Rose water, a liquid made from the steam distillation of rose petals, is a homeopathic beauty treatment that's been used for a variety of skin treatments since ancient Egypt. But it's not just fancy for the sake of it—rose water has stood the test of time because of its one-of-a-kind skin-healing benefits. Here's five things you never knew about rose water—and why it should be a part of your everyday skincare routine.

1. It's jam-packed with antioxidants

Antioxidants are necessary to prevent damage to our skin caused by oxidative stress. When used in skincare, rose water can help our skin combat harmful free radicals and damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and stress.

2. It could help with acne

Because rose water has antimicrobial properties, it could serve as an all-natural treatment for acne. We recommend choosing a mist or serum that contains rose water, because they are super-concentrated and allow for better penetration of ingredients into the skin, whereas creams can be diluted with emollients and humectants.

3. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Whether you have skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, or simply have irritated and red skin from harsh products, rose water will help soothe this redness because of its anti-inflammatory benefits.

4. It's a great hydration booster for both the skin and hair

Rose water doesn't just soften your skin when used in skincare; it can also hydrate your hair without adding extra weight. Add a few drops of rose water into your shampoo or conditioner for some added moisture. If you're not a fan of DIY, choose a shampoo and conditioner duo with rose extracts already included. 

5. It reduces stress

The reason rose is in so many fragrances isn't just because it smells delicious—that scent can actually have mood-boosting benefits. Rose water is known to reduce stress and can help promote a calmer and more relaxed state. According to studies, breathing in rose water lowers the amount of cortisol (a.k.a. stress hormones) in the body.