What it is
This extract is obtained from the flowers of Rosa damascena, the damask rose prized in perfumery. In cosmetic products it serves as a skin-conditioning agent and contributes a characteristic rose scent, while its polyphenol content provides some antioxidant activity. It is commonly used in moisturizers and treatment products where a gentle botanical with a pleasant aroma is desired.
Safety & warnings
Rose extracts are generally well tolerated, but they naturally contain fragrance constituents such as geraniol, citronellol, and eugenol that are recognized fragrance allergens and must be declared in the EU above set thresholds. People with fragrance sensitivities or who prefer fragrance-free products may wish to be cautious with rose-containing formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is extracted from the petals or whole flowers of the damask rose, a species cultivated extensively for rose oil and rose water, notably in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Iran.
History
The damask rose has been cultivated for centuries for perfumery and the production of rose oil and rose water, and remains one of the most important fragrance roses in the world.
Questions everyone asks
Why is damask rose used in skincare?
It conditions the skin, provides antioxidant polyphenols, and lends a natural rose fragrance to the formula.
Can rose extract cause sensitivity?
It can in fragrance-sensitive individuals, because it naturally contains allergenic fragrance components such as geraniol and citronellol.