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Rose oil

Rose oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Rose oil is the aromatic material from rose petals, mainly Rosa damascena grown in Bulgaria and Turkey and Rosa centifolia grown in Morocco and France. Rose otto is steam- or water-distilled from fresh petals and takes several thousand kilograms of flowers per kilogram of oil; rose absolute is solvent-extracted into a concrete and then washed with alcohol. Both are expensive and are used in fine fragrance, cosmetics and at trace levels in flavors. Rose water is a by-product of distillation.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Rosa damascena flower oil · Rose otto · Attar of roses · Rose absolute · Rosa centifolia
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of rose oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Rose otto

    Steam-distilled Rosa damascena oil, which partly solidifies when cool because of its stearoptene (wax) content.

  • Rose absolute

    Solvent-extracted rose (often Rosa centifolia or damascena), deeper and more honeyed than otto.

  • Dilutions

    Rose otto or absolute diluted in jojoba, fractionated coconut oil or ethanol, sold at a stated percentage.

  • Organic

    Certified organic rose otto, mostly from Bulgaria and Turkey.

  • Rose water

    Hydrosol collected during distillation, sold separately for food and cosmetic use.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

GC-MS profile
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as citronellol, geraniol, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol, methyl eugenol and stearoptenes against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
Physical constants
Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
Fragrance allergens
Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.
Adulteration screen
Checks for added geranium oil, palmarosa oil, synthetic phenylethyl alcohol or citronellol; chiral GC and isotope testing are used for high-value lots.
Residual solvents
Residual hexane or other extraction solvents by headspace GC for absolutes.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock. Rose otto may solidify in cool storage and should be warmed gently and mixed before sampling.

Lots and expiry dates

Composition depends on origin, harvest year and distiller, so record these and the GC-MS profile for each lot, and keep a retained sample. Because rose oil is often diluted or blended, confirm the concentration on every certificate.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Rose oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking rose oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell rose oil? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of rose oil can brands buy?

Common forms include rose otto, rose absolute, dilutions, organic and rose water. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for rose oil include?

Expect gC-MS profile, physical constants, fragrance allergens, adulteration screen and residual solvents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should rose oil be stored?

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock. Rose otto may solidify in cool storage and should be warmed gently and mixed before sampling.

What is the regulatory status of rose oil?

21 CFR 182.20 lists rose (otto of roses, attar of roses) and rose absolute from Rosa alba, R. centifolia, R. damascena and R. gallica among essential oils and natural extractives that are GRAS for their intended use. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists rose oil (Rosa spp.) with the technical effect flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 182.20. Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists damask rose essential oil from the flower of Rosa x damascena.

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