Rose Damascena Abs Type: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: August 15, 2025
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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. The odor description reflects Glooshi's firsthand experience with this material, described as accurately as possible; individual perceptions may vary.

What Is Rose Damascena Abs Type?

Rose Damascena Abs Type is a specialty perfume ingredient designed to replicate the complexity of genuine Rose Damascena absolute while offering consistent quality and year-round availability. First introduced to the market in 2014 after a close collaboration between dsm-firmenich perfumers and their Natural Ingredients Center, it represents a modern solution that bridges traditional flower extraction with contemporary aroma chemistry.

The material starts its journey in the rose fields of Turkey, Bulgaria, Morocco and Iran where millions of fresh blossoms are gathered at dawn during a brief early-summer harvest. Petals are quickly processed into concrete then further refined into absolute. Selected fractions of these naturals are blended with captive aroma molecules that boost specific facets and ensure batch-to-batch uniformity. The resulting concentrate is a clear to slightly amber liquid that pours easily at room temperature.

This hybrid approach means Rose Damascena Abs Type is partly natural and partly synthetic, giving perfumers the best of both worlds: the authenticity of real petals and the reliability of scientifically crafted nuances. Because each kilogram represents an immense volume of hand-picked flowers and advanced formulation work, it sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum, yet it remains more economical and sustainable than relying solely on pure rose absolute.

Its balanced character and technical stability have made it a staple in fine fragrance as well as scented personal care and home products. Many brands choose it when they want the iconic signature of rose without the natural supply swings that accompany traditional absolutes.

What Does Rose Damascena Abs Type Smell Like?

This ingredient is generally grouped within the floral family. Off a blotter it opens with the familiar fresh-cut rose petal impression that most people instantly recognize. Within seconds a honeyed sweetness emerges, adding a nectar-like glow that feels both comforting and luminous.

As it settles, gentle fruity tones reminiscent of ripe red berries weave through the bouquet, followed by a delicate licorice accent that keeps the profile interesting and prevents it from feeling overly powdery. Depending on the dosage, some noses will also pick up a faint animalic warmth that gives the accord depth and sensuality. Moroccan-style lots lean a bit sweeter and more petally while Turkish-style versions introduce a subtle spicy edge, yet both remain unmistakably rosy from start to finish.

Structurally Rose Damascena Abs Type behaves as a heart note. It reveals itself a few minutes after application, anchors the composition for hours and then gradually drifts into the dry-down where it can still be detected, though more subdued, long after lighter top notes have evaporated.

Projection is medium to strong, meaning it forms a noticeable aura without overwhelming the wearer when used at typical levels. Longevity is excellent: on skin the rosy signature can remain present for six to eight hours, while a blotter can retain the scent for several days, giving perfumers ample time to evaluate its evolution.

How & Where To Use Rose Damascena Abs Type

This is a genuinely pleasant material to play with: cooperative on the blotter, easy to weigh, and it integrates into most bases without fuss. Unlike some temperamental florals it rarely discolours and it keeps its character even in experimental accords, so most perfumers consider it a friendly staple.

Its primary role is as the main rose note in a composition or as the rosy core of a broader floral bouquet. A classic use is to anchor a dewy rose heart then layer brighter citrus or spice on top and creamy woods beneath. When a formula already contains natural rose oil or absolute, a small dose of Rose Damascena Abs Type can stretch the signature, smooth rough edges and add cost efficiency without smelling synthetic.

Perfumers also reach for it when they need a long-lasting floral accent in gourmand, fruity or oriental styles. The honeyed and faintly licorice facets pair well with raspberry, plum, cocoa, saffron or cardamom. At very low levels it can secretly lift lavender or geranium blends, giving a “freshly picked” nuance without shouting rose.

Recommended usage sits between traces and 5 % of the total concentrate. Around 0.1 % delivers a subtle blurred floral glow. Between 1 % and 3 % the material becomes unmistakably rosy yet remains balanced. Push it towards the 5 % ceiling and you will amplify its fruity honey warmth along with the mild animalic undertone, which can dominate lighter compositions if not countered by crisp top notes or dry woods.

Applications include fine fragrance, body mists, shampoo, shower gel, soap, detergent and candles. It performs beautifully in alcohol and most anhydrous bases. In high pH bar soaps part of its brightness can dull after curing, so some formulators add a touch more to compensate. It is less suitable for deeply green or marine themes where a cleaner rose oxide effect is preferred.

No special prep work is needed beyond the usual. Most labs pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier weighing and faster evaluation. The material is compatible with standard glass and HDPE. Just keep the stock bottle tightly closed and away from strong light to preserve freshness.

Safety Information

Working with Rose Damascena Abs Type is generally straightforward yet certain precautions and considerations are required to ensure safe handling.

Always dilute before evaluation: create a 10 % solution or weaker before smelling and only waft the scent toward your nose

Avoid direct sniffing: never smell straight from the bottle to prevent overwhelming exposure to concentrated vapors

Ventilation: blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated workspace to minimise inhalation of airborne molecules

Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to guard against accidental skin or eye contact

Health considerations: concentrated aroma chemicals can trigger irritation or sensitisation and individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before prolonged handling; brief low-level exposure is typically safe but repeated high-level exposure may be harmful

Always review the latest safety data sheet from your supplier before use, follow any updates and comply with current IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in each product type.

Storage And Disposal

When stored correctly Rose Damascena Abs Type keeps its full character for around two years after purchase. Many labs happily work with three year old stock if it has been protected from light and heat, but plan to refresh supplies every 24 months for best brightness.

A refrigerator at 4 °C will slow oxidation and is ideal, yet it is not mandatory. A cool cupboard below 20 °C away from direct sunlight, radiators and perfume burners is usually enough. Sudden temperature swings can cause condensation in the bottle so let chilled material reach room temperature before opening.

Use bottles fitted with polycone lined caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners create an airtight seal that outperforms standard droppers or pipette tops which often allow slow evaporation and oxygen ingress. If you must use droppers, keep them only for short term evaluation samples.

Try to keep containers as full as possible. Decant any remaining stock into smaller clean bottles once you have used half the volume. Less headspace means less oxygen contact and slower colour change.

Label every container clearly with the ingredient name, dilution strength, date of opening and key hazard statements. Good labelling prevents mix-ups and speeds up safety checks during formula audits.

For disposal, never pour unwanted concentrate down the sink. Small residues can be wiped onto an absorbent pad then placed in your solvent waste bin. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal service following local regulations. While many rose derived molecules are readily biodegradable in standard waste-water treatment, the solvent carriers used in perfumery are not, so responsible disposal protects waterways.

Summary

Rose Damascena Abs Type is a smart hybrid that captures the lush petal, honey and faintly fruity nuances of real rose absolute while adding modern stability. It smells rich, sweetly floral and just a touch animalic which makes it a go-to heart note for classic or contemporary bouquets.

Perfumers enjoy its versatility because a tiny amount lifts citrus blends, a moderate dose builds gourmand or chypre accords and a generous splash becomes the star of a full rose soliflore. It behaves well in alcohol, shampoo bases, soaps, candles and more which explains its steady popularity.

Keep an eye on cost, mind the two year shelf life and remember that its distinctive rosy warmth can overshadow very fresh compositions if overdosed. Aside from that it is simply fun to work with and belongs on the bench of anyone exploring floral perfumery.

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