Ask any Indian household what is in the bathroom cabinet and gulab jal will be there, usually in a bottle that has been refilled more than once. It is one of those ingredients that never went out of fashion because it was never a fashion in the first place.
What is gulab jal?
Gulab jal is rose water, traditionally made by distilling rose petals. In Ayurveda, roses are valued for their cooling nature, which is why rose water has long been used in summer and after sun exposure, and in daily skin care for a refreshed feel.
7 simple ways to use it
- As a morning mist. Spritz on a clean face to wake the skin up.
- As a toner. Spray on a cotton pad and sweep over the face after cleansing.
- Before moisturiser. A damp face absorbs cream better than a dry one.
- Over makeup. A light mist can take away the dry, powdery look by the afternoon.
- For tired eyes. Chill the bottle, soak two cotton pads and rest them on closed eyes for five minutes.
- Mixed into face packs. Use it instead of water with ubtan or multani mitti.
- As a body and hair-fall mist. On hot days, spray on the neck, arms and even over the hair for a fresh feel.
Zita Gulab Jal Mist
Zita's Shuddha Face & Body Mist (100 ml, ₹349) comes in an easy spray bottle, so it is simple to carry in a handbag or keep on a desk. It is made for both face and body.
How to pick a good rose water
- Look for a short ingredient list.
- Check that it is meant for skin and not for food use.
- Avoid heavily perfumed versions if your skin is sensitive.
The bottom line
One bottle, seven uses. If you want a simple first step into Ayurvedic skin care, rose water is hard to beat.
