Rose Blossom, White

White rose oil is not a paler grade of damask rose. Rosa alba is a separate species, one of the old garden roses of Europe, grown in Bulgaria alongside Rosa damascena. Its oil is lighter and less sweet.

01 · Origin

This oil is steam distilled in Bulgaria from conventionally grown blossom of Rosa alba. The plant is tall and hardy, the flowers white to palest blush. The alba roses are among the oldest cultivated roses on the continent.

02 · Chemistry

Citronellol and geraniol lead, with nerol behind them. Nonadecane and nonadecene, the waxy stearoptene fraction, crystallise in cool conditions. Cloudiness or partial setting in the bottle is a property of the oil and reverses with gentle warmth.

03 · In Practice

Fresh, delicate and green-floral, with less honeyed depth than pink rose. Suited to blends where damask rose would weigh too heavily. Faint from the bottle, it opens on a strip. Facial oils, natural perfumery, bath preparations and massage. Comparative study alongside Rose Blossom, Morocco (No. 12551) is instructive. Blends with neroli, sandalwood, lavender, jasmine, bergamot and geranium.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.