Extending Shelf Life of Homemade Rose Water
Question
I want to make Rose Water for body spray using the following method:
Method for preparing Rose Water using fresh petals:
- Use about 2 roses, pluck only the petals, and wash them clean.
- Put the fresh rose petals in a small pot. Add a little water, just enough to cover the petals (be careful not to add too much water, as it may dilute the scent of the Rose Water).
- Optionally, add a little vodka, which will help the Rose Water last longer.
- Close the lid, set the heat to the lowest setting, and leave for 20 minutes. Be careful not to let the water boil, as this can cause the scent, color, and important substances to degrade.
- You will notice that the rose petals will fade, while the water will start to darken.
- Strain out the petals and store the Rose Water in a lidded bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator.
This method results in a short shelf life for the Rose Water. I would like to ask if there is any preservative that can help extend the shelf life of the Rose Water and allow it to be stored at room temperature. Thank you.
Answer
Extending Shelf Life of Homemade Rose Water
Making rose water at home is a lovely idea! To extend the shelf life beyond two weeks and store it at room temperature, you can add a suitable cosmetic preservative. Preservatives help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, which can spoil your product.
Based on your needs for a water-based product like rose water, here are a few types of preservatives that could work, along with examples:
- NaturePreserve™ Ultra: This is a natural preservative blend (Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate) that is water-soluble and effective in a pH range of 3-6. It can be used at a rate of 0.75-2.0% and is heat tolerant.
- Global Guard™ 221: A broad-spectrum, water-soluble natural preservative (Dehydroacetic Acid & Benzyl Alcohol & Water) effective in a pH range of 2-7. It's typically used at 0.5-1.1% and should be added when the product temperature is below 45°C.
- Mild Preserved™ COS: This is a broad-spectrum, odorless, water-soluble preservative (Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol) that works in a wide pH range of 2-8. Use at 0.75-1.5% and add when the temperature is below 45°C.
- NaturePreserve™ LB2: A natural origin preservative blend (Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Water) that is water-soluble and effective against bacteria and fungi at pH 2.0-6.5. Use at 0.5-1.0% and avoid heat above 50°C.
When adding any preservative, ensure the rose water has cooled down after heating, ideally below 45°C (or 50°C for NaturePreserve™ LB2), to maintain the preservative's effectiveness. The typical pH of rose water is slightly acidic (around 4.5-5.5), which is compatible with the effective pH ranges of these preservatives.
Adding a preservative should allow you to store the rose water at room temperature and significantly extend its shelf life compared to storing it in the refrigerator without one. However, for any product intended for sale, it is crucial to perform a challenge test to confirm the preservative's effectiveness in your specific formula.
Related Products Mentioned
Global Guard™ 221 (pH 2-7, Natural)
