For skin and face
Applied after cleansing, it tones and refreshes the skin, eases discomfort and preps it for the next step. Gentle enough for all skin types.
HydrosolMoroccan heritage
Damask rose water
The Damask rose blooms every spring in the Dadès Valley.
The rose picked early in the morning, in April and May.
The still the petals are steam-distilled.
The rose water clear, fresh, delicately scented.
INCI · ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATERCreate my rose water range
- INCI name
- ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER
- Other names
- Rose hydrosol, rose floral water, ma el ward (Moroccan Arabic for rose water)
- Family
- Hydrosol (floral water)
- Origin
- Rosa damascena, Dadès Valley (Morocco)
- Part used
- Fresh petals, steam-distilled
- Areas
- Face, hair, body
In brief
Rose water in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER
- What it isthe hydrosol obtained by distilling Damask rose petals
- For the facetones, refreshes and gently scents the skin
- For haira light mist that refreshes and scents the lengths
- Originthe Dadès Valley, around Kelâat M'Gouna, protected by a designation of origin (PDO)
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is rose water?
Damask rose water is a hydrosol: the aromatic water collected during the steam distillation of Rosa damascena petals, at the same time as the essential oil. It contains small amounts of the rose's scent compounds, notably geraniol, citronellol and linalool. In cosmetics, it is used to tone, refresh and scent the skin and hair.
Rose hydrosol vs reconstituted rose water: the difference
Rose hydrosol
Damask rose petals, steam-distilled. INCI: ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER. This is the one in our formulas.
Reconstituted "rose water"
Water with added rose fragrance or flavor, sometimes alcohol. The INCI list gives it away: AQUA and PARFUM, with no floral water.
Rose essential oil
The oily fraction of the same distillation, highly concentrated and produced in tiny amounts. It is never used neat on the skin.
( B )ITS BENEFITS
01 02 03
Rose water benefits for face, skin and hair
For hair
Misted on the lengths, it refreshes the hair and leaves a light rose scent, without weighing it down or making it greasy.
For the formula
It replaces all or part of the water phase and brings a delicate natural scent, with no added synthetic fragrance.
How to use rose water
- Face
Morning and evening on clean skin, with a cotton pad or as a mist, before serum or cream.
- Hair
Misted on the lengths, to refresh and scent between washes.
- Mask
Instead of water, to mix ghassoul (Moroccan rhassoul clay) or another clay.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your rose water range
It is the base of our toning lotions and scents our body lotions and intimate mists. Choose a category to see the formulas ready to carry your brand.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate it
What our formulators take into account when rose water goes into your product.
- 01A true water phase
We use it in place of part of the formula's reverse osmosis water, and list it clearly in the INCI list.
- 02A fragile hydrosol
Like any floral water, it is prone to contamination: microbiological cleanliness tested on receipt and a suitable preservative system.
- 03Fragrance allergens
Geraniol, citronellol and linalool are among the allergens that must be declared above regulatory thresholds: we assess them in the product file.
- 04An origin story
The PDO "Eau de rose de Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès" can be highlighted on the packaging, provided it is documented in the product file.
Did you know?
The Valley of Roses, home of a PDO
- 2018
"Eau de rose de Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès" is recognized as a designation of origin by order of the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture.
- May
Every year, Kelâat M'Gouna celebrates the harvest with the International Perfume Rose Fair, the famous Rose Festival.
- 950 ha
The area under perfume roses in Morocco in 2019, mainly in the Dadès Valley, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Rose water: your questions
A rose water project?Our product specialist answers you on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of rose water for the face?
It tones and refreshes the skin, eases discomfort and leaves a delicate scent. Applied after cleansing, with a cotton pad or as a mist, it preps the skin for serum or cream.
How do you use rose water on hair?
Spray it on the lengths, on dry or damp hair, to refresh and lightly scent it between washes. It can also replace water to mix a ghassoul mask.
What is the difference between rose hydrosol and rose water?
A rose hydrosol is obtained by distilling the petals: it is true rose water. Some products sold under that name are water with added fragrance. The INCI list tells them apart: ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER for a hydrosol, AQUA and PARFUM for a scented water.
Why Damask rose?
Rosa damascena is the benchmark perfume rose, grown for its intense fragrance. In Morocco, it is the variety of the Dadès Valley, around Kelâat M'Gouna, where it is distilled into rose water and essential oil.
How can you tell genuine Moroccan rose water?
Its INCI list starts with ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, with no fragrance added to imitate rose. The designation of origin "Eau de rose de Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès" also guarantees production within the protected area.
What is the INCI name of rose water?
For Damask rose, its INCI name is ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER. This is the name that appears in the ingredient list on the packaging.
Can I create a rose water range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We use it in white label toning lotions, body lotions and mists, or in an exclusive private label formula, all manufactured in our factory in Morocco.
Sources
- Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, Perfume rose sector
- ONSSA, Order No. 1800-18 (2018) recognizing the designation of origin "Eau de rose de Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès"
- Gateva S. et al., Cytogenetic Studies on Genoprotective Effect of Rosa damascena Mill. Hydrosol, Life (2023)
- European Commission, CosIng database: ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER
Your rose water range, formulated in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Free consultation and a selection of formulas, with no commitment.