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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Rose water: This simple yet disputed beauty ingredient is often misunderstood and underestimated. Some cult-followers swear by its hydrating and anti-inflammatory qualities, while others say that it’s all a misty rose-scented placebo. So what’s the truth? Ashley White, esthetician and founder of Skin Class Hero Studio, says that rose water is good for “hydration, aromatherapy, and protection from free radicals that are responsible for damaging our skin's collagen.” Additionally, rose is a natural antiseptic that reduces skin redness due to inflammation, which explains why it's such an effective pick-me-up, cooling complexions.
We conducted hours of research on the best rose water sprays, evaluating them on key ingredients, as many of these formulas contain skin soothers other than rose. We also took into consideration whether the formula is free from toxins, and how it feels on skin. After consulting with an esthetician and board-certified dermatologist, and considering dozens of options, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
cocokind Rosewater Toner
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Ulta
USDA organic-certified
Great choice for all skin types
On the pricier side
This uber-refreshing spritz tops the list largely because it contains just two ingredients: rosewater and a radish root ferment, so there’s no need to worry about ancillary chemicals potentially irritating your skin. There’s no wrong way to use it, no matter whether you use it as a toner, to set your makeup, or to get an extra boost of hydration before applying moisturizer.
Price at time of publish: $18
Key Ingredients: Rosewater | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs & Rosewater
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Amazon
Comes in multiple sizes
Contains rose as well as skin-softening and clarifying ingredients
Contains fragrance and dyes
This refreshing mist is a great option for skin that is not sensitive to alcohol or fragrances. It contains a floral infusion of aloe, rose, and gardenia to boost the complexion and leave your skin feeling hydrated while thyme clarifies. With a cult-like following and only $7 a bottle, it’s certainly worth a try.
Price at time of publish: $7
Key Ingredients: Rose, gardenia extract, thyme extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
Pacifica Beauty Rose Flower Hydro Mist
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Amazon
Fragrance is naturally-derived
Hydrates thanks to the addition of aloe and sodium hyaluronate
Contains witch hazel, which may be too astringent for drier skin
Bring on the dew! This indulgent moisturizing mist marries aromatherapy and skincare for refreshed, dewy skin. Rose water is the star of the show, but the real power ingredient is kombucha (fermented tea), which works to restore, tone, and balance the look of skin. It also contains glycerin to lock in moisture.
Price at time of publish: $10
Key Ingredients: Rose, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Scent
Pure Rose Pure Rose Mist
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Pure Rose
Contains only rose nectar and rose oil
More potent, cold-distilled formula
Doesn’t contain any other good-for-your skin ingredients
Before you start thinking of parfum and synthetic fragrances, this rose mist has the best rose scent because it has a higher concentration of rose than most other sprays on the market! Ashley cites it as her favorite because “it's cold-distilled, so the natural oils and antioxidants are preserved better. Plus, it comes in amber glass packaging to protect from UV light.”
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Rose nectar, rose oil | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Heritage Store Rosewater
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Amazon
Contains only rose flower oil and water
Great for all skin types, including sensitive
Doesn’t contain any other good-for-your skin ingredients
Some of the purest rose waters come with a pretty steep price tag, but this facial mist only has two ingredients: damask rose oil and vor-mag water. Plus, it costs less than $15! With so few ingredients, this is a prime choice for sensitive skin. Use it as a skin refresher, a makeup setting spray, or even spray it as a refresher for locs.
Price at time of publish: $8
Key Ingredients: Rose oil | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With Hyaluronic Acid
Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist
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Nordstrom
Very hydrating formula
Comes in recyclable packaging
Expensive
Everybody is raving about the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid, and this super-fine mist is one more way to work it into your routine. In addition to the hydration-famed molecules, you’ll also find organic rose water (of course) and hibiscus flower extract, which contains malic acid to smooth and soften skin.
Price at time of publish: $34
Key Ingredients: Rose, hibiscus flower extract, coconut water, hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Toner
Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner
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Sephora
Comes in multiple sizes
Gorgeous, display-worthy bottle
Contains multiple kind of rose extracts
Expensive
This alcohol-free toner works wonders for dry, dehydrated skin. It minimizes the look of pores, increases hydration, and clears the skin of leftover impurities. Best of all, it has the soothing effects of rose water that leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed while hyaluronic increases suppleness. Some users even claim that it has improved their overall skin tone.
Price at time of publish: $46
Key Ingredients: Rose, glycerin | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Mini
Garnier Soothing Facial Mist with Rose Water
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Walmart
Small size is great for travel
Affordable
Not fragrance-free
If you’re looking for a rose water spray to keep as a pick-me-up in your purse or as a go-to in your carry-on, look no further. The vegan formula has 99% natural ingredients and gets praised for the ultra-fine mist that distributes evenly throughout your face.
Price at time of publish: $6
Key Ingredients: Rose, glycerin | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Thayers Rose Petal Facial Mist
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Walmart
Alcohol-free, so it’s not too drying
Doubles as a toner
Not cruelty-free
Rose water sprays are a great addition to any skincare regimen, but most are not an acceptable substitute for a toner—this one is the best of both worlds. Your skin gets all of the refreshing dew of rose water and aloe vera, while witch hazel works to soothe and reduce inflammation. Users boast that it doesn’t upset sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Price at time of publish: $5
Key Ingredients: Rose, witch hazel, aloe | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Multipurpose
Anne’s Apothecary Rose Floral Water
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Anne's
Contains plenty of hydrating ingredients
Works well on skin or hair
Clean & cruelty-free
Expensive
This rose floral water is so much more than aromatherapy. It contains antioxidant sunflower oil, Irish moss to heal inflamed skin, and marshmallow for smooth skin and soft hair—and that’s just scratching the surface. Use it as a regular part of your skincare routine or as a refreshing hydrating spray while wearing protective styles.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Rose, sunflower oil, aloe | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Natural
Sky Organics Organic Rosewater Facial Mist
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Amazon
USDA-certified organic form
Good for all skin types
Doesn’t have any added benefits from other ingredients
If you’re looking for pure rose water without the frills of added ingredients, this one is for you. It’s made of 100% organic steam-distilled rose water to hydrate and balance all skin types—from oily skin to dry and sensitive.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Rosewater | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Value
Rosense Rosewater
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Amazon
Made from high-quality rose
Comes in a glass bottle
Large size isn’t great for travel
You’ll find one ingredient in this hydrating spray: 100% pure natural rose water made from the precious Damascena rose. With such a pure concentration of rose and a pretty generous size for the less than $20 price tag, this all-natural spray is a great value.
Price at time of publish: $16
Key Ingredients: Rosewater | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for a Midday Pick-Me-Up
COOLA Reawakening Rosewater Mist
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Dermstore
Extremely hydrating
Contains antioxidants that protect against blue light and pollution
Expensive, especially given the smaller bottle size
One of the best things about face sprays? They’re the perfect way to refresh your skin mid-day—think of them as the skincare version of your three pm iced coffee. This one in particular is a good option to reach for when that mid-afternoon slump hits. Not only does it calm, soothe, and hydrate skin (thanks to ingredients such as aloe and cucumber), it also contains protective antioxidants that shield your skin from environmental aggressors such as blue light and pollution. Yes, please.
Price at time of publish: $34
Key Ingredients: Rose, ginseng, green tea extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
We can’t get enough of Cocokind Rosewater Facial Toner as a daily addition to any skincare routine. If you’re looking for a more potent formula, Pure Rose Pure Rose Mist. Finally, Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner is a great option for a toner that minimizes pores and promotes a radiant skin tone.
Meet the Expert
- Ashley White is an esthetician and founder of Skin Class Hero Studios who specializes in everyday skincare rituals to improve the health and appearance of skin.
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and the founder of Ava MD. She’s an expert in medical and cosmetic skincare, and touts the importance of skin hydration when it comes to caring for the complexion.
What to Look for in a Rose Water Spray
Ingredients
“All rose waters are NOT created equal,” says Ashley White. “A lot of formulas are unfortunately diluted or have additives like fragrance or dyes that render the calming benefits of rose water useless.” So if you really want to get the effects of rose, look for a spray with a high concentration of it. A good rose spray may also include other ingredients that support the calming benefits of rose, such as aloe, witch hazel, or marshmallow.
Value
Some rose waters can certainly cost a premium, and this could be due to a high concentration of rose, the product’s size, or even the quality of the other ingredients added to the formula. However, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Compare the size, ingredients, and production processes of the products you’re interested in to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Your Skin Type
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, so always shop with your skin type in mind. Those with dry skin might appreciate a rose water spray that also includes hydrating oils to lock in moisture, while those with oily skin may be more interested in a more pure formula. To be sure you’ve made the right choice, always spot test new products to avoid breakouts.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Kindra Moné is a freelance writer who has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Her work has appeared in other publications such as Cosmopolitan, HollywoodLife, and more. She also launched her own website, theStylingSOUL, which covers fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more.