10 Amazing Benefits Of Orange Blossom Water

The road to healthy skin has never been smoother than with this tangy concoction!

Medically reviewed by Tracy Tredoux, DipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP
Written by Tanya Choudhary, B.Desgn, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition
Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach  • 

While you might be aware of the commonly used rose water and its many applications, have you ever wondered about orange blossom water benefits? As its name suggests, orange blossom water is made from distilling orange blossoms, similar to rose water. Though not as common, orange blossom water is gaining usage and popularity in both the food and beauty industries equally! With its intense aroma, taste, and natural nutrients, it can not only make tea, ice creams, cakes, and cookies more delectable but can also help improve your skin tone and alleviate several other health concerns. Read on to learn more about orange blossom water benefits, usage, and applications.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Orange Blossom Water

What Is It?
A type of water made through steam distillation of orange blossoms.

What Are Its Benefits?
It conditions the hair, promotes sleep, and tones, soothes, and softens the skin.

Who Can Use It?
All except those who are allergic to citrus plants.

How Often?
It can be used daily for topical application on the skin.

Caution
Avoid using it with sedative drugs to prevent any possible interaction. Pregnant and lactating mothers should use it after consultation with the doctor.

Orange Blossom Oil – A Brief

Orange blossom oil is also known as neroli essential oil. Orange blossom water or orange flower water is obtained by exploiting certain fractions of the oil’s hydrophilici  XSomething that tends to dissolve, mix with, absorb, or get saturated in water or that tends to be attracted to water qualities (1). Like rosewater and other flower waters, it is widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy as well as in cooking.

protip_icon Did You Know?
Neroli essential oil was discovered by Anne Mari Orsini, the princess of Nerola (Italy), in the 17th century. She often used it to perfume her gloves and her bath.

Benefits Of Orange Blossom Water

Here are some of the orange blossom water benefits and uses:

1. Tones The Skin

Woman showing toned skin after using orange blossom water
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Image: Shutterstock

Orange blossom water is known for its wonderful effects on the skin. It is a great toner for oily skin. This flower water is so gentle that it is even used as an ingredient in products made for babies. Replace your toner with this all-natural one, but make sure that you purchase orange flower water made from natural and pure distillations.

2. Soothes And Relaxes Nerves

One of the reasons orange blossom water is so widely used in aromatherapyi  XThe application of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing, to treat illness and improve appearance. is the soothing effect it has on the nerves. Adding it to your bathwater will ease tension, aid in relaxation, and even treat headaches. It also helps in relieving stress and anxiety (2).

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can mix your orange blossom water with 2 cups of milk and 3 tablespoons of honey. Add this mixture to your bath to get relief from stress.

3. Makes Skin Soft And Smooth

Woman pinching cheeks to show soft skin
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Another benefit of adding orange flower water to your bath water is its ability to make your skin clean, and refreshing (3). It will help moisturize your skin and make it feel like satin all day long. All you need to do is add ¼ cup of this amazing flower water, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 2 to 3 cups of warm milk to your bath water to get beautiful, soft skin.

Annie Le, a beauty, fashion, and skincare blogger, shared her experience of creating a simple yet effective DIY facial cleanser. Her oil cleanser recipe consists of just three ingredients: 100% pure aloe vera juice, orange blossom water, and extra virgin olive oil. She writes, “I love using this cleanser! Even as the first step when I double cleanse, I find my skin more supple and less irritated, especially when I use a harsher facial wash (i).”

4. Settles Upset Tummies

In the Middle East, orange blossom water is used in a wide variety of ways. Children are given this beneficial flower water as a natural treatment for indigestion (3). It is known to work wonders, making it a great natural and safe remedy.

5. Soothes Redness And Irritations

Woman looking at irritated red skin
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As mentioned earlier, orange blossom water has fantastic effects on the skin. It is especially good for sensitive and oily skin types. It helps in soothing skin irritations and reduces the redness that comes with irritated skin. If your skin is prone to problems, try orange blossom water as an effective remedy.

6. Heals Pet Wounds

As you have read, orange flower water is so mild that it is even used in the making of baby skincare products. It is due to this gentleness that it can be used on animals. If your pet has a wound, you can use this water to help it heal faster.

7. Soothes Sunburns

Woman showing sunburnt skin
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Orange blossom water, and other flower hydrosols, can be found in a wide range of skin lotions and creams due to their ability to help skin look and feel soft and beautiful. Your skin can benefit from this flower water when it gets sunburnedi  XA condition in which the skin develops rashes or red patches and becomes itchy due to prolonged exposure to the sun. as well. Its mild effect will help in soothing the burn and reducing the redness on your skin.

8. Conditions Hair

Orange blossom water is also used in many hair care products. Not only does it smell absolutely amazing, but it also provides quite a few benefits. It helps in conditioning your hair so that it is lustrous and strong. Orange blossom water also makes your hair shiny.

9. Freshens Air

Woman breathing fresh flowers
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Image: IStock

One of the best things about orange blossom water is its beautiful fragrance. When you have it at home, you do not need a commercial air freshener. Just pour a couple of teaspoons of this flower hydrosol into a bowl of water and let its natural perfume fill every room in your home.

10. Promotes Sleep

You have already learned that the scent of orange blossom water has a calming effect. This is great for people who have insomnia (1). All you need to do is drop a small amount on your bed sheet to let it take effect and help you drift off to a sweet, restful slumber. Just remember to sprinkle it on a small corner of your sheet as orange blossom water can stain certain fabrics.

Aside from the above benefits and uses, you can also use orange blossom water in the following ways:

Uses Of Orange Blossom Water

  1. You can use it as a gentle hydrating agent to add moisture to the skin. It doesn’t clog the pores and is suitable for all skin types.
  2. Use it as a refreshing body splash after a shower to keep your skin feeling cool and revitalized.
  3. Its pleasant fragrance makes it a natural choice as a perfume ingredient. Dab a bit on your pulse points for a subtle and refreshing scent to wear all day.
  4. You can incorporate it into your DIY cosmetics, such as face masks, creams, and lotions to harness its skin-friendly benefits.
  5. You can soak cotton pads or a soft cloth in it to serve as a soothing eye compress to reduce puffiness and rejuvenate tired eyes.

Infographic: Perks Of Using Orange Blossom Water For Skin

Citrus plants are packed with potent antioxidants, vitamins, anti-inflammatory properties, and beneficial compounds that offer several benefits. It should come as no surprise that orange blossom water can be the revitalizing component your skin has been searching for.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of using orange blossom water to achieve healthy and glowing skin.

perks of using orange blossom (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The benefits of orange blossom water can be attributed to its natural nutrients. It can tone the skin, soothe and relax the nerves, and make skin soft and smooth. It can also aid in treating stomach upset and digestion, and help boost your immune system. Orange blossom water also heals pet wounds, soothes sunburns, and conditions hair. It even has a calming effect and helps promote sleep. Try including orange blossom water in your daily routine to reap its benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better-rose water or orange blossom water?

It depends on your skin type. Rose water is good for dry and sensitive skin, while orange blossom water is good for oily skin.

Can I drink orange flower water?

Yes. However, you must dilute it – mix two tablespoons of orange blossom water in a glass of water and drink.

Is orange blossom water astringent?

Yes. Citrus species are known for their astringent properties (4).

Does orange blossom water need to be refrigerated?

No. Just store it in an air-tight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. Check the label for storage instructions.

Does orange blossom water contain alcohol?

No. Natural orange blossom water is distilled from bitter orange blossoms and is alcohol-free.

Key Takeaways

  • Orange blossom water has a calming effect that reduces anxiety levels and promotes better sleep.
  • It provides your skin with proper hydration and gives it a youthful glow.
  • It can be used as an air freshener and its natural fragrance can uplift your senses.
  • In addition, it helps condition your hair and makes it lustrous and strong.
orange blossom water benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Unleash the refreshing essence of orange blossom water. Watch this video to explore the versatile uses and delightful benefits of this fragrant elixir.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8510401/
  2. An Overview on Citrus aurantium L Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5954905/
  3. Ancient to Recent Skin Care in Turkish Cypriots:Bitter-Orange Blossom Water
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271146793_Ancient_to_Recent_Skin_Care_in_Turkish_CypriotsBitter-Orange_Blossom_Water
  4. Chemical composition and in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Citrus aurantifolia L. leaves grown in Eastern Oman
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6694922/
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