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Rose water

Rose water suppliers and sourcing guide

Rose water is the aqueous distillate left after steam or water distillation of fresh rose petals, mostly Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia, and it carries small amounts of dissolved rose essential oil components. It is used as the water phase or a fragrance ingredient in toners, mists and creams, and in foods and drinks as a flavoring. Brands buy it as a clear liquid, either a pure hydrosol or a preserved cosmetic grade.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Rosa damascena flower water · Rosa centifolia flower water · Rose hydrosol · Rose flower distillate · Stronger rose water
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of rose water

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pure hydrosol

    Unpreserved distillate collected during rose oil production, with a short shelf life and cold chain needs.

  • Preserved cosmetic grade

    Rose water with a preservative system added by the supplier, sold under the INCI flower water name plus the preservatives.

  • Food grade

    Rose water made for culinary use, sometimes as a stronger or double-distilled grade.

  • Organic

    Distillate from certified organic petals, offered by growers in Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Morocco and India.

  • Reconstituted

    Water with added rose oil or fragrance and a solubilizer; this is not a true distillate and should be labeled accordingly.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity and odor
Appearance, odor and GC-MS profile of volatiles (for example phenylethyl alcohol, citronellol, geraniol) against a reference.
pH and refractive index
pH and refractive index or density, which confirm the material is consistent from lot to lot.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and absence of Pseudomonas and other specified organisms, the main risk for a water-based material.
Preservative content
Assay of any added preservative by HPLC for preserved grades.
Heavy metals and pesticides
Metals by ICP-MS and a pesticide screen, especially for organic or food grades.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep rose water in closed, full containers in a cool, dark place; unpreserved hydrosol usually needs refrigeration and should be used soon after opening. Avoid metal containers that can react with it and minimize headspace. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and should be confirmed with microbial testing for unpreserved grades.

Lots and expiry dates

Odor strength and volatile profile vary with harvest year, rose species and distillation, so record GC-MS results and source for each lot. Check micro on every lot of unpreserved hydrosol before use, and rotate stock first-in, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 182.20, which covers essential oils and natural extractives including distillates that are GRAS, lists rose absolute, rose buds and rose flowers from Rosa alba, Rosa centifolia, Rosa damascena and Rosa gallica.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists stronger rose water (Rosa centifolia L.) with the technical effect 'flavoring agent or adjuvant' and cites 21 CFR 182.20.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Rose water suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking rose water suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell rose water? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of rose water can brands buy?

Common forms include pure hydrosol, preserved cosmetic grade, food grade, organic and reconstituted. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for rose water include?

Expect identity and odor, pH and refractive index, microbiology, preservative content and heavy metals and pesticides, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should rose water be stored?

Keep rose water in closed, full containers in a cool, dark place; unpreserved hydrosol usually needs refrigeration and should be used soon after opening. Avoid metal containers that can react with it and minimize headspace. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and should be confirmed with microbial testing for unpreserved grades.

What is the regulatory status of rose water?

21 CFR 182.20, which covers essential oils and natural extractives including distillates that are GRAS, lists rose absolute, rose buds and rose flowers from Rosa alba, Rosa centifolia, Rosa damascena and Rosa gallica. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists stronger rose water (Rosa centifolia L.) with the technical effect 'flavoring agent or adjuvant' and cites 21 CFR 182.20.

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