Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Rose essential oil has been used for centuries in skincare and its benefits are well-documented. Rose absolute is a more concentrated form of rose oil and is said to have even greater skin benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of both rose essential oil and rose absolute, as well as their potential side effects. Rose essential oil is good for the skin, hair and nails. It can help to moisturize the skin, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Rose absolute is even said to help diminish scars and wrinkles. When used in aromatherapy, rose oil is said to boost mood and provide relief from anxiety and stress. Rose essential oil and rose absolute are also said to be effective in treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

Rose essential oil is extracted from the petals of the rose plant by steam distillation. Rose absolute is extracted using a solvent, such as hexane. This process is known as solvent extraction and it produces a more concentrated form of rose oil. Rose CO2 extract is another type of rose oil that’s said to be even more concentrated than rose absolute. It is extracted using carbon dioxide and is said to have all of the benefits of rose essential oil and rose absolute, but in a more dense and potent form.

Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Rosa damascena

Common Names: Rose, Damask rose

Plant Family: Rosaceae

Countries of origin: Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia, India, Iran, Pakistan

Extraction Method: solvent extraction

Parts Used: flower petals

Essential Oil smell: floral, sweet, rose-like

Essential Oil Color: pale yellow to amber

Viscosity: thin

Perfumery Note: middle

Strength of Aroma: strong

Blends Well With: jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang

Therapeutic Properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrizant, depurative, emmenagogue, hemostatic, laxative, nematicide, purgative, stimulant (nervous), stomachic, tonic

Uses: acne, anxiety, depression, dry skin, eczema, emotional stress, headaches, heart palpitations, indigestion, inflammation, irritability, menstrual cramps, oily skin, psoriasis, scarring, scabies, wrinkles

Contraindications: none known

Side Effects: none known

Types: Absolute, CO2 Extract, Essential Oil

Chemical Constituents:

Rose essential oil: Citronellol (2-5%), Geraniol (5-10%), Nerol (2-5%), Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (2-5%)

Rose absolute: Benzyl Alcohol (1-5%), Eugenol (<1%), Farnesol (<1%), Geraniol (10-20%), Nerol (1-5%), Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (10-20%)

Rose CO2 extract: Benzyl Alcohol (1-5%), Eugenol (<1%), Farnesol (<1%), Geraniol (10-20%), Nerol (1-5%), Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (40-60%)

What is Rose?

Rose is a flowering plant in the Genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species and thousands of cultivars. The flowers vary in size and shape and are usually red, but can also be white, yellow, or pink. Roses are found throughout the world and have been cultivated for centuries for their beautiful flowers. The essential oil is extracted from the petals of the rose plant by steam distillation.

Benefits

1. Reduces anxiety and tension

2. Eases depression

3. relieves headaches and migraines

4. Reduces inflammation

5. Heals wounds and scars

6. Relieves menstrual cramps

7. Reduces heart palpitations

8. Reducing wrinkles and fine lines

9. Fading scars and other blemishes

10. Giving the skin a radiant, healthy glow

The modern investigations on Rosa damascena have been confirmed the antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, antidepressant, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant activities and its relaxant and hypnotic effects.

Source

Uses

1. Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your diffuser or vaporizer to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

2. Massage: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your favorite massage oil or lotion to enjoy a relaxing massage.

3. Bath: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your bathtub for a relaxing and stress-relieving bath.

4. Facial steams: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to boiling water and inhale the steam to help open up pores and detoxify skin.

5. Compresses: Add a few drops of rose essential oil to a bowl of cold water and soak a clean cloth in it. Apply the compress to the skin for a soothing and cooling effect.

Historical use

Rose has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine to treat various ailments. It was used to treat everything from anxiety and depression to headaches and menstrual cramps. Roses were also used topically to heal wounds and scars.

Rose tea has been used for centuries as herbal remedy. Rose herbal tea is full of antioxidants and has many health benefits including reducing anxiety, easing depression, and relieving menstrual cramps.

Topical use

1. Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your favorite lotion or cream and apply it to the skin.

2. Add a few drops of rose essential oil to a bowl of warm water and soak a clean cloth in it. Apply the compress to the skin for a soothing and relaxing effect.

3. Add a few drops of rose essential oil to your bathtub for a relaxing and stress-relieving bath.

Rose Essential Oil benefits for skin:

1. Reduces inflammation

2. Heals wounds and scars

3. Soothes skin

4. Reduces wrinkles

5. Moisturizes dry skin

6. Treats acne

7. Treats psoriasis

8. Treats eczema

Rose Essential Oil benefits for hair:

1. Adds shine

2. Moisturizes dry hair

3. Reduces frizz

4. Strengthens hair

5. Prevents dandruff

6. Stimulates hair growth

Aromatherapy benefits

1. Reduces anxiety and tension

2. Eases depression

3. Relieves headaches and migraines

4. Reduces inflammation

5. Heals wounds and scars

6. Relieves menstrual cramps

7. Reduces heart palpitations

Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Rose Oil

For love and peace: 2 drops rose, 2 drops lavender, 1 drop chamomile

For relaxation: 3 drops rose, 2 drops sandalwood, 1 drop ylang ylang

For focus: 1 drop rose, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops basil

For energy: 1 drop rose, 2 drops grapefruit, 2 drops peppermint

For balance: 2 drops rose, 2 drops geranium, 1 drop rosemary

For positivity: 3 drops rose, 1 drop bergamot, 1 drop lemon

For joy: 4 drops rose, 1 drop lemongrass

DIY recipes with Rose Oil

Face serum for dry skin:

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

1 teaspoon rosehip seed oil

5 drops rose essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and apply to the face.

Body scrub for soft skin:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

10 drops rose essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and use it as a body scrub.

Bath bomb for relaxation:

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup citric acid

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup epsom salt

10 drops rose essential oil

1 tablespoon water

Mix all ingredients together and use it as a bath bomb.

Facial toner for glowing skin:

1/4 cup witch hazel

1/4 cup rosewater

5 drops rose essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and apply it to the face with a cotton ball.

Hair serum for shiny hair:

1 tablespoon Argan oil

5 drops rose essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and apply it to the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources:

Pharmacological Effects of Rosa Damascena

Influence of Rosa damascena hydrosol on skin flora (contact culture) after hand-rubbing