What to do with dried rose petals?
Dried rose petals are more than just pretty bouquet souvenirs. Soothing, fragrant, and beneficial for the skin and mood, they have been used for centuries in beauty and wellness rituals. Whether you've collected your own petals or choose natural dried petals like those we offer in our shop , here are a selection of simple and effective ideas for giving them a second life.
The Damask rose, a treasure with a thousand virtues
Renowned for its captivating fragrance and countless benefits, the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is one of the world's most precious varieties. Cultivated for centuries, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Europe, it is particularly prized in perfumery for its unique floral essence, often referred to as the "Damask rose note." Beyond its delicate fragrance, this iconic rose is also a pillar of aromatherapy, with recognized effects on emotional well-being: it is said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and even certain acute pains. In 2019, the know-how related to its cultivation and processing was even inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting both its cultural and therapeutic importance.
The benefits of dried rose petals
Before diving into the recipes, a quick look at their benefits:
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory: ideal for sensitive or irritated skin
- Moisturizing and regenerating: promotes skin elasticity and softness
- Purifying and astringent: tighten pores and tone the complexion
- Relaxing: their natural scent soothes the mind and promotes relaxation
Damask rose petals, in particular, are renowned for their intense fragrance and exceptional quality.
Our recipes with dried rose petals
1. Make your own rose water
A great classic, simple to make and perfect for the face.
Ingredients :
- 1 handful of dried rose petals
- 250 ml of demineralized water
Preparation :
- Heat the water until boiling.
- Add the petals and let it infuse until cool.
- Filter and store in a cool place in a sterile bottle.
Apply morning and evening as a natural tonic.
2. Prepare a rose scented oil
This delicately infused oil is perfect for skin, hair or massage.
Ingredients :
- Rose petals
- Vegetable oil (sweet almond, coconut, olive, etc.)
Preparation :
Place the petals in a jar, cover with oil, and let macerate for 2 to 4 weeks away from light. Strain and store.
3. Treat yourself to a relaxing, flowery bath
Add to your bath water:
- A handful of rose petals
- 1 cup of vegetable milk (almond, coconut)
- 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt
A pure moment of sweetness for the body and mind.
4. Create homemade cosmetics
Soothing face mask
Ingredients :
- 2 tbsp ground petals
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix, apply for 15 minutes, rinse.
Body scrub with sugar and petals
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup ground or chopped petals
Gently exfoliates while nourishing the skin.
5. Make a soothing lotion
Perfect for redness or sensitive skin.
Ingredients :
- 50 ml of homemade rose water
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 5 drops of rose essential oil
Mix, apply with a cotton pad morning and evening.
6. Use petals as natural decoration
They are as pretty as they are useful!
- Homemade potpourri: with lavender, bark, cedar…
- Scented candles: add a few petals to the melted wax or use them as decoration on top.
- Drawer bags: slip them into a small fabric pouch
In summary
Dried rose petals are valuable allies in a natural, zero-waste, and gentle approach. Whether for your skin, your home, or simply for the pleasure of the senses, they deserve a special place in your daily life.
How about trying our Aleppo soap scented with Damascus rose? Made by the social enterprise Syriana, 100% of their revenue goes toward educating refugee children. Discover it here: Aleppo soap with Damascus rose
Looking for natural, untreated dried Damask rose petals? Discover them in our shop in 10g or 20g sizes!
