The Many Benefits of Rose Otto Oil For The Skin
Historically, rose otto oil has primarily been used for its aromatic characteristics, and as an ingredient in perfumes. However, in more recent years, its uses and benefits have diversified, and now many companies rely on rose cultivation to produce organic rose otto for top-of-the-line aromatherapy and skincare products.
What is Rose Otto Oil?
This essential oil is derived from pink damask rose plants, primarily grown and harvested in Bulgaria and Turkey. The Bulgarian Rose Valley is considered the global center for rose oil production. Sometimes referred to as “liquid gold” for its profitability and also difficulty to make, rose otto oil is distilled out of pink damask rose petals using a special steam distillation process. It takes 3,000 kilograms of rose blossoms to make a single kilogram of rose otto oil.
Benefits of Rose Otto Oil
Rose otto oil, like many other essential oils, has been known to have many benefits, even from simply smelling the natural fragrance. The skin benefits of rose otto oil come from the specific compounds it contains, as well as the simple hydrating effect of the oil itself.
There are three main benefits to using rose otto essential oil: visible hydration, antibacterial properties, and it’s loaded with antioxidants. Rose otto essential oil contains emollients, or compounds that attract water and trap it in place, helping smooth out and soften the appearance of dry, rough areas of skin.
Its antibacterial properties have been known to be beneficial for people with blemish-prone or sensitive skin or who have psoriasis concerns Finally, products that incorporate rose otto oil are packed with antioxidants, and antioxidants have been known to help the skin against sun damage and environmental stressors.
Components of Rose Oil
Scientifically speaking, rose oil’s composition has been studied to help better understand these benefits, as well as rose otto oil’s influence on the skin. This has led to the discovery of key molecules in the oil, which include:
- Geraniol
- Alkenes
- Nerol
- 2-Phenylethanol
These compounds contribute to rose otto oil’s scent as well as its color and viscosity. Although rose water also has these compounds, the essential oil extracted from the petals has the highest quantity of them. Therefore, rose oil is significantly more beneficial for the skin.
Rose Otto vs. Rose Absolute
A common misconception is that rose otto oil is comparable and even interchangeable with rose absolute oil, but this is not the case. The difference lies in how the two products are created. As mentioned, steam distillation is used to produce rose otto, whereas chemical solvents are used to extract rose absolute oil. This means there could be residual solvent in packaged products, which is not something you want on the skin.
How to Use Rose Oil for Your Skin
Rose essential oil, like other essential oils, should not be applied directly on your skin. Its high concentration of potent chemical compounds can cause irritation and burning sensations. It should always be mixed into high-quality skincare products, like our Bulgarian Rose Otto moisturizer. In addition with the benefits described earlier, this also gives products like this a luxurious floral scent
Rose Otto Oil Skincare Products
Epicuren Discovery’s complete line of skin care products frequently has essential oils like Bulgarian rose oil to power our products. Browse our collections moisturizers or anti-aging products or take our Skin Quiz to find out which professional-grade skincare product is right for your unique skin type.