Roses get a lot of love, especially around Mother’s Day (ahem, this Sunday), for their sweet scent and beautiful blooms, but perfumes and bouquets aren’t the only way to incorporate the flower into your life. A rose-infused skincare product last longers than a floral arrangement, and protects skin while simultaneously giving it a next-level glow.

“Rose extracts have been become popular ingredients to use in skincare products because they have skin brightening and anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “They have antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin against free radical damage that contributes to premature aging, and there is some data to suggest that rose extracts may even benefit patients with acne by reducing inflammation in the skin.”

Aesthetician Jordana Mattioli recommends checking the ingredient list, though, to see whether it contains rose extract, rose oil or both. “Essential oils and extracts are very different,” she says. “Essential oils will be pure, whereas an extract is a diluted version. Essential oils in products are going to have a much more effective result than an extract, especially if you are using the product for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. Generally you’ll find extracts higher up on the ingredient list in most beauty products, simply because essential oils need to have a specific dilution [meaning there will be less of it].”

Mattioli also loves rose oil for its emollient (read: hydrating) effects. She does caution, however, that even though the oil is extremely beneficial to most skin types, it can cause irritation in sensitive skin. “Always do a small test patch on your skin if you have a history of sensitivity in skincare products,” she advises.

Although you can find rose extract and rose oil in everything from moisturizers to serums and oils, one of our favorite ways to incorporate it into our skincare routine is via a hydrating spray, like our May Glow Gamechanger, the Whamisa Organic Flowers Damask Rose Petal Mist. It’s formulated with 90-percent organic ingredients, including organic damask rose extract and damask rose petals, which are then naturally fermented in order to preserve their potency, and damask rose flower oil. And unlike many mists, the Whamisa version is water-free. Instead of plain old H2O, extracts of aloe vera and chrysanthemum are added to the floral formula for an intense dose of long-lasting hydration.

Beyond all the skincare benefits, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t also like rose skincare products for their scent. While rose-based perfumes oftentimes have an overbearing odor, the natural fragrance tends to be much more subtle in skincare. We like the smell of the Rose Petal Mist so much that we keep a bottle at our desk and spray throughout the day for a mental and complexion refresh. The aroma of rose oil is so powerful, in fact, that there is even evidence that it can help lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety, adds Mattioli.

Oh, and if you’re worried that a beauty product won’t make the same visual statement as a dozen roses, don’t: The red petals floating in the pink water of the Whamisa Mist will make you smile every time you see it on your vanity.