A rose is more than just a rose. Packing a potent punch by way of their natural oils, these garden staples have been regarded for centuries as an intoxicating blend of allure and utility, with a wide range of applications that help classify rose flower oil as one of the world’s most popular and consistently sought-after essential oils. But it’s no surprise that what has us hooked is its power to deliver gorgeous and glowing skin that will surely have you feeling like the loveliest bloom in the bunch!
IN A NUTSHELL
Ingredient Category: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient
Main Benefit: Rose flower oil enriches the skin with an army of nutrients that strengthen and beautify the skin, while delivering unmatched hydration and visibly reducing signs of aging.
Find It In: Toners, Serums, Moisturizers, and other beauty products.
What Is Rose Flower Oil?
Rose flower oil, also known as rose otto, attar of rose, or rose essence, is simply pure essential oil derived from the gentle processing of rose petals. The oil is extracted via steam distillation; this helps to preserve all of the oil’s natural benefits and potency but is also a rather pricey process – just one milliliter of rose oil requires more than 6 pounds of petals! It’s no wonder that rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the global market.
You can technically find more economical versions of rose oil; substances known as “absolutes”. Rose absolute costs less because it is manufactured through a process known as solvent extraction, which offers a much higher yield than the steam-based approach. While it may come at a lesser price tag, rose absolute is used more for perfumery or aromatherapy and is wildly outperformed by rose essential oil when it comes to skincare.
Authentic, steam distilled rose flower oil can be tricky to find, with lesser quality concoctions often masquerading as the real thing. Be sure to read the ingredients before dropping your dollars; if you plan to use it in your skincare regimen, make sure whatever you purchase is pure, like this one from Aura Cacia.
Yea. We know; cha-ching! But with a price tag like that, it is comforting to know that rose flower oil is actually as chock full of vitamins, minerals, and benevolent properties as it claims to be. Further, incorporating this ultimate skincare companion into your routine couldn’t be simpler, helping you to swiftly and efficiently reap all of its magnificent benefits.
Rose Flower Oil Skin Benefits
It nourishes.
Rose flower oil is super nourishing and is basically like a multivitamin for your skin. It is inherently rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B, C, E, and K, potassium and iron, which each fortify and revivify the skin. These help to deliver not just a healthier complexion, but a happier and more beautiful one too!
It protects.
One of rose oil’s greatest skin benefits is its ability to protect against elemental damage and environmental stressors. Full of properties that strengthen the skin from the inside out, rose flower oil helps neutralize atmospheric nasties that can lead to the breakdown of our skin’s integrity and visible signs of aging.
It clarifies.
Rose flower oil is a natural antibacterial agent and astringent, helping to clarify your skin without all of the harsh smells and drying chemicals. Excellent for keeping your pores clean and free of debris, rose oil is the perfect follow up to any cleanse for a smooth and fresh complexion.
It rejuvenates.
Rose oil’s high content of A & C vitamins are very effective at smoothing the skin’s appearance; so much so that it has helped land this ingredient at the front lines of age-defying skincare. Over time and with consistent use, the application of rose flower oil can actually visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. But that’s not the only way rose oil can flex in the rejuvenation department. Its powerful cocktail of nutrients is also known to help reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage while brightening and fundamentally evening out skin tone, and rose oil’s active compounds are even believed to be a natural stand-in for one of the beauty industry’s most touted anti-aging ingredients: hyaluronic acid!
It soothes.
Rose flower oil can help soothe skin and calm any temporary redness. Safe and pretty much perfect for those with sensitive skin, it also helps to protect your skin as well. So, when your skin has no chill, reach for rose flower oil and naturally turn mad into glad!
It hydrates.
Rose flower oil is suitable for all skin types, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say it could easily be dry skin’s BFF. It possesses an unmatched ability to deliver various forms of deep moisture to your skin, hydrating from all angles. When applied topically, rose flower oil’s emollient properties not only directly deliver moisture to the skin, but also reinforce the moisture barrier, helping to protect it from any potential moisture loss. Yet, it is wildly efficient and even helps balance the skin’s moisture levels. But it’s not just what is happening on the skin’s surface that makes rose flower oil a moisture maestro! The high levels of potassium inherent in rose oil work to maintain electrolyte and internal fluid levels. This helps to preserve hydration from the inside and radically protects your skin’s moisture levels.
How to Use
Getting the most out of your rose flower oil literally couldn’t be easier. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your routine.
Use it in a facial oil.
Since rose flower oil is safe to be applied directly to the skin, one of the quickest and simplest ways to deliver all of its brilliant benefits in a truly unadulterated fashion would be to create your own facial oil. And it only takes two ingredients! Just add about 3 drops of rose oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, and you have yourself a perfect addition to your regimen. Use it as the last step in your PM routine and just before any sunscreen or makeup in the am.
Add it to your moisturizer.
If DIY isn’t your thing, simply add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. It will smell darn lovely and your skin will just as well receive all of the nutrients and benefits of this amazing ingredient.
Use it in a toner.
A rose water toner is a great way to capitalize on all of rose oil’s fortifying, clarifying, and moisture-locking abilities. Create your own mixing distilled water and rose flower oil in a spray bottle.
So, Shakespeare was probably right… a rose by any other name likely would smell as sweet; but call it whatever you like – we’ll take being kissed by a rose anyday!
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