Looking for a magical way to use leftover rose petals or just want to level up your natural beauty game?
This DIY rose water recipe is simple, super effective, and smells like a dreamy garden. Plus, it lasts for over a year when stored correctly.
Let’s dive into how to make homemade rose water using real petals and natural distillation.
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Supplies You’ll Need
- Fresh, fragrant rose petals (from your garden or pesticide-free source)
- Large pot with a lid
- Small heat-safe bowl
- Something heavy (like a clean brick, stone, or ceramic weights)
- Ice cubes
- Water
- Glass jars or bottles for storage
How to Make Rose Water at Home: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Pick the Best Petals
Choose the most fragrant roses you can find. Avoid store-bought florist roses—they’re often treated with chemicals. Garden roses or wild blooms are perfect. Remove the petals and rinse gently to clean off any dust or bugs. If you don’t have any, dried rose petals will work, too.
Step 2: Set Up the Pot
Place the rose petals into a large pot and make a little well in the center. Set a small, heatproof bowl in the middle of the pot. This is where the rose water will collect.
Step 3: Add a Weight
Place something heavy (like a clean stone or ceramic weights) inside the center bowl to keep it from moving when the water starts simmering.
Step 4: Add Water
Pour water over the rose petals until they are fully submerged, being careful not to spill into the collection bowl in the center.
Step 5: Cover and Simmer
Put the lid on the pot upside down. This will help catch the steam and direct it into the bowl. Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the water to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Add Ice on the Lid
Place ice cubes on top of the inverted lid. As the steam rises, it will hit the cold lid, condense, and drip into the bowl as pure rose water. Keep replacing the melted ice with fresh cubes for 15–20 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once done, carefully remove the lid and the bowl from the pot. Pour the rose water into clean glass jars or bottles. Seal tightly and store in the fridge or a cool dark cabinet—it’ll stay fresh for up to a year.
Why This Method Works So Well
This condensation method is more potent than simply boiling rose petals in water.
Because you’re collecting the steam (which contains the aromatic oils), the resulting rose water is concentrated and longer-lasting.
What to Do With Your Homemade Rose Water
Once you’ve bottled it, here are some dreamy ways to use it:
- As a facial toner or setting spray
- Add to your bath for a relaxing soak
- Mist on your pillow or linens
- Use in DIY soaps, lotions, or clay masks
Want more beauty recipes with natural ingredients? Check out how I make this overnight aloe vera hair mask or my favorite ice cube skincare hack.
A Garden in a Jar
There’s something incredibly calming about bottling up a floral garden in a jar. Making your own rose water isn’t just easy—it’s beautiful, sustainable, and totally customizable.
If you’re into DIY beauty that feels luxurious without the high-end price tag, this is the recipe to try next.
