What Are the Benefits of Rose Oil?

Everyone knows that roses smell good. Rose oil, made from the distilled petals of the flowers, has been used in beauty and health remedies for centuries. And its scent really does linger (in the best way); today, it is used in an estimated 75% of perfumes. Beyond its elegant aroma, what are the benefits of rose oil? We asked our founder and renowned and qualified aromatherapist Rivka Rose (yes, that really is her surname!) to tell us what’s so great about this tried-and-tested ingredient.

The first (and very important) thing to note is that rose oil should never be applied directly to skin. It should always be diluted by a carrier oil or added to a bath in very small quantities (just two drops). When we talk about rose oil here, we’re referring to it as an ingredient in skin products.

The history of Rose Oil

Rose oil has been around for a pretty long time. Around 5000 years, to be exact. It originated in central Asia and Persia, where it was used as a perfume and as a medicine. It’s always been a bit of a legendary aroma – Cleopatra is said to have used rose-infused water to scent her ships and for skincare. Today, Turkey and Bulgaria are the main producers of roses, which, when distilled, create the beautiful aromatic rose oil aroma.

Their delicate texture has always been a draw to those who want to benefit from this aromatic flower. Their light petals are so fragile that they’re harvested by hand – it makes it a pretty labour-intensive process, but it avoids the need for heavy machinery and large ploughs that can damage the delicate soil balance and landscape.

These are some of the many qualities of rose oil that make it so special…

Nourishing

Rose oil makes an excellent emollient (moisturiser), gently softening the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Rivka used it in one of the very first face creams she created, in the early 1970s.

“One of the very first moisturising creams I created was called ‘Rose & Wheatgerm’”, she says. “It contained pure wheatgerm oil and pure rose essential oil. I loved rose oil for its elegant aroma and beneficial properties.”

Both rose oil and rose water are excellent softening agents, making them valuable ingredients for a wide range of beauty products.

Rose water (made by distilling rose petals in water and releasing the beautiful aroma of rose - also known as steam distillation) has been widely used as a beauty remedy throughout history. It is thought to have been invented by Avicenna, the eminent 10th-century Persian philosopher and scientist. The value of this precious liquid was soon recognised, and it became popular with the Egyptians and Romans. 

Calming 

Just inhaling the unmistakable scent of rose oil is said by many to be relaxing and have therapeutic properties. Some studies even suggest that it releases endorphins, chemical signals in the brain that increase feelings of wellbeing. But aside from calming the mind, rose oil is also known to calm the skin.

“Rose oil has antiseptic, antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Rivka, “this means it can be a very valuable remedy for inflammation and irritation, including eczema and allergic rashes.”

The oil is known for being very mild and gentle on the skin when correctly diluted, making it suitable for lots of different skin types. Throughout history, drops of rose oil have been used as a cicatrisant (wound-healing) ingredient, and many still use it for this purpose today, as well as in wellness practices. 

Uplifting 

Rose is unique. Its delicate, floral aroma is known to boost your mood when you’re feeling a little blue. Because of this, it makes a great skincare lotion. It’ll hydrate your skin, but its aroma will help uplift your mood. Think of it as a little helping hand when your skin (and mood) need a boost. It’s also great to use before bedtime. It’s also known to help you de-stress and relax (as well as uplift your mood), leading to a more restful night's sleep. 

Restoring 

Aside from its emotional wellbeing benefits, rose oil skincare has been known to reduce the appearance of redness and restore your skin's natural complexion. It acts as a natural moisturiser and helps to rebalance your skin and improve its elasticity. It’s ideal for mature, dry or sensitive skin because of its calming, restorative properties. It’s no wonder this miracle essential oil has stood the test of time. 

Rejuvenating 

Rose oil is known to have a regenerative effect on cell tissue, making it especially beneficial for dry, sensitive or ageing skin. It can keep skin healthy, hydrated and elastic.

“As the body ages, cell division slows. the outer epidermis of the skin becomes thinner and begins to lose its tone and elasticity,” Rivka explains. “In time, mature skin is inevitable, but essential oils like rose can help slow down the effects.”

Because of its potential regenerative effects, some people use it as a means of reducing scarring, just one of the many benefits of rose essential oil.

How Should I Use Rose Essential Oil For My Skin?

Products containing rose oil have valuable antioxidants and can add a hydration boost to your skincare routine, thanks to the added organic oat extract, limeflower and elderberry, to soothe and nourish your complexion. Damask rose (AKA Bulgaria rose or rosa damascena) is an ancient, highly fragrant type of Old Garden rose, renowned for its intense perfume and medicinal and cosmetic properties. You’ll often find rose absolute (the most intense rose oil) in skincare products because of its beautiful, balancing aroma. It also works great in skin lotions and room diffusers.

Can Rose Essential Oil Help With Anxiety And Stress Relief?

Thanks to its unique aromatherapy properties, rose essential oil can help alleviate a whole bunch of symptoms, including stress, anxiety and fatigue. Its aroma can help balance your emotions and promote relaxation, leading to a quieter, calmer mind. Its therapeutic properties can be traced back to its Persian origins, where it has been alleged to have anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and wound-healing activities and has been used to relieve headache, haemorrhoids, inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and muscular pain. It’s a pretty powerful plant!

Rose Essential Oil and Aromatherapy

Often used in perfumeries for its intense aroma, rose essential oil has been known to benefit mental wellbeing for thousands of years. Its moisturising properties make it a great skincare ingredient. There is also evidence of rose oil being used alongside lavender essential oil in healthcare practices across the globe. It’s been extracted in many different ways for use in the skincare industry, such as through solvent extraction (chemical extraction) and substituted with sweet-smelling alternatives like geraniol and rose geranium essential oil. Our formulation contains organic rosehip seed oil. Nothing beats the real thing, and that’s what makes rose essential oil such a key aromatherapy ingredient.

Rose oil really is more than just a floral aroma. With so many wonderful benefits, it’s easy to see why this versatile ingredient has stood the test of time.