Rose Damascena essential oil is one of the most precious and powerful oils in the world. Distilled from the petals of the Damask rose, it is treasured not only for its exquisite fragrance, but for its ability to support skin and emotional wellbeing in equal measure.
Rich, complex and deeply aromatic, rose oil has been revered since ancient times for its beauty-enhancing and therapeutic properties. Naturally high in antioxidants and skin-supportive compounds, it helps nurture mature and dry skin, supporting softness, balance and resilience.
Despite its association with luxury, rose oil is not indulgent for indulgence’s sake. It is highly concentrated and extraordinarily potent, used in tiny amounts, carefully diluted, and chosen with intention. A little goes a very long way, both on the skin and emotionally.
Its unmistakable floral scent is known to comfort, uplift and steady the nervous system, which is why rose has long been woven into perfumery, ritual and aromatherapy traditions around the world.
Quick facts
INCI name: Rosa damascena (flower oil)
Texture: Highly concentrated essential oil (used at very low dilution)
Best for: Mature, dry or emotionally sensitive skin
Key benefits: Soothing, balancing, emotionally uplifting
Used in: ‘Face The Day’ Moisture Balm, Rosey Hand Salve, Rosey Lip Balm, Bee Happy Body Oil, Bee Sleepy Body Oil
Rose Damascena Essential Oil & the bees
Roses and bees share a long and intricate relationship. While some modern cultivated roses offer little nectar, traditional and open-petalled varieties remain an important pollen source. Bees help roses thrive through pollination, and roses, in turn, support biodiversity, beauty and balance in our landscapes. You can read more about our work dedicated to saving the bees here.
Origins
Rose oil has been used for thousands of years, from ancient Persia to Ayurvedic medicine and European herbal traditions. It’s said that around 2,000 rose petals are needed to produce a single drop of essential oil, a powerful reminder of both its value and its potency.
How it's made
Rose Damascena oil is produced through steam distillation of freshly picked petals, often harvested at dawn when their fragrance is at its peak. This time-honoured process captures the true heart of the rose, resulting in a richly aromatic oil of remarkable depth and intensity.
Skin benefits of Rose Damascena Essential Oil
Rose Damascena offers rich, meaningful support for the skin:
- Helps soothe dry and mature skin
- Supports softness, elasticity and comfort
- Calms redness and sensitivity
- Encourages a healthy, balanced complexion
Well-being benefits
Rose oil has long been associated with the heart. Traditionally used to support low mood, grief and emotional fatigue, it’s known for its ability to comfort, uplift and gently restore emotional balance without overwhelming the senses.
The experience
Soft, floral and deeply comforting, rose oil brings warmth and quiet luxury to every blend. It feels nurturing, steady and emotionally reassuring, never showy, always intentional.
Why we use Rose Damascena Essential Oil in our skincare
We use rose oil not just for what it does for the skin, but for how it makes people feel. It brings care, gentleness and emotional nourishment to our balms and oils.
Sustainability and sourcing
Our rose oil is sourced from trusted growers who harvest responsibly and distil in small batches, protecting both quality and tradition while respecting the labour and land behind this precious ingredient. You can read more about our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing here.
Fun fact
Rose oil has often been called “the oil of the heart”, believed across cultures to bring emotional balance, comfort and a sense of connection – the exact reason it has earned its place in our ingredients list.
Used in
Final thoughts
Rose Damascena oil supports the skin, lifts the spirit and reminds us that care can be both practical and deeply comforting.
Julie Macken
After graduating with a Chemistry Degree and subsequent MBA, Julie spent 25 years 'in corporate life' working in Sales and Marketing for companies including Unilever and GSK. Her 'aha moment' came whilst running a marketing workshop in Brazil persuading South Americans to eat plastic-packed frozen chips instead of fresh potato.
Realising there were more fulfilling ways to utilise her skills, Julie founded Neve's Bees a family skincare business – creating a unique range of waterless skincare, using only natural and sustainable ingredients blended with Oxfordshire beeswax, promoting healthy skin and a healthy eco-system. Following a lifelong passion, Julie is also studying part time for a degree in Traditional Herbal Medicine.
Julie lives in Rural Oxfordshire with her husband, 2 children, 3 cats, 4 hens, 5 beehives, 6-acre wildflower meadow…and Bella the Dog.
