Rose Turkish Abs: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 30, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Rose Turkish Abs?

Rose Turkish Abs is a concentrated aromatic extract obtained from the petals of Rosa damascena grown in Turkey. The material supplied by DSM-Firmenich is a premium grade but you may also find equivalent absolutes offered by other fragrance houses and raw material traders.

Production begins with freshly picked or gently dried blossoms that are treated with a light solvent to pull out the fragrant waxes and oils. The first stage yields a mass known as concrete. A second wash with alcohol frees the aromatic portion from that waxy matrix and, after the alcohol is removed, a flowing reddish-gold liquid remains. That liquid is the absolute we know as Rose Turkish Abs.

At room temperature the absolute pours easily and clings to glass with a slight viscosity. The hue varies from deep amber to warm yellow depending on crop year and filtration.

Perfumers reach for Turkish rose when they want a floral heart that feels rich and slightly spicy. Because of the labor-intensive harvest and the sheer volume of flowers needed, the ingredient sits in the upper price tier though it is used widely in fine fragrance and selected personal care formulas. When stored cool and tightly sealed it keeps its character for roughly three to four years before the freshness starts to fade.

Rose Turkish Abs’s Scent Description

This material falls squarely into the floral family. On a blotter it first opens with a dewy pink-petal freshness that quickly reveals a lush honeyed core. Within minutes you can detect hints of ripe red fruit, a touch of licorice sweetness and an undercurrent that feels slightly animalic yet clean.

The profile evolves through the test: bright facets appear in the first few moments then a velvety, spicy nuance settles in during the heart phase. A soft waxy warmth anchors the dry-down and keeps the rose impression alive for hours.

In classical perfumery language ingredients are grouped as top, middle or base depending on how quickly they evaporate. Rose Turkish Abs lives solidly in the middle zone. It starts to show after the more fleeting top notes lift yet still lingers into the late stages thanks to its natural fixative qualities.

Projection is moderate: strong enough to be noticed without overpowering nearby notes. On a blotter a single drop can be smelled clearly for well over a day, often closer to two, making it a dependable heart for long-lasting floral compositions.

How & Where To Use Rose Turkish Abs

Perfumers call on Rose Turkish Abs when they want a true to life rose heart with extra depth and a quiet hint of spice. It slips easily into floral accords, rounds out fruity themes and adds a plush cushion to oud, amber or gourmand bases. When a formula needs a natural rose that can stand up against bold woods or rich resins, this absolute is the go to choice over lighter Bulgarian or Moroccan grades.

In classic rose-centric creations it partners well with geranium, citronellol fractions and ionones to build lift while still keeping the signature Turkish warmth. In modern compositions a trace can soften sharp aldehydes, lend romance to clean musks or sweeten citrus top notes without turning the whole scent sugary.

Typical use ranges from a whisper at 0.05 % for background bloom up to 3 % in luxury fine fragrance. Occasional niche builds may push toward 5 % but that level demands care. At low concentration it reads fresh and dewy. As the dose climbs the honey, fruit and animalic facets swell and can take over, sometimes giving a heavy jam note or a leathery shadow that distracts from the rest of the formula.

Over-use also risks tinting the blend a yellow-orange hue and may cloud clear bases. If the scent starts to feel syrupy or drops opacity in alcoholic perfume, scale back and reinforce the profile with supporting synthetics instead of more absolute.

Before weighing, warm the bottle gently to 30 °C so the liquid flows, then make a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easy blending and more accurate pipetting. Filter any visible wax particles that settle during cooling to keep sprays and reed diffusers free from clogging.

Safety Information

Always dilute Rose Turkish Abs before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space so vapor does not build up around you. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.

Natural absolutes contain many molecules that can trigger irritation or allergic response in some people. Rinse any contacted skin with plenty of soap and water if redness or itching appears and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a healthcare professional before handling this or any other fragrance raw material. Brief exposure to low levels in finished products is usually regarded as safe yet prolonged contact or high concentration handling can be harmful.

Dispose of spills by wiping with an inert absorbent and placing the waste in a sealed container according to local regulations. Keep the original bottle tightly closed, stored cool and away from direct light to slow oxidation and preserve quality.

For the most accurate and current hazard data always review the supplier safety sheet, update your records whenever a new lot arrives and follow the usage limits set by the International Fragrance Association.

How To Store & Dispose of Rose Turkish Abs

Rose Turkish Abs holds up well on its own but a little care stretches its lifespan. A cool dark cupboard works for most users yet a spot in the fridge can slow color change and keep the scent crisp for a few extra seasons. Wherever it sits make sure the bottle is away from heaters windows and direct sun.

Air is the main enemy. Use bottles that can be topped up so very little headspace remains after each transfer. Polycone caps seal tighter than droppers so swap any eyedropper tops for a screw cap once you finish measuring. If you keep premade dilutions store them in the same way and revisit them every six months to check clarity and odor.

Label every container with the material name lot number dilution strength and hazard symbols. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and lets anyone in the workspace know what they are handling at a glance.

When a batch finally oxidizes or you no longer need it do not rinse it down the sink. Small amounts can be absorbed onto paper towels or cat litter then placed in a sealed bag before going into chemical waste as directed by local rules. Larger volumes should be sent to a licensed disposal service. Like most natural absolutes it will break down in the environment over time yet the high load of organic compounds can overwhelm home drains and harm aquatic life if poured out unchecked.

Summary

Rose Turkish Abs is a liquid absolute distilled from Turkish Rosa damascena petals that delivers a full deep rose scent touched with honey fruit and a mild animalic spice. It gives fine fragrance blends a natural floral heart lends body to soaps and shampoos and brings authentic bloom to candles and home care bases.

Perfumers prize it for its complexity and lasting power though its cost and strong character call for a measured hand and careful pairing. Stored cool and kept away from air it stays fresh for several years making the investment more manageable.

Commercial houses can source drums or kilos straight from DSM-Firmenich while hobbyists will find smaller packs through specialty resellers and raw material shops. Whether bought in bulk or in a 10 ml vial the same rules apply: protect it from light heat and excess air then enjoy one of the richest rose notes nature can offer.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.