Beginner’s Guide to Using Rose Water for Acne

Here's how to soothe those breakouts and prevent them from happening in the first place.

Rose are often an under-looked beauty ingredient. We’re familiar with adding rose petals to our bath, and using rose water as a natural toner. In addition to that, rose water itself can be effective in treating acne too. A natural, gentle, and heavenly-smelling acne treatment? That’s right. Rose water has a range of properties that make it beneficial for fighting acne, all the way from preventing it in the first place to treating acne scars. Here’s everything you need to know about adding this natural remedy to your daily beauty routine.

Benefits of rose water for acne

Treating acne is complicated. It isn’t just about sucking as much excess oil from your skin as possible. You need a skin care solution that calms down those red bumps without further irritation, and actually brings balance back to your skin. That’s why we’ve enlisted in rose water as one of our favorite acne-fighting ingredients. It’s gentle enough for acne-prone skin, can purify clogged pores, and helps balance your skin in the long run.

1. Anti-inflammatory

Some of us are all-too-aware of how painful acne can get. Notice any swelling or redness? That’s when your acne has become inflamed, due to your pores being clogged up with bacteria and other gunk. At this stage, you’ll likely be fighting those dreaded pimples and cysts that seem almost impossible to get rid of.

Luckily, rose water is naturally anti-inflammatory, thanks to the fact that the rose plant is rich in phenolics and vitamin C. Its anti-inflammatory properties can go a long way in soothing those painful red bumps, and help prevent additional swelling.

2. Astringent

Similar to witch hazel, rose water is rich in tannins that have a tightening effect on skin. That’s why both are ingredients commonly used in the most effective natural toners. This astringency helps lessen the chance that your pores will be clogged and infected by acne-causing bacteria.

Rose water is a healthier and more premium option to other harsh ingredients in conventional acne treatments that can dry skin out. It’s beneficial for all skin types!

3. Antibacterial

Did you know? A large amount of your acne woes may be due to pesky bacteria that gets trapped in your pores. This happens all too easily when your skin surface is riddled with dead skin cells and excess sebum. Luckily, rose extract is naturally antibacterial, helping to prevent acne formation in the first place, as well as preventing further infection.

4. Balances pH

The acid mantle of your skin operates best when it’s slightly acidic, just enough to curb the excessive growth of acne-causing bacteria. Soapy cleansers can easily throw off the balance of your skin. Rose water is slightly acidic, making it a popular ingredient for face toners that aim to rebalance your skin after cleansing.

How to use rosewater for acne

1. As a cleanser

Thanks to its light texture and antibacterial properties, rose water easily penetrates your skin to purify your pores. Use it alone as a refreshing morning cleanser. If you prefer a more deep cleanse, we recommend washing your face with any of the following products.

Rose Foam Cleanser from Organic to Green
Cruelty-free
Looking for a deep cleanser that doesn’t irritate that breakout? This foaming cleanser includes Himalayan pink salts and French pink clay to detox skin and remove excess oil from skin. Coconut and rose water help replenish hydration back to skin.

Peace Rose Oil Complex Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Oil from Shea Moisture
Cruelty-free
This gentle cleanser melts away makeup and dirt without leaving skin feeling greasy or tight. Rose water and rose oil form a creamy mixture that softens and refreshes skin.

2. As a toner

Rose water helps to tighten your pores while also resetting the pH balance of your skin, making it an excellent natural toner for acne-prone skin. Simply apply a small amount onto a cotton ball and sweep over your face, or any of the ready-to-use formulas below.

Rose Flower Hydro Mist from Pacifica
Cruelty-free, vegan
Rose water and kombucha work together to purify your pores and bring balance back to skin. You’ll love the hydrating boost of hyaluronic acid in this toner.

Balancing Rose Mist from Kora Organics
Ecocert certified organic, cruelty-free, vegan
Hoping to calm a breakout while on-the-go? Spritz on this facial mist to hydrate and heal with antioxidant-rich rose water, hibiscus, and cherry extract.

Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist from Herbivore
Cruelty-free, vegan
Oily skin types aren’t the only ones that suffer from acne. If you’re looking to bring hydration back into your dull, acne-ridden skin, you’ll love the refreshing rose and coconut water in this face toner.

3. Moisturize

Rose water hydrates skin, preventing it from drying out and overproducing sebum. At the same time, it doesn’t clog pores, so it’s the perfect ingredient for moisturizing acne-prone or oily skin. It’s anti-inflammatory too, so it won’t aggravate ongoing breakouts. Just remember to cleanse your skin before moisturizing!

Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme from Herbivore
Cruelty-free
This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for all skin types, and never leaves skin feeling greasy. Rose water and white tea work to fight redness while leaving skin plump and glowing.

Lightweight Moisturizing Organic Face Lotion from Nourish Organic
USDA organic, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
This moisturizer contains a blend of enriching plant oils such as argan oil and acai fruit oil that are still incredibly lightweight on skin. The result is a more toned, soothed complexion.

Rose Vetiver Day Moisturizer from Evan Healy
Cruelty-free
This moisturizer contains specially selected botanicals such as sage and green tea to rebalance and bring comfort back to your skin. Antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil helps provide on-the-go protection against aging factors.

Acne is an ugly business to deal with, but luckily your treatment options can get pretty pampering. Rose water makes for an ideal ingredient to soothe those breakouts. Because it helps tackle the root of the problem, it may even prevent future flare-ups. Be sure to complement pure rose water with other skin-nourishing natural ingredients to support your skin’s recovery.