Famed for radiant rose and lavender infused creams along with skincare treatments, Alteya Organics is the first manufacturer of certified organic beauty products in Bulgaria.
Along with their luxurious range of skincare saviours, Alteya also offers a selection of refreshing rose waters which can work wonders both for skin and around the home.
In this review Linda Bell shares another Pendour Pick, rating Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian Rose Water as a must have for rejuvenation, beauty bliss and a touch of rose-scented pleasure!
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FLOWER POWER
Drink in the fresh, crisp essence of Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian Rose Water. ‘Rosifiy’ not just your skincare routine, but your daily life with this gorgeously light and divinely perfumed product.
I have been using this as a quotidian toner for my face after cleansing as well as around the home! A must have addition to any make-up bag, kitchen cupboard and bedside table, this lovely tonic with a captivating aroma really shows what ‘flower power’ means!
ONE IMPORTANT INGREDIENT
The main ingredient in this refreshing spray is distilled rose water – and that’s all! No further ingredients hide in this delicate potion to sabotage sensitive skin. This makes a nice change to many facial toners, where allergens are often slipped into the mix to produce a certain fragrance.
Alteya prides itself on pure mixes with 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients to achieve the highest of standards. This luxurious Organic Rose Water is as clean as a newly washed face!
It may be important to note that essential oils – Citronellol, Farnesol and Geraniol – naturally occur in rose water as part of the distillation process.
With no sulphates, parabens or nasties in sight,
you can indulge your beautiful face in the
organic radiance of this rose-hearted toner.
HEAVENLY HYDRATION
Toning is an important step for any skincare routine. Following a deep cleanse with an oil or foaming wash to remove oil and dirt, a toner restores the pH of the skin and prepares it for the absorption of serums and creams. Although it may seem fine to just sprinkle water, the addition of Alteya’s rose water hydrates and clarifies the delicate skin on one’s visage.
Incorporating rose water into a skincare routine presents a multitude of skin loving benefits :
~ A quick misting instantly hydrates, leaving skin feeling plumped and refreshed without the greasy residue of usual toners. It promotes a dewy complexion and a youthful appearance.
~ Rose water has been celebrated through the centuries for its ability to soothe and help control the production of natural sebum.
~ Restoring the skin’s slightly acidic pH helps to protect against bacteria build up and environmental damage, especially after stripping away natural sebum during the cleansing stage.
~ Alteya’s Organic Rose water helps to restore the skin’s natural beauty and glow with its invigorating offering of micro-nutrients.
~ Rose water has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can work wonders for conditions such as rosacea and even acne.
~ With regular use, rose water can tighten pores, reducing their appearance and hence aiding the absorption of serums and moisturisers.
Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian Rose Water is heaven in a bottle for many skin complaints, gently calming and promoting healing whilst often targeting the underlying cause.
A generous misting promotes harmony and love and provides a therapeutic mental health boost!
All from a little glass bottle
to make you feel as luminous as
a beautiful Bulgarian rose!
SUNBURN SAVIOUR
Due to it’s wonderful hydrating properties, Alteya’s purified rose water can be an effective ally for sunburn! It can provide a temporary cooling sensation, reduce redness and help retain moisture.
Spritzing on a little to healing sunburn counteracts dryness and irritation – immediate relief which can make all the difference.
However, rose water is not a substitute for proper sunburn treatment and for severe sunburns medical treatment may be required.
As always, prevention is best – take a look at our review of Alteya’s own Suncreen here!
PENDOUR PRO-TIP
Decant a little of Alteya’s Rose Water from a larger bottle and into a small vapouriser or aluminium spray bottle (A 100ml bottle is also availalbe) to take a little dewy breath of Alteya on holiday!
Even on a day out, this delicate water provides instant cooling and moisture to any redness and irritation caused by too much sun.
MOSQUITO MUST HAVE
Due to the naturally occurring geraniol, Alteya’s rose water can be an effective mosquito deterrent for about 2 hours. Keep pesky bugs away with a few squirts of this delightfully scented concoction on any uncovered areas of skin.
A DAILY SPRITZ
There are several ways to renew and luxuriate with Alteya’s Organic Rose Water :
~ Apply a little rose water to a cotton ball and sweep across the face and neck to help remove impurities after cleansing.
~ Close eyes and point the spray nozzle towards the face for an uplifting mist – a dousing of rose to freshen and soothe.
~ Spritz over the entire body during the day (or night!) and give skin a little TLC!
~ Mist after putting on make-up to ‘set’ your look and help prevent smudging.
A TOUCH OF ROSE
Available in 5 different sizes, there is a price and bottled companion for any plan!
Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian Rose Water is beautifully presented in either a curving amber glass bottle or a more rectilinear violet tint.
The largest bottle is most effective for cost and the environment at 240 ml in the amber glass spray bottle for £11.90.
The largest violet glass bottle comes in at £13.40 for 200 ml. I have seen this size stocked in a number of healthcare shops.
Next is 120 ml in an amber glass bottle, £8.50.
And for travelling, an ideal 100 ml is £11.40 in the violet bottle.
Finally, for just a taster or to trial out this product, there is the option of 60ml in a smaller amber bottle for less than a fiver at £4.95.
Note that the rose water also seems to be available to purchase in a plastic spray bottle, again in a range of sizes. However, this of course comes with the added risk of microplastics and chemicals seeping in from the plastic and polluting the elixir within.
Perhaps to reduce the weight of the glass bottles Alteya Organics could consider an aluminium bottle return scheme, or a carton refill system?
PENDOUR PRO-TIP
A small amount can be decanted into a little aluminium spray bottle to keep in the fridge for a glorious cooling sensation on a hot day. A misting with organic rose water is the perfect way to refresh skin and clothing in the summer months!
PACKAGING
As noted above, Alteya’s rose water offering presents the opportunity to pass on plastic. Unlike many other rose waters available to buy in local supermarkets or pharmacies, Alteya’s use of strong, heavy duty glass helps to preserve the precious liquid whilst protecting the environment from the scourge of plastic waste we regularly experience.
Alteya’s use of glass not only adds a certain chic to the whole experience but prevents contamination from harmful chemicals and microplastics.
Although a liquid, this product was carefully packaged in a large and strong cardboard sleeve. I was a little concerned about whether the product could have been damaged in transit, but everything was fine. The cardboard sleeve is recyclable and helps to reduce the negative impacts associated with plastic packaging.
Inside, Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian Rose Water is sealed by a white card box. This offers a slightly clinical design – not quite the touch of pink sparkle added to the Bio Damascena Organic Rose Otto Face Sunscreen Cream, but attractive with its gold embossing and rose-inspired graphic.
The grey decorative element looks like a rose opening up, almost in full bloom!
Of course like the outer packaging, this box can be recycled in most household recycling channels. However, it would be good to know if eco-friendly inks have been used during the printing process.
The darker shades of the glass help to protect the product from strong sunlight whilst the violet shade oozes class and sophistication!
Although the glass can be recycled, the rose water is dispensed by a plastic vapouriser pump and nozzle.
The bottle is easy to hold and the dispenser nozzles last well, each pump offering a generous misting of the roses’ aromatic brilliance.
DELIVERY
There is a minimum spend of £49.99 for free delivery when buying online directly from Alteya. Orders under £49.99 cost £3.95 for delivery.
For free delivery, it is necessary to spend over £49.99.
Orders are dispatched by Amazon logistics, which might be a bit quicker than other carriers, but not so environmentally friendly! I think we’d all love it if Alteya could find a way to make deliveries carbon neutral.
Alteya also offer a Rewards System. This is quite new so I’ve yet to enrol.
COMING UP ROSES
And now a little more about the roses themselves!
Alteya’s organic farms are located in Bulgaria, where the most prized roses and rose oil can be found.
Nestled between the verdant slopes of Sredna Gora and the Balkan Mountain lies Bulgaria’s Valley Of The Roses. The first rose plantations in this region were established in the 16th century around the city of Kazanlak. Since then the area has developed and now offers the world’s most sought-after blooms.
Land of the Tharacian Kings, the fragrant Valley of The Roses erupts into euphoric colour every year between May and June during the rose harvest. This wonderland of blooms is famed for its treasures and many festivities are held during the harvest, inspired by the beautiful abundance of the roses.
This idyllic setting provides favourable growing conditions for the most celebrated of roses. Over half the world’s rose oil is produced here. More expensive than gold, over 3,000 pounds of rose petals are required to produce just one pound of rose oil! A 200 ml bottle of Rose Water requires 6,000 petals!
Alteya Organic‘s rose gardens can be found in the very heart of this sheltered 87 mile long valley. Fluffy clouds deliver just the right amount of rain (and shade) whilst the air humidity and protection from the mountains ensures a mild winter climate. Rich sandy soil also contributes to the rose bounty, unrivalled in its radiance.
Alteya does not use any harmful pesticides or herbicides on its organic farms, carefully controlling the production of their flowers to benefit both Nature and your skin!
The delicate roses are harvested in the early morning whilst it is still cool before the heat of the afternoon sun evaporates the precious rose oil and wilts the delicate petals. Picking roses is a labour intensive and skilled task performed completely by hand and timing is crucial.
Freshly harvested petals are immediately taken to the Alteya distillery. Distillation is a complex procedure but ensures the high quality of Alteya’s unparalleled rose oil and water.
The freshly plucked rose blossoms are placed in a still where low pressure steam is used to release the essential oil. This aromatic vapour is then cooled to enable condensation. As the vapour condenses the oil and water separate because of their different densities. Alteya’s special distillation process ensures a high quality rose oil and a sublime rose water, reflecting the luscious nature of their organically grown plants. The distillation process is strictly controlled to maintain USDA Organic standards.
ALTEYA ORGANICS
Alteya is committed to organic farming and building a sustainable agricultural model to protect the very special Valley Of The Roses. By incorporating traditional, organic farming and distillation methods, the air, soil and water are protected whilst products are free from any residues of harmful chemicals!
With over 300 employees during the harvest, Alteya has worked hard to support the local population, ensuring economic survival for many families in the region whilst striving to maintain the area’s traditional agricultural identity.
Another reason why Alteya’s Organic Bulgarian rose water is a Pendour Pick for radiant skin and respect for our planet!
A WHISPER OF WANDERLUST
Fancy checking out the rose harvest for yourself? GoWithGuide’s colleagues in Bulgaria can tailor a specific tour to match even the wildest rose inspired dream!
ROSY RADIANCE
So what changes has Alteya’s Rose Water brought to my day to day life?
Each time I give my face a light misting of this delightfully nourishing product, I feel transported to picturesque fields of roses! I feel energised and ready for the day when used in the morning and relaxed when used to tone my skin in the evening.
Within about a week of using this product twice a day (sometimes more for a little refresh) my complexion transformed. Allowing the rose water to settle seems key to lock in moisture. The water’s cooling effect produces a soft, dewy finish with the refreshing scent and feel of crisp, fragrant rose petals.
Smoother, with fewer blemishes and outbreaks, my skin started to look much clearer and I’m sure this is down to the goodness of the micro-nutrients locked into the delicate elixir.
When spritzing on my clothes, especially in hot weather, I found the rose water to offer a cooling sensation, counteracting sweat and odours.
Soemtimes I have taken the cap off just to breathe in that heedy scent – a hit of rose – so calming and rejuvenating. This rose water has been a tonic for the senses too!
A SENSE OF SCENT
From the first spritz, Alteya Organic’s Bulgarian Rose Water blooms with a rich and vibrant perfume. This crisp and uplifting note gently dissipates to make way for more earthy tones. The delicate aroma hovers like the sun glinting on early morning dew. A misting of precious fragrances unfurl, transporting the wearer to a summer sunrise deep in the verdant slopes of flourishing bouquets in Bulgaria’s Valley of the Roses.
HOME, ROSY HOME
This product has not only transformed my skin, but it has enhanced my home and overall wellbeing!
Here are some other ideas how Alteya Organic’s Bulgarian Rose Water can spritz love, harmony and calm into your world :
~ Apply to hair and leave in overnight for a wonderous rosy hair mask, locking in hydration – drift off with the sweet scent of roses.
~ Store in the kitchen for a flavour twist and add to deserts, salads, teas and bakes. Add a few pumps of the rose water to salad dressings, pairing with pomegranate and parsley for a hint of summer lightness.
~ Drizzle into homemade jam or simmering rhubarb for added sweetness and impress guests by adding a few drops to cold sparkling water to create rose bubbles!
~ Alteya’s rose water could even give cocktails, ice cream and custards a floral dimension! And for summer fun, add a few drops to homemade biscuits, deserts and cakes. A taste of Bulgaria and a touch of rose magic to tantalise the tastebuds.
~ Keep a bottle on the bedstand to squirt a little over pillows. Pair with the Silk Collection’s eye mask in Blush Pink or Dusty Rose for a blooming good night!
~ Add a little to laundry as it dries or spray onto cushions, curtains and soft furnishing for an aromatic journey through the flower fields.
~ Rose water is also a natural way to freshen up pets’ bedding and toys. Sigh in satisfaction as those leads and furry things receive a refresh without presenting any risk to four-legged family members.
~ Spray onto stationary, letters and envelopes for a true touch of romance….
~ And who wouldn’t want to receive a fabulous bottle of rose water as a gift? Afterall, 6,000 hand plucked rose petals are used to make 200ml of rose water. A thoughtful present for anyone who may need an uplift or a moment of calm in their life.
I’m sure there’s many more!
The versatility of Alteya’s Rose Water makes it a product with immense value, not just for beauty routines but for general wellbeing.
A PENDOUR PAMPER P.S.
Be sure to check out some of Alteya’s other blissful products using organically grown rose and lavender oils for beautiful, delicate scents and luxurious treats for skin, hair and personal wellness.
PENDOUR PAIRING
In this Pairing we bring together Alteya Organic’s Bulgarian Rose Water and Zurbarán’s still life A Cup of Water and a Rose.
Though separated by centuries, both celebrate the enduring beauty of the rose; Alteya through scent and daily ritual, Zurbarán through paint and contemplation. Together they invite us to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty often found in the simplest things.
A single rose next to a cup of water. Thousands of rose petals plucked, distilled and bottled. A moment preserved, a scent captured. United by the timeless symbolism of the rose, this Pendour Pairing invites us to find significance, transformation and contemplation in simplicity.
KEEP CONNECTED & INSPIRED
PENDOUR PICKS
