How is Damask Rose essential oil used?

Derived from a double hydrodistillationprocess, Damask rose essential oil is highly valuable. Indeed, it takes 5 tons of petals to produce just 1 kg of essential oil. In cosmetic formulas, it is listed under the I.N.C.I. name of "Rosa Damascena Flower Oil".

When applied to the skin, it has revitalizing, regenerating, and healing properties. Indeed, the monoterpenic alcohols it contains (citronellol, nerol, and geraniol) tighten the tissues and thus limit the sagging of the skin that appears over the years. Moreover, it is antioxidant and protects the skin from external aggressions (sun, pollution, smoking...) that accelerate skin aging. Furthermore, the monoterpenic esters present in this essential oil have a beneficial effect on acute and chronic skin inflammations.

Firstly, like most essential oils, it should never be used undiluted on the skin but always diluted. Therefore, it is appropriate to dilute it in a carrier oil without exceeding a concentration of 5% (the mixture thus contains 95% carrier oil and 5% of Damask rose essential oil). Being non-photosensitizing, this type of mixture can be applied in the morning as well as in the evening using a cotton pad or directly with the fingers.

Next, it is contraindicated during the first three months of pregnancy. After this period, it is advisable to seek a doctor's opinion before using it.

Furthermore, this essential oil also composes certain skin care products, such as facial lotions and tonics, serums, oils, day creams... The method of use depends on the type of galenic formulation used.

Note : TheDamask rose essential oil contains certain natural compounds that may pose an allergy risk for some sensitive individuals (citronellol, geraniol, linalool, farnesol, citral (geranial and neral), and to a lesser extent, eugenol, limonene). Therefore, it is always advisable to perform a skin tolerance test in the crook of the elbow or on a small part of the face 48 hours before using a skincare product with Damask rose essential oil.

Ourfirming toneralso contains0.1% of retinol, the ultimate skin-tightening active ingredient. This skin-like acidic pH lotion rebalances the skin's pH after each cleansing. It also helps to remove the lime residues present in the water during cleansing. Rich in firming active ingredients, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and fights against skin sagging.

To apply it, soak a cotton pad with the firming lotion and then sweep it across your entire face, which should be previously cleansed, while avoiding the eye contour, only in the evening.

Note : This lotion is suitable for all skin types. It is particularly well-suited for mature skin. We advise against its use for sensitive and reactive skin types, as well as for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.

• Yasmeen Ahmed & al., Rosa Damascene Mill. (Rose): A versatile herb in cosmetology, Tang Humanitas Medecine, (2019).

• Krishnan RD, Kumar MV, Varma RS, Babu UV, Dhanabal SP. Design And Development Of Polyherbal Based Cream Formulation With Anti-Skin Ageing Benefits. International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research. (2017).