Rosa Damascena Flower Water

Bad

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Rosa Damascena Flower Water at a glance

  • Fragrant solution obtained from the flowers of the damask rose
  • Poses a risk of irritation to skin due to its volatile compounds
  • May also be referred to simply as rose water
  • Claims such as calming redness and reducing acne have not been proven to be true

Rosa Damascena Flower Water description

_Rosa damascena_ flower water is an aqueous solution obtained from the flowers of the damask rose via steam distillation. Its reported cosmetic functions are as a fragrance ingredient and skin conditioning agent. Due to its volatile fragrant compounds, this flower water poses a risk of irritation to skin (although it’s slightly less concerning than the more concentrated essential oil form). While you may not immediately see or feel the effects, if _Rosa damascena_ flower water is included in high enough concentration to emit its floral scent, it poses a risk to the health of skin below the surface. _Rosa damascena_ flower water may also be referred to simply as rose water or rosewater. Skin care companies make lofty promises for rose water, claiming it can do everything from reducing acne to soothing redness. Research, however, has not proven this to be true. While some suppliers of _Rosa damascena_ flower water suggest using up to 10% concentration, the safety assessment by the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel tops out at a 1.9% maximum.

Rosa Damascena Flower Water references

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2022, pages 1-25
  • Contact Dermatitis, January 2021, pages 21-42
  • Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2019, pages 7,410-7,415
  • African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2015, pages 145-150

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.