11 Rose-Infused Skin Salves to Freshen Up Your Skin

As the beauty industry continues to update its technology and offer a number of innovative new products, rose — yes, the flower commonly associated with romantic gestures — has become a must-have ingredient in many skin care and beauty items. A trip to the gardens won't be necessary to sweep your skin off its feet, though.

Make time for a date with your favorite cosmetic store instead.

Amanda Sipenock, Lush brand and product trainer, tells us rose and its benefits can be infused into oils, essences, infusions, essential oil mixtures, and more. Sipenock walked us through some of her favorite qualities, citing rose's ability to calm, soothe, moisturize, and tone the skin.

'For centuries, rosewater has been used as a skin-soothing ingredient,' she says. 'Ancient Greeks and Romans would infuse rose petals in water, just like making tea, and it's still how we do it today.'

Our modern day take includes a lot more than rosewater because rose could be as good for your skin as ever. Recent studies show that rose hip oil protects against irritated skin, tackling issues such as inflammation, oxidation, and aging. If you're looking to heal scars and keep wounds clean, rose's antiseptic and antibacterial properties are your friend too.

However, the science isn't definitive — holistic reviews show that rose needs more research before we can label it a holy grail. So instead of throwing all our roses in one bouquet, why not compound the benefits with other wonderfully active ingredients like aloe, glycerin, or honey?

After all, how much rose will actually freshen up your skin depends on the exact product (quality, manufacture process, and bottling) and where it falls on the ingredient list too — some brands may tout rose but if it's listed second to last, your skin might not even notice it.

So, for you, we weeded through the thorns and evaluated which rose-infused products are actually worth it. New to the world of rose beauty or searching for more concentrated doses of skin love? Here's 11 products to choose from.

1. Fresh Rose Face Mask

Take some time to stop and smell the roses, literally, with a face mask infused with rose petals.

If your skin is in dire need of moisture, the mask — filled with calming ingredients including rosewater — delivers on a quick boost of hydration.

Cost: $62, available at Sephora

 

2. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

Whether you apply it before completing your makeup routine or after, this facial spray will turn up your glow. Thanks to ingredients including rose, aloe vera, and gardenia, the Mario Badescu facial spray has become a favorite for its ability to liven up even the dullest of skin.

For an added use, take a nod from makeup artists and spray your makeup brushes with this product before applying.

Cost: $7, available on Amazon

3. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Reviewers have commonly referred to this product as a 'holy grail,' noting that the 100 percent rosehip seed oil — which is rich in skin-boosting fatty, linoleic, and linolenic acids — formula has cleared up their acne, reduced dryness, and left skin feeling softer.

Be warned though, some users have noticed that the product stains when applied and others complained of breakouts possibly caused by use.

Cost: $9.80, available at Sephora

4. TonyMoly I'm Real Rose Sheet Mask

Take a few minutes while you're streaming Netflix faves to freshen up your face. Containing rose extract, this face mask — which can be worn for 20 to 30 minutes — was made for a quick at-home skin pick-me-up.

Although its lauded for its affordability, you may want to keep an eye out for excess residue when removing. Some reviewers have noted that their skin feels sticky after use. If that's the case for you, pat the serum into your skin after use, or smooth the leftovers down your neck.

Cost: $3, available on Amazon

5. Lush Eau Roma Water

Those with sensitive skin will find this toner — which is intentionally made to calm — a great addition to their skin care routine.

Whether you're dealing with sensitive skin and have blemishes or dryness, reviewers say this product has cleared up their skin redness, isn't irritating, and feels gentle and light when applied.

Cost: $10.95, available at Lush

6. Original Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

One can truly never have enough face masks, especially when they're infused with rose.

Spend just 10 minutes wearing this clay mask, and you'll reap some serious skin benefits, including reduced pores, smooth skin, and a glowing complexion.

Cost: $26, available at Sephora

 

7. Lancome Rose Sugar Scrub

Fighting acne has never smelled so sweet. Use this rose-infused sugar scrub as part of an established routine. Made of rosewater, which exfoliates and soften skin, along with salicylic acid, a popular ingredient for fighting acne, this scrub left many reviewers with 'baby soft' skin.

Be warned though, sugar scrubs can be bad for your skin if overused. Think of this product as a sweet treat you indulge in only once a week.

Cost: $25, available at Sephora

8. Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask

Packed full of rose plant stem cells and rose extracts, this gel mask brings cooling relief to dry skin.

Along with brightening up your complexion, this mask reportedly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. However, some reviewers with sensitive skin noted that the product caused redness.

Cost: $52, available at Sephora

9. Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Body Oil

Don't forget to brighten up the rest of your body. Apply this oil all over for an instant glow.

Along with providing you with smooth skin, the oil — which includes fragrant notes of damask roses and rose essential oil — will soothe the mind. This is one rose product that provides head-to-toe benefits.

Cost: $29, available on Amazon

10. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil

At $185, this Rose de Mai face oil is certainly a splurge, but according to online reviewers, it's worth the price.

Whether applied alone or with makeup, the oil — made with rose hip, evening primrose, rose damascena and rose geranium — takes care of many common skin care concerns, including signs of skin aging and fine lines. Reviewers praised the product for giving them younger-looking skin and its ability to work on skin types ranging from oily to sensitive.

Cost: $185, available at Chantecaille

11. Ouai Rose Hair & Body Oil

If your morning routine doesn't include enough time for a face mask, this spray from Ouai should do the trick. As a multipurpose beauty product, the oil can be applied to hair for some added oomph to the driest tresses or your face for a burst of skin brightness.

You may want to monitor how much product you're using. Reviewers noticed that too much oil caused their hair to appear greasy, and others found it felt heavy on the skin.

Cost: $32, available at Sephora

There's certainly no shortage of beneficial rose beauty products, and this list doesn't even cover all the rose-scented products out there. Whether or not you tried a product from our list or found something else that's caught your eye the next time around, remember to check out each product's ingredient list.

A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but a product that touts rose benefits without actually having any may not be worth paying for.

---

Lauren Rearick is a freelance writer and fan of coffee. You can find her tweeting at @laurenelizrrr or on her website.