How to Make Rose Water (DIY Toner, Face Mist, or Spray)

This homemade rose water spray is one of the first DIY personal care recipes I ever made—and it’s still one I come back to.

It’s simple, affordable, and a really nice way to refresh your skin throughout the day. I especially loved using it when I was dealing with rosacea and needed something gentle that didn’t make things worse.

That said, there’s a lot of confusion online about what “rose water” actually is. Some recipes use real rose petals, while others use essential oils—they're not the same thing and it's crucial to know the difference.

I’ll show you both options below so you can choose what works best for your skin.

Awhile ago I mentioned rose water spray in my post about how to make a Facial Oil Cleanser.

Well, today I am going to show you how to make the rose water spray yourself.

Rose water sprays are used for skin hydration on either your face or your whole body.  You can use them anytime for a refreshing, skin nourishing spray, or you can use them as I do in my facial care routine.

Some of them can be quite expensive, especially when you are looking at organic sprays. 

Truth be told, I once bought that expensive version out of desperation to rid myself of rosacea that was making me embarrassed to go out in public. That spray, together with a simple skin cleansing routine, helped a lot, but soon I had to find a less costly way to keep my skin healthy.

Now you can benefit from this cost-saving method too.

How to Make Rose Water (2 Simple Methods)

Rose Water With Petals

Add rose petals to distilled or filtered water and heat gently until just simmering. Strain the petals from the water. Bottle and store.

Rose Water From Essential Oils

Add rose essential oil to distilled or purified water.

Shake well before each use, or use a solubilizer for better mixing.

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How to Use Rose Water as a Toner, Face Mist, or Spray

Once you’ve made your rose water, you can use it in several simple ways depending on your preference.

As a facial toner

Rose water is most commonly used as a gentle, natural facial toner.

• Use it as-is, or
• dilute with distilled water for a lighter formula:

Basic toner ratio:

• 1 part rose water
• 2–4 parts distilled water

Optional additions:

• a few drops glycerin (for hydration)
• aloe vera juice (soothing)

Apply with a cotton pad or mist onto clean skin after cleansing. If adding additional ingredients, shake before using.

As a face mist or spray

For a refreshing facial mist, simply pour rose water into a clean glass spray bottle.

• Store in the refrigerator if desired
• Mist onto face throughout the day

This works well as a quick skin refresher or even a light body spray.

Optional: Adding Essential Oils

While some recipes include essential oils for fragrance, they don’t naturally mix with water. See the notes above for important safety considerations before using this method.

A Quick Note About DIY Rose Water

You can basically see two main types of “rose water” recipes online:

Traditional rose water (best option)
This is made by steeping or gently simmering real rose petals in water. It’s the most natural and typically the best choice for sensitive skin.

Rose water sprays (quick DIY version)
Most of these use water and rose essential oil. While easy to make, essential oils don’t naturally mix with water.

This means the oil can sit on top of the liquid and be applied unevenly to your skin—which may be irritating, especially if your skin is sensitive (like mine was with rosacea).

If you choose this method, you’ll need to either:

• shake well before each use, or
• use a natural solubilizer for a more stable mixture (learn more about emulsifiers and how oils mix with water here)

Since oil and water don’t mix, shaking will only temporarily disperse the oil. This can lead to uneven application on the skin which can sadly lead to sensitization. I know a number of people whom this has happened to and it's becoming more common these days.

For a more consistent and gentle result—especially for sensitive skin—using a solubilizer or choosing the petal-based method is a better option.

I’ll walk you through both methods below.

Should You Leave Rose Petals in the Bottle?

You may notice some rose water sprays have petals inside the bottle. While this looks beautiful, adding plant material to water-based products can shorten shelf life and increase the risk of spoilage.

For best results, strain the petals out before storing your rose water—especially if you’re using it on your face.

If you prefer the look, you can add a few petals for short-term use, but be sure to store the spray in the refrigerator and use it quickly.

How to Store Rose Water

Because this is a natural, preservative-free recipe, proper storage is important.

• Store in a clean glass container
• Keep refrigerated for best freshness
• Use within about 1 week (up to 2 weeks max)

If the smell or appearance changes, discard and make a fresh batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY rose water safe for your face?

Yes, when made properly, rose water is generally gentle and suitable for most skin types. The petal-based version is typically best for sensitive skin since it doesn’t contain concentrated essential oils.

Can you make rose water with essential oils?

You can, but it’s not the same as traditional rose water and caution is needed. Essential oils don’t mix with water and can separate, leading to uneven application. For best results and safest application, use a solubilizer or choose the petal-based method.

How long does homemade rose water last?

Because it doesn’t contain preservatives, homemade rose water should be stored in the refrigerator and used within about 1 week (possibly up to 2 weeks at the most).

Should you dilute rose water for toner?

Not necessarily. Many people use pure rose water as a toner. However, if your skin is very sensitive, you can dilute it with distilled water to make a lighter formula.

Can I leave rose petals in my spray bottle?

While the petals are pretty, leaving petals in the bottle can shorten shelf life and increase the risk of spoilage. It’s best to strain them out before storing.

Have you made anything with essential oils that you particularly like?