A centuries-old tradition made from Rosa centifolia (or May rose), Rose Water boasts refreshing and toning properties. Situated in Florence, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is considered the world's oldest pharmacy and cosmetic shop, dating back to the 13th century when Dominican friars created an apothecary in the surrounding cloister of the Santa Maria Novella church. During the mid-14th century when the Black Death was prevalent in Florence, the monks used rose water as an antiseptic to disinfect homes.
