It is all about Roses

Roses have long been a cornerstone in the world of perfumery due to their enchanting and complex aroma. The essential oil of roses, extracted through distillation or solvent extraction, brings about a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy scent that is both invigorating and soothing. Rose oil's versatility allows it to blend harmoniously with many other notes, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern perfumes.

Roses used in perfume-making usually belong to the Damask rose species (Rosa damascena) and the Rose Centifolia (Rosa x centifolia). These species are particularly favored for their potent and alluring fragrances. The former is primarily cultivated in Bulgaria and Turkey, whereas the latter is commonly found in the Grasse region of France, a place often referred to as the perfume capital of the world.

Many iconic perfumes have rose as their main note. Chanel No. 5, one of the most famous perfumes globally, has a heart note of Rose de Mai, derived from Rose Centifolia. Similarly, Lancôme's Trésor incorporates the scent of Damask rose in its composition.

One of the challenges with using rose in perfumes is the considerable amount of resources required to produce rose oil. As previously mentioned, it can take up to 5 tons of roses to produce just one kilogram of rose oil. This makes authentic rose oil one of the most expensive essential oils in the world, often referred to as "liquid gold." Because of this, many perfumers use synthetic alternatives or rose absolutes, which are more concentrated and less costly.

Despite these challenges, the unique and timeless scent of rose continues to be a beloved ingredient in perfumery, adding depth, warmth, and a touch of luxury to countless fragrances.