Rose Water and Geranium Calming Face Toner – Spritz on to Help Improve Your Skin and Mood!

Rose water and geranium extracts has been used for centuries as luxurious ingredients in beauty care lotions, sprays, and baths.  Combined with witch hazel, this rose water and geranium face toner recipe is sure to please!  It may help tighten and tone the skin and improve skin texture.

Ah, the smell of a rose…  Even better, spritzing some of this toner on your face can help calm your mood!  Read a list of research below on the calming effects of the rose aroma and how it has been used in studies to reduce anxiety, depression, and pain!

Rose Water and Geranium Face Toner Recipe

• 2 ounces of rose water
• 2 ounces of witch hazel
• 6 drops of rose geranium essential oil

​Rose Water and Geranium Face Toner Instructions

Combine the ingredients listed above together in a four ounce spray bottle.  Shake well.  Spray on the face as a toner and for calming aromatherapy.

Avoid during first trimester of pregnancy.  For those with fragile skin, please skin patch test on the wrist or arm before spraying on the face.  May interact with certain medications such as diabetic drugs; consult Doctor with questions.

Rose Water and Geranium Face Toner Ingredients Research

• This human study showed that a tonic with 0.25% Pelargonium graveolens essential oil was effective in reducing sebum production on face skin. It further stated that excessive sebum production can contribute to skin disorders such as acne vulgaris or seborrheic dermatitis.From:  Kozlowska, J., Kaczmarkiewicz, A., Stachowiak, N., & Sionkowska, A. (2017). Evaluation of Sebostatic Activity of Juniperus communis Fruit Oil and Pelargonium graveolens Oil Compared to Niacinamide. Cosmetics, 4(3), 36.
• Nine essential oils were studied and showed potential to heal human skin cells in vitro.  They included: Citrus bergamia (bergamot), Coriandrum sativum (cilantro), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum), Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Citrus aurantium (petitgrain), Santalum album (sandalwood), Nardostachys jatamansi (spikenard), and Cananga odorata (ylang ylang).  From:  Han, X., Beaumont, C., & Stevens, N. (2017). Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochimie Open, 5, 1-7.
• Geranium, lemongrass and spearmint oils showed anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Inouye, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2004). Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil. Mediators of inflammation, 13(1), 21-24.
• Witch hazel showed mild anti-inflammatory activity in a double blind study of those treated for atopic dermatitis.  From:  Korting, H. C., Schäfer-Korting, M., Klövekon, W., Klövekorn, G., Martin, C., & Laux, P. (1995). Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 48(6), 461-465.
• Extracts of white tea, rose, and witch hazel had a protective effect on human dermal fibroblast cells against hydrogen peroxide induced damage.  From:  Thring, T. S., Hili, P., & Naughton, D. P. (2011). Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. Journal of Inflammation, 8(1), 27.
• Anti-inflammatory activity of witch hazel applied topically to the skin was demonstrated.  From:  Korting, H. C., Schäfer-Korting, M., Hart, H., Laux, P., & Schmid, M. (1993). Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. European journal of clinical pharmacology, 44(4), 315-318.
• Witch hazel applied topically to the skin after sun exposure was anti-inflammatory.  From:  Hughes-Formella, B. J., Filbry, A., Gassmueller, J., & Rippke, F. (2002). Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 15(2), 125-132.
• A witch hazel ointment was an effective and safe treatment for certain skin disorders in young children.  From:  Wolff, H. H., & Kieser, M. (2007). Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. European journal of pediatrics, 166(9), 943-948.
• Proanthocyanidins from witch hazel strongly increased the proliferation of the cells and reduced symptoms of irritation.   From:  Deters, A., Dauer, A., Schnetz, E., Fartasch, M., & Hensel, A. (2001). High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin. Phytochemistry, 58(6), 949-958.
• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, man, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.

Review of Human Studies Using Rose and Geranium Aroma to Calm the Mind

• Lavender, geranium, rose, and jasmine in an aromatherapy massage may exert positive effects on blood pressure.  From:  Hur, M. H., Oh, H., Lee, M. S., Kim, C., Choi, A. N., & Shin, G. R. (2007). Effects of aromatherapy massage on blood pressure and lipid profile in korean climacteric women. International Journal of Neuroscience, 117(9), 1281-1287.
• Inhalation of rose oil had a relaxing effect and reduced depression and stress in humans.  From:  Hongratanaworakit, T. (2009). Relaxing effect of rose oil on humans. Nat Prod Commun, 4(2), 291-6.
• R. damascena oil reduces sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from depression.  From:  Farnia, V., Shirzadifar, M., Shakeri, J., Rezaei, M., Bajoghli, H., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2015). Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 11, 625-635.
• Fragrance inhalation affected the sympathetic nervous system. Pepper, estragon oil, fennel, and grapefruit increased sympathetic activity, and rose and patchouli oils decreased sympathetic activity.  Inhaling pepper oil increased plasma adrenaline levels while rose oil decreased adrenaline.  From:  Haze, S., Sakai, K., & Gozu, Y. (2002). Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. The Japanese journal of pharmacology, 90(3), 247-253.
• Rose oil and its constituents of 2-phenethyl alcohol and citronellol produced anxiolytic effects.  From:  Umezu, T., Ito, H., Nagano, K., Yamakoshi, M., Oouchi, H., Sakaniwa, M., & Morita, M. (2002). Anticonflict effects of rose oil and identification of its active constituents. Life Sciences, 72(1), 91-102.
• In a double blind placebo controlled study of 40 patients with migraine headaches, a topical formulation containing Rosa damascena oil reduced pain, especially in those with “hot” type headaches.  From:  Niazi, M., Hashempur, M. H., Taghizadeh, M., Heydari, M., & Shariat, A. (2017). Efficacy of topical Rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) oil for migraine headache: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 34, 35-41.

Learn more about the Ingredients

• Click here to read about Rose.
• Click here to learn about Geranium.
• Click here to read more about Witch Hazel.

Rose Water and Geranium Recipe Flyer

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), Professional AIA and NAHA Member, LMT

Posted: 9/28/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.