

Now that you know what these two ingredients can do to your skin, let’s check out how you can use glycerin and rose water for your face.

How To Use Glycerin And Rosewater For The Face

Note: Avoid using glycerin directly on your skin. Always mix it with rosewater to dilute it before using it. If used directly, in some cases, glycerin may also make the skin dry.

1. Rosewater And Glycerin Toner

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons rose water
• 2 teaspoons glycerin
• Airtight spray bottle

Method

1. Combine the ingredients in the spray bottle.
2. Shake well to mix.
3. Spritz it on your face whenever it feels dry.

2. Rosewater And Glycerin Makeup Setting Spray

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons glycerin
• 6 tablespoons rose water
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel
• ½ teaspoon tea tree oil (optional)
• Spray bottle

Method

1. Pour all ingredients into the spray bottle using a funnel.
2. Stir gently.
3. Replace the cap and roll the bottle between your palms to mix the ingredients (don’t shake too hard).
4. Shake it gently and spray on your face.

How It Helps

Witch hazel has astringent and antibacterial properties that can help in soothing your skin and alleviate acne and inflammation (5). Tea tree oil not only protects your skin from bacteria, viruses, and mites but also offers a cooling sensation (7).

3. Rosewater And Glycerin Facial Cleanser

You Will Need

• 1 ½ cups rose water
• 2 tablespoons unscented Castile soapⁱ  XA toxin-free soap rich in olive oil that is used as a vegan alternative to soaps made from animal fats.
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• 1 airtight glass jar

Method

1. Pour all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Whisk for a few minutes to mix them well.
3. Transfer the mixture to the glass jar.
4. Use it every day to wash your face.

How It Helps

Castille soap is mild on your skin and can help prevent acne. Vitamin E protects the skin from free radical damage and helps delay aging and fade dark circles under the eyes (8).

4. Rosewater And Glycerine Facial Mask

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• 2-3 drops serum (pick your favorite)
• 1 disposable cotton sheet mask

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Soak the cotton sheet mask in the mixture.
3. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Remove it and massage the extra fluid on your face.
5. Use this recipe three times a week.

How It Helps

A serum can help treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, dryness, pigmentation, and wrinkles (9).

5. Rosewater And Glycerin Moisturizer

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 4 tablespoons rose water
• Glass dropper bottle

Method

1. Combine the ingredients in a glass dropper bottle.
2. Close the lid tightly and shake.
3. Pour two to three drops on your face and massage well.
4. Use it two times every day, once in the morning and once at night.

6. Rosewater And Glycerin Serum

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons glycerin
• 1 tablespoon rose water (organic)
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• ½ tablespoon argan oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 glass dropper bottle
• 1 funnel

Method

1. Pour the ingredients in the glass dropper bottle. Use the funnel to avoid spilling.
2. Cap the bottle and roll it between your palms so that the ingredients are mixed well.
3. Store this DIY serum in a cool place.
4. Before hitting the bed, take a few drops of the serum, rub it between your palms, and massage on your face.
5. Use the serum every night or as per your convenience.

How It Helps

Aloe vera gel protects the skin from UV damage, moisturizes it, increases skin elasticity, and delays the formation of wrinkles (10). Argan oil improves skin elasticity and skin hydration and makes the skin soft (11). A geranium essential oil can help treat acne, balance sebum production, and delay aging (12).

7. Rosewater And Glycerin Face Mist

You Will Need

• ¼ cup rosewater
• 2 tablespoons glycerin
• ¼ cup distilled water
• Spray bottle

Method

1. Pour the distilled water in the spray bottle.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and swirl gently to mix.
3. Spritz it on your face and pat it until it is absorbed.
4. Use it throughout the day whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up.

8. Rosewater, Glycerin, And Lemon Toner for Skin

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of rosewater
• 5 drops of glycerin
• Juice of half a lemon

Method

1. Dilute the lemon juice with rosewater.
2. Add glycerin to the mixture.
3. Store it in a glass bottle.
4. Use a cotton ball to apply it like a toner.
5. Do not keep for more than 10-15 minutes. Wash it off.
6. Use it once a day.

How It Helps

Lemon is rich in vitamin C that acts as an astringent and lightens your skin tone (13).

Note: Never use undiluted lemon juice on the skin. Also, lemon juice makes the skin photosensitiveⁱ  XA substance that reacts to light which, when applied topically, makes skin prone to redness and rashes upon sun exposure. , so apply sunscreen before sun exposure.

Both the ingredients are harmless to the skin. However, if you are allergic to them, it is better to avoid them. Here are a few tips to consider before using these DIY remedies.

Tips To Consider While Using Glycerin And Rose Water For The Face

1. Do a patch test before using glycerin on your skin. You may consult a dermatologist to do an allergy test for glycerin and rose water.
2. If you have oily or combination skin, use the remedies not more than two times a week. Using them too often may make your skin greasy.
3. Use pure rose water for the face (preferably homemade) and organic glycerin to avoid any skin reactions. Commercially available rosewater may contain other additives and preservatives that may harm your skin.
4. Always dilute glycerin with rose water before using and wash it off before going out. The viscosity of undiluted glycerin may attract dust and pollution and clog your skin pores.

Side Effects of Glycerin And Rose Water

Both the ingredients are considered safe for the skin. However, you could be allergic to either of the ingredients or both. If you are sensitive or allergic to the ingredients, you may experience the following side effects:

• Redness
• Itching
• Rashes
• Burning sensation
• Stinging sensation
• Swelling

If you experience any of these symptoms or any other symptoms and changes in your skin, stop using the product immediately, and consult a doctor.

Infographic: Rose Water And Glycerin For The Face

Using rose water and glycerin together may help improve your skin. Moreover, you can mix other beneficial ingredients with these two to make them even more effective. You can use some easily available ingredients to make a scrub or a sunscreen with rose water and glycerin. Check out the infographic below to learn how to make these skin care products at home.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does glycerin darken the skin?

Answer: No, it doesn’t.

Can glycerin and rosewater mixture be applied overnight?

Answer: Yes, if it suits your skin.

Is rose water and glycerin good for lips?

Yes. According to anecdotal evidence, a rose water and glycerin mixture can help reduce hyperpigmentation and soothe and hydrate your lips. Rose water’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce any irritation.

Can glycerine remove pimples?

Possibly. Glycerine is a gentle skin care ingredient that may help exfoliate and soothe inflammation. It may also help remove dirt and impurities from your face, thereby preventing pimple formation.

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Dr. M. Khawar NazirMBBS

   

Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston University, School Of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. He is also a member of the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists (PAD) and Hair...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more