Rosa Damascena Flower Oil: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Rosa Damascena Flower Oil?

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil is the fragrant, volatile oil taken from the blooms of the Damask rose, a pink variety long grown in Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco and a few other temperate regions. The petals hold hundreds of natural aromatic compounds, the most notable being citronellol, geraniol and nerol, which give the oil its sweet yet fresh rosy scent. Rose farming dates back to ancient Persia where the flowers were first distilled for perfumes and skin elixirs; the practice spread along trade routes into Europe and later worldwide, making rose oil one of the oldest beauty ingredients still in use today.

To create the oil, fresh petals are harvested at dawn when their scent is strongest. They are then steam distilled or, for premium “rose otto,” distilled twice. It takes roughly 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms of petals to yield a single kilogram of essential oil, explaining its high price and prestige. The finished oil appears in a range of leave-on and rinse-off products such as facial mists, anti-aging serums, night creams, soothing masks, body lotions and even luxury shampoos where both scent and skin-loving properties are desired.

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This rose oil lends more than a pleasant aroma to a formula. Its main cosmetic roles include:

    • Fragrance: Delivers a natural, elegant rose scent that can mask less pleasant base notes and reduce the need for synthetic perfumes, improving the overall sensory appeal of a product
    • Skin Conditioning: Supplies lightweight emollients and antioxidant molecules that help soften skin, support moisture retention and leave the complexion feeling calm and supple

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Who Can Use Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

This ingredient is generally friendly to most skin types, especially normal, dry, mature and mildly sensitive complexions thanks to its light emollients and soothing aroma compounds. Very oily or highly blemish-prone skin may wish to use it sparingly because rich essential oils can sometimes feel heavy or trap excess sebum in hot climates. People with known fragrance allergies should also proceed with caution since the oil is naturally aromatic.

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil is plant derived with no animal by-products, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the oil is used at the low levels common in cosmetics, yet safety data is limited. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review every skincare product they plan to use.

The oil is not phototoxic, so daily sun sensitivity is not a concern. It also blends well with most common skincare actives and does not interfere with sunscreen performance.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Rosa Damascena Flower Oil differ from person to person. The points below are potential outcomes, not the norm, and well-formulated products usually minimize these risks.

      • Skin irritation – redness, stinging or warmth can appear on very reactive or over-exfoliated skin
      • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare cases of itching, rash or swelling in users sensitive to components such as citronellol or geraniol
      • Photoallergic reaction – extremely uncommon but possible in those who are simultaneously using photosensitizing medications
      • Headache or nausea from scent – intense floral aroma may bother individuals prone to scent-triggered discomfort
      • Eye irritation – accidental contact can cause watering or burning sensations

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil is a highly volatile essential oil that evaporates quickly and leaves minimal oily residue, so it has little tendency to block pores. It also lacks the heavier fatty acids found in richer plant oils that usually trigger congestion. For these reasons it sits at the lower end of the comedogenic scale.

Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this oil without major concern, although exceptionally reactive skin might still prefer lighter, fragrance-free options.

Because the oil is almost always present at very low percentages for scent and feel, its pore-clogging potential is further reduced in finished formulas.

Summary

Rosa Damascena Flower Oil primarily serves two roles in cosmetics: it delivers a classic rose fragrance that masks raw material odors and it lends light skin-conditioning benefits through trace emollients and natural antioxidant molecules like geraniol and nerol. These compounds help keep skin feeling soft and comfortable while adding a touch of luxury to any routine.

The ingredient enjoys long-standing popularity in premium skincare, fragrances and boutique body care thanks to its unmistakable scent and heritage, though its high cost limits it to mid to high-end products rather than mass market ranges.

When used at the low concentrations typical in cosmetics the oil is considered safe for the vast majority of users. Irritation or allergy is possible if you are sensitive to fragrant compounds, so it is always wise to patch test new products containing rose oil before full application.

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