Roses aren’t just for Valentine’s bouquets or your favorite perfume. You probably know rose water as a soothing skincare staple—it calms irritation, balances pH, and gives parched complexions a much-needed drink. But here’s something you may not have tried: drinking it.
Yes, that beautifully fragrant water can do more than elevate your skincare routine—it can actually be sipped. Add it to smoothies, stir it into iced tea, or even splash some into your morning coffee for a floral twist. “The tradition of drinking rose water goes back thousands of years, especially in Persia, India, and parts of Europe,” explains Natasha Sandy, MD. “It began as a flavoring but has long been connected to beauty and wellness.”
Celebrity naturopath Gabrielle Francis, ND, has seen rose water rituals in Greece, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, and India. In Lebanon, she notes, it’s common to drink white tea—a simple blend of hot water and rose water. Tempted yet? Here’s what experts say sipping rose water could do for your body, mood, and skin.
Is Drinking Rose Water Safe?
Absolutely. “Nutritionally, rose water contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as flavonoids and other antioxidants,” says Sandy. While modern research hasn’t fully proven every claim, rose water has historically been used to ease stress, support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote glowing skin. “Because side effects are negligible, drinking rose water is generally considered safe,” Sandy adds.
1. It May Calm Inflammation
Battling breakouts, redness, or eczema? Rose water is a natural anti-inflammatory. “It can help soothe acne, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and general skin redness,” explains facialist Ildi Pekar. Its magic lies in active compounds like terpenes and glycosides. Rose essential oils also have antimicrobial properties, making it a two-in-one for irritated skin.
(Dermatologists note that evidence is still anecdotal, so consider it a gentle supplement to—not a replacement for—your skincare routine.)
2. It Hydrates Your Skin From Within
If hydration is your biggest concern, this is where rose water truly shines. “It helps restore moisture balance in dry skin, giving you that plump, dewy glow,” says Francis. Think of it as drinking your eight glasses of water—with a floral upgrade.
3. It Could Minimize Wrinkles and Pores
Rose water is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which fight free radicals and support collagen production. “It’s been used for centuries to reduce wrinkles and age spots,” Francis notes. Pekar adds that women in ancient Egypt even used it to tighten pores and keep skin looking youthful.
4. You Can Easily Make It at Home
You don’t need to hunt down expensive bottles. DIY rose water is simple, clean, and fresh. Pekar recommends steeping organic rose petals in a glass jar of water and leaving it in the sun for six hours. Strain, refrigerate, and sip within a week. One glass a day is enough to see benefits in about a week.
(Tip: Always wash petals thoroughly to remove pesticides.)
5. It May Soothe Sore Throats
Rose water has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly for colds and coughs. While research is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests it can calm a scratchy throat. Next time you’re under the weather, try swapping your usual tea for a warm cup of rose water.
6. It Can Aid Digestion
Rose water isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it may also ease digestive troubles. Some studies suggest rose essence can help with stomachaches and bloating. Just be sure you’re using pure rose essence, not artificially flavored products.
7. It May Help with Tension Headaches
Too much screen time and not enough breaks? Rose water might help. Use it as aromatherapy in a diffuser or soak a washcloth in chilled rose water and place it on your forehead. The gentle scent and cooling effect may relieve tension and calm your nervous system.
The Takeaway
Rose water isn’t a miracle cure, but it’s a centuries-old beauty and wellness ritual that feels luxurious and nourishing. From calming inflammation to hydrating your skin and possibly even soothing sore throats, it’s worth experimenting with. Whether you buy it bottled or DIY a batch at home, adding a little rose to your daily routine might be the simplest way to sip your way to radiance.
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