Rose water extract is extract of the rose flowers. It is also sometimes known as rose essence. There are a few ways in which rose water extract is made. The easiest is to steep the rose flower petals in hot water and use the water as the extract. Other forms are the commercially produced ones via steam distillation or water distillation and the cold press method. Rose water extract is not only used in edible items, it is also used in cosmetics. When choosing rose water extract for culinary purposes, make sure it is the edible, food-safe version.