Rosewater is a fragrant solution extracted from rose petals. Middle Eastern grocers, natural foods retailers and perfume shops sell distilled rosewater, and you can make it yourself. Its aroma is slightly less powerful than rose essential oil---rose otto. This natural perfume finds a home as an ingredient for toilet splashes along with skin and hair preparations. Since rosewater is edible, cooks have also created recipes that took advantage of the sweet signature that rosewater adds to food and beverages.
Hair Care
Rosewater is a natural moisturizer that can restore your hair. After you spend the summer on the beach, recondition your hair with rosewater to repair damage from the sun and saltwater Care2 suggests that you mix rose water with vitamin E and jojoba oil. Massage the conditioner into wet hair and leave in while you shower. Rinse the solution out of your hair, then shampoo and rinse again. Your hair will be softer and shiny. This rosewater conditioner also works on hair heat-damage from blow dryers, curling irons and other appliances that dry your hair.
Skin Care
Skin care has been a traditional use for rosewater throughout history. It is slightly astringent, making it a good toner for dry skin. "Ayushveda" magazine notes that putting rosewater on your face helps to balance your skin and open blocked pores. Regular use will keep blackheads, pimples and acne at bay. Dab rosewater on your face with cotton balls to prevent wrinkles.
For hand and body moisturizing, people mix rosewater with glycerin---a natural humectant that helps your skin retain moisture. Rub the mixture into your hands and feet before you go to bed nightly to keep them soft. Add rosewater to your favorite hand creams and lotions to improve their moisturizing properties.
Homemade Fragrance
Rosewater lets you capture and use the scent of roses to add a natural fragrance to your home. Make potpourri with dried flowers and add rosewater to fix the scent of dried roses and other herbs and flowers. Use rosewater as a refreshing after bath body splash. The scent lingers and envelopes you in its subtle, sweet aroma.
Cooking
Roses are edible unless they have pesticide residues. Adding rosewater to your recipes evokes the smell and the taste of roses in your dishes. Home and professional cooks add rosewater to recipes for rice, cakes, fruit pies and even meats. Some ancient dessert recipes mix rosewater and sugar together to make a rose scented glaze for baked goods.
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