Glycerin with rose water: should you use it?

What does glycerin do for skin?

Glycerin, also called glycerine, is a humectant: an ingredient that attracts and holds water in the outer layer of skin. Moisturizers can also contain ingredients that soften skin and form a protective layer to reduce water loss. A moisturizer can add moisture and help keep it there, which is a more useful job description than 'beauty secret'. The practical goal is less dryness and better skin barrier function, not simply a wet face.1

What ratio of glycerin to rose water should you use?

A specific homemade mixing ratio and safe storage time cannot be recommended. Choose a formulated moisturizer instead of guessing a recipe and keeping a batch. Creams and lotions are prone to microbial contamination, and preservatives help extend their shelf life.1

How should you apply a glycerin moisturizer?

These are general moisturizer steps, not directions for a homemade rose water mixture.

1. 1Wash gently. Avoid scrubbing, and use warm rather than hot water.
2. 2Pat skin dry after bathing, leaving it damp rather than completely dry.
3. 3Apply your moisturizer promptly to help lock in water.
4. 4Reapply as dryness requires. For dry skin, moisturizing two to three times a day is general guidance; slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night.

Which texture should you choose?

For dry skin, start with a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Creams contain more oil than lotions, while ointments are the thickest option and especially useful for dryness. For oily skin, a lighter gel is an option. With combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas with a rich product.2

Who should be careful with rose water?

If your skin is dry or sensitive, avoid fragranced products. Natural fragrance extracts can cause contact allergy, so 'natural' does not mean allergy safe. If you have a known fragrance allergy, avoid products containing fragrance and unlabelled blends. A reaction can appear hours to days after exposure, rather than immediately.4

Before using a new fragranced leave on product, apply a dot to the same spot on your forearm or inner upper arm twice daily for two weeks. Do not use the product if a rash develops. A dermatologist can investigate suspected fragrance allergy with patch testing.4

Seek medical advice if dryness becomes painful, cracked or bleeding, or does not improve with moisturizing. Also get help if itching disrupts sleep or scratching leaves open sores.23