Skip to content

Acqua Distillata Alle Rose

Acqua Distillata Alle Rose

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A legendary Italian rosewater toner crafted since 1867 by Manetti Roberts. Triple-distilled with the pure essence of three noble roses — Rosa Gallica, Rosa Centifolia, and Rosa Damascena — this refreshing tonic soothes, hydrates, and revitalizes the skin for a dewy, radiant complexion.

Alcohol-Free No Colorants Triple Distilled Vegan 3 Rose Extracts Since 1867
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Type
Toner
Size
300ml / 100ml
Price
~$9–12
pH
~5.0–5.5
Brand
Manetti Roberts
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Rose Complex

Blends Rosa Gallica flower water, Rosa Centifolia extract, Rosa Damascena extract, and Rosa Canina (rosehip) fruit extract for multi-faceted rose benefits.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Watery / Liquid
Scent
Classic Rose
Absorption
Instant
Finish
Dewy / Fresh

Triple Rose Complex

Blends Rosa Gallica flower water, Rosa Centifolia extract, Rosa Damascena extract, and Rosa Canina (rosehip) fruit extract for multi-faceted rose benefits.

Lightweight Hydration

Glycerin draws moisture into the skin while the watery formula absorbs instantly without residue, leaving skin refreshed and supple.

Gentle Toning

Acts as a mild tonic on the epidermis, helping to remove residual impurities after cleansing and restoring the skin's natural pH balance.

Heritage Formula

Created in 1867 by Florence's Roberts herbalists, this iconic Italian beauty staple has been trusted by generations of women for over 150 years.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol), a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. While present in low concentrations, consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, which may feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne conditions.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. The watery, lightweight formula is unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.

Fragrance Allergens Present

Contains Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, and Citronellol — known EU fragrance allergens. Patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Alcohol-Free

No drying alcohols in the formula. Gentle enough for daily use without stripping the skin's moisture barrier.

No Colorants

Free from artificial dyes and colorants. The formula relies purely on its natural rose-based ingredients.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Rosa Gallica Flower Water 2nd ingredientProven

The star of the formula — true French rose water obtained by distillation of Rosa Gallica petals. Provides the iconic rose scent and delivers soothing, toning, and mildly astringent properties to the skin.

  • Function: Toning, fragrance, skin conditioning
  • Benefit: Calms redness, refreshes the skin, and helps remove soap residue after cleansing
Listed as the 2nd ingredient, meaning a high concentration of real rose water in the formula.

Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract 3rd ingredientProven

Also known as the "hundred-petaled rose" or Cabbage Rose. This precious extract is rich in natural polyphenols and provides antioxidant protection and skin-soothing benefits.

  • Source: Centifolia rose petals, traditionally cultivated in Grasse, France
  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and emollient properties help protect and soften the skin

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract (Rosehip) 4th ingredientProven

Rosehip fruit extract from the wild rose bush. Naturally rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that support skin hydration and radiance.

  • Source: Wild rose hips native to Europe and Africa
  • Benefit: Vitamins C and A promote collagen production and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Beta-carotene helps brighten the complexion.

Rosa Damascena Flower Extract 5th ingredientProven

Damask rose extract, prized for centuries for its luxurious fragrance and skin-conditioning abilities. Provides tonic and masking properties to the formulation.

  • Source: Damask rose petals, containing 95+ active compounds including flavonoids and quercetin
  • Benefit: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mood-boosting aromatherapy benefits

Glycerin 6th ingredientProven

A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. Draws moisture from the environment into the skin's surface, boosting hydration and strengthening the moisture barrier.

  • Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and even hyaluronic acid
  • Benefit: Hydrates deeply, has antimicrobial properties, and supports wound healing

2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-DiolPreservative

Also known as Bronopol, this is a preservative that prevents microbial growth in the formula. It is a formaldehyde-releasing agent, which is why it receives scrutiny from clean beauty advocates.

  • Function: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative
  • Safety: Approved for cosmetic use at low concentrations by the EU and FDA
Formaldehyde releaser — may cause sensitivity in some individuals. Not recommended for those with formaldehyde allergies.

16 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Rosa Gallica Flower Water, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Gluconate, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Sodium Benzoate, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol.

FREE FROM: Alcohol, Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates, Colorants/Dyes, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Retinoids, Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
This Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use morning and evening after cleansing, before serums and moisturizer. Can also be used as a refreshing mist throughout the day.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with clean skin. Use your regular facial cleanser and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

2

Apply with Cotton Pad

Soak a cotton pad with the rosewater toner and gently sweep across your face and neck in upward motions, focusing on areas prone to redness or dryness.

3

Pat Gently

Alternatively, pour a few drops into your palms and gently pat the toner onto your face and neck, emphasizing areas where fine lines may form.

4

Follow with Skincare

While the skin is still slightly damp, apply your serum, essence, or moisturizer to lock in the hydration. Use morning and evening.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a gentle, no-fuss daily toner with a classic rose scent
  • You have normal, dry, or combination skin that needs light hydration
  • You love heritage European pharmacy beauty products
  • You want an affordable rosewater toner with real rose extracts
  • You need a versatile product for face, body, or even as a linen refresher

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne — this product is not malassezia safe
  • You have highly sensitive skin or fragrance allergies (contains Parfum and EU allergens)
  • You prefer "clean beauty" or formaldehyde-free products (contains Bronopol)
  • You are looking for active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or AHA/BHA
  • You are pregnant and prefer to avoid formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Normal Skin
Excellent

An ideal daily toner that maintains skin balance and adds a light veil of hydration without heaviness.

Dry Skin
Good

Glycerin provides hydration, and the rose extracts soothe dryness. Best followed by a richer moisturizer for very dry skin.

Oily Skin
Good

Watery texture absorbs instantly without adding shine. Gently tones and refreshes without stripping natural oils.

Combination
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones — hydrates dry areas while feeling lightweight on oilier zones.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains fragrance allergens (Geraniol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal). Patch test recommended — may irritate very reactive skin.

Acne-Prone
Moderate

Low comedogenic rating (1/5) is a plus, but not safe for fungal acne. Lacks active acne-fighting ingredients like BHA or niacinamide.

08

Results timeline

2+ MONTHS
Immediate

Instant Freshness & Soothing

Skin feels refreshed, cool, and lightly hydrated from the very first use. The rose fragrance provides an aromatherapy-like calming effect.

95% noticed
1–2 Weeks

Improved Skin Tone & Softness

With consistent daily use, skin begins to look more even-toned and feels noticeably softer. Redness and minor irritation start to subside.

75% noticed
4–6 Weeks

Radiant, Revitalized Complexion

Skin appears more luminous and plump. The gentle toning and hydrating action improves overall skin texture and clarity over time.

60% noticed
2+ Months

Long-Term Skin Conditioning

Regular use helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and supports a healthy, supple complexion. Fine lines in treated areas may appear softened.

50% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

580+ REVIEWS
Amazon (300ml)
4.4
Rating
320+
Reviews
Main complaint: Reformulation concerns — some long-time users notice slightly different scent or texture between batches
Amazon (10 fl oz)
4.6
Rating
260+
Reviews
Main complaint: Higher price as an Italian import compared to locally available rosewater toners
MakeupAlley
4.5
Rating
Multiple
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong rose fragrance can be overpowering for those sensitive to floral scents
Picky
4.0
Rating
Community
Reviews
Main complaint: Not suitable for very dry or mature skin without a heavier moisturizer on top
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Beautiful, authentic rose fragrance loved by generations
  • Incredibly affordable — especially when purchased in Italy (~€3–5)
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs instantly
  • Contains four real rose-derived ingredients, not just synthetic fragrance
  • Alcohol-free and dye-free — gentle on most skin types
  • Versatile use: face toner, body refresher, linen spray
  • Iconic Italian heritage product with 150+ years of history

Criticized

  • Contains Bronopol (formaldehyde releaser) — a controversial preservative
  • Not fungal acne safe due to PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • Contains fragrance allergens that may irritate sensitive skin
  • No advanced active ingredients (no HA, niacinamide, AHA/BHA)
  • Rose scent is quite strong and persistent — not for fragrance-averse users
  • More expensive as an import in the US compared to domestic options
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Rosewater Toner
$7.99
Budget Pick

Contains Damask Rose, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and Sodium PCA for added hydration. Cleaner ingredient list (9 ingredients) and is fungal acne safe. Lacks the multi-rose complexity but adds modern actives.

80% Match
Witch Hazel Facial Toner
$10.49
Similar Price

Rose water toner with added witch hazel and aloe vera. Alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, and fungal acne safe. More widely available in the US. Adds pore-minimizing witch hazel but lacks the four-rose blend.

65% Match
Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
$7.00
Budget Pick

A mist-style rosewater spray rather than a traditional toner. More of a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up. Contains aloe and herbal extracts but is a different format and use case.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Rosewater Toner
Key Ingredients Damask Rose + HA + Aloe
Size 118ml (4 oz)
Ingredient Count 9 (very minimal)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Free No (Parfum)
Country USA
Witch Hazel Facial Toner
Key Ingredients Witch Hazel + Rose Water + Aloe
Size 355ml (12 oz)
Ingredient Count 14
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Free No (Parfum)
Country USA

Santa Maria Novella Acqua di Rose

Key Ingredients Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Size 250ml
Ingredient Count 9 (very minimal)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Free No
Country Italy
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use to preserve the delicate rose fragrance. Can be refrigerated in summer for an extra-refreshing sensation.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with screw cap (300ml) or smaller plastic bottle (100ml)

Travel Friendly

100ml version is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage. The 300ml version must go in checked bags.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (Bronopol), a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. While it is present in very low concentrations and is approved for cosmetic use, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding formaldehyde releasers during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using.

No, this product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you have fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, consider alternatives like Heritage Store Rosewater Toner or Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, which are fungal acne safe.

Yes. This is a gentle, pH-balanced rosewater toner without any actives that could interact negatively with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. It works well as a soothing prep step before applying these actives. Apply the toner first, let it absorb, then follow with your active treatment. The rose extracts may even help calm any irritation from stronger actives.

This toner is best suited for normal, combination, and dry skin types. It provides lightweight hydration via glycerin and soothing rose extracts. It works well for oily skin too, as the watery formula won't add grease. However, those with very sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first due to fragrance allergens (Geraniol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal).

You will feel immediate freshness and soothing from the very first application. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, skin should feel softer and more even-toned. For visible improvements in radiance and texture, expect 4–6 weeks. Note that this is a gentle toner, not a treatment product — its primary role is to hydrate, soothe, and prep the skin.

Apply immediately after cleansing, as step 2 in your routine. Pour onto a cotton pad or your palms and gently pat across face and neck. Follow with essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can also be used throughout the day as a refreshing facial mist.

This product has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The watery formula is primarily rose water and glycerin, which are non-comedogenic. While PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is present, it is non-comedogenic according to CIR data. The formula is unlikely to clog pores for the vast majority of skin types.

The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. To maximize freshness, keep the cap tightly closed after each use and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the scent changes significantly or the product becomes discolored, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Acqua Distillata Alle Rose is a charming, time-tested Italian rosewater toner that delivers exactly what it promises — a refreshing, fragrant, and gently hydrating toning experience rooted in over 150 years of heritage. Its four-rose blend is genuinely impressive at this price point, and the lightweight formula works beautifully as a daily prep step. However, the inclusion of Bronopol and fragrance allergens, along with not being fungal acne safe, keeps it from a perfect score. If you value tradition, a gorgeous rose scent, and affordable simplicity in your routine, this is an iconic pick. If you need modern actives or have sensitive/reactive skin, look to Heritage Store or Thayers for a cleaner alternative.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
43% 18% 37%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 16 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Tonic, Astringent
1 Unknown
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning, Tonic, Astringent
1 Unknown
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract
Masking, Tonic
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS