Rose Petal
How Roses are Turned Into Oil for Perfume-producing Rose Oil
One of the most popular scents for perfume is the scent of real roses. Traditionally it is believed that Arab chemists were the first to find a way to produce useable perfume oils from roses. Rose oil commands a very high price, because it is so laborious to extract. The harvesting of the buds is done by hand before sunrise and the petals are used to create oil and scent extracts the very same day. It takes many pounds of rose petals to make just one ounce of oil. So how is the rose scent used in perfume created?
There are three current methods of getting oil out of the rose petals.
-
Extraction by a solvent -
Extraction by steam distilling -
Extraction via superficial carbon dioxide
In the solvent extraction method the rose petals are mixed in a vat or tub with some kind of solvent like hexane. The hexane draws out the rose aroma, as well as some wax and pigments. A vacuum process removes the Hexane and leaves a thick wax-like mass which is called Concrete in the perfume industry. Alcohol is put through the Concrete which draws out the scent part only. This alcohol mixture is then evaporated under low pressure, leaving the pure scent extract behind. This is called Rose Absolute and is an amber yellow to deep red in color. This is the least expensive method of scent extraction.
Removing rose scents by steam distilling involves large stills filled with rose petals and water. The still is heated for a period of time, until the water vapor along with rose oil vaporizes out of the still and into a condenser, where the condensate is run off into a container. Then the water is drained off from the oil leaving very concentrated oil. The drained off water is then re-distilled to extract water soluble oils or alcohols that still exist in the water. There is also a method to perform a combination distillation-extraction of this left over water. These water soluble constituents are mixed with the original concentrated oil to get the final oil product called Rose Otto or Attar. Rose Otto is made up of around 20% of the concentrated oil and 80% of the water soluble products. It is then diluted heavily when used in perfume. It is pale yellow to olive green in color and will crystallize at room temperature. Bulgaria is the largest producer of Rose Otto.
The carbon dioxide extraction method is the most expensive method of the three and the price of your perfume may reflect that. Carbon dioxide, which is normally a gas at normal pressures, is put under pressure until it liquefies. The Rose petals are mixed with liquid carbon dioxide and heated at very low temperatures. The rest of the process is similar to the standard solvent extraction method. When normal pressure is restored to the carbon dioxide it turns back into gas and leaves the aroma extracts behind. The CO2 does not leave any odor of its own behind.
A good deal of quality control must follow the process of making and buying pure rose oils as it is not unusual for it to be unscrupulously diluted with essential oils from the Geranium flower or Palmarosa herb (related to the Geranium), or even other alcohol related chemicals.
About the Author
Mark Jordan is a researcher and freelance writer living near Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Other information of interest to lovers of roses can be found at Womens Perfume Info and Decorations in Cake Icing
|
|
Pre de Provence ROSE PETAL Scent Pure Vegetable SOAP 8.8 oz / 250 g $8.99 |
|
|
MCPARTLAND,MARIAN – SINGLE PETAL OF A ROSE [CD NEW] $10.63 |
|
|
Rose Petal PINK Stargazers Roses Bridal Handtied Bouquet Silk Wedding Flowers $54.95 |
|
|
Nubar Polish Tea Rose Petal #NB6, 1/2 oz. (15 mL) $6.95 |
|
|
500 Multi-colors Silk Flower Rose Petal for Wedding Party Supply Decoration $0.99 |
|
|
FLOWER BALLS ~ ROSE PETAL PINK ~ Kissing Ball Pomander Wedding Flowers Pew Bows $3.48 |
|
|
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush Rose Petal 15 Gel Blush New $5.00 |
|
|
SL5 NEW IVORY FUSCHIA ROSEPETAL FLOWER GIRL DRESS SIZE S M L XL 2 4 6 8 10 12 $21.84 |
|
|
SL5 NEW FUSCHIA ROSEPETAL FLOWER GIRL DRESS SIZE S M L XL 2 4 6 8 10 12 $21.40 |
|
|
Rose Petal Girls Yellow TUTU w/Satin Waist Infants-10yr $6.99 |
|
|
Kenner Rose Petal Place IRIS PIN *MOC 1985 $7.95 |
|
|
Kenner Rose Petal Place Doll ORCHID PIN *MOC 1985 $7.95 |
|
|
Kenner Rose Petal Place SUNNY SUNFLOWER PIN *MOC 1985 $7.95 |
|
|
Rachel Roy Signature ABSTRACT ROSE PETAL PRINT JACKET SZ M $79.99 |
|
|
R860-7 – BIG & BOLD 28 MM ROSE PETAL SILVER PLATED RING SIZE 7 $14.99 |
|
|
4 Size Rose Petal Flower Blossom Cutter Cake Craft Clay $1.00 |
|
|
Italian Tole Regency Brass Color Rose Petal Glass Table $150.00 |
|
|
9 Rose Petal soap buds in gift container with bow NEW ~ ruby red blossom scented $5.99 |
|
|
280Pcs Rose Petal Wedding Party Decoration Flower White $0.99 |
|
|
3 sets of 9 Rose Petal soap buds in gift containers with bow NEW Pink & White $9.99 |
|
|
6 x Handmade Rose Style Scented Petal Red Bath Soap $4.79 |
|
|
Red Scented Rose Bud Shaped Bath Soap Petal Flakes 6PCS $4.72 |
|
|
Turquoise Blue Rose Design Bath Scented Soap Petal 6PCS $4.78 |
|
|
6PCS Scented Rose Bud Turquoise Blue Soap Petal Flakes $5.33 |
|
|
Bowknot Detailing Heart Box 24 Pcs Bath Body Rose Petal Red $12.04 |
|
|
Baby Blue White 16 Pcs Scented Bath Soap Rose Petal Gift $10.60 |
|
|
Alexandra de Markoff LIP PENCIL/UNDERCOLOR Rose Petal $9.99 |
|
|
New Rose Flower Petal Ring Sz 8 Topaz Swarovski Crystal $10.76 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
Pixi by Pixi Rose Lustre Duo Compact Face & Lip Balm- #1 Petal Dew–6g/.21oz NEW $13.27 |
|
|
US #85 ROSE 1867 D-GRILL // FANCY 8-PETAL ROSETTE CANCEL………. CV = $1250 $450.00 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $1.32 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $1.32 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $1.32 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $1.32 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $1.32 |
|
|
144PCS silk rose petal wedding flower decor Pageant decorating colors colorful $6.55 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Colors Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor $2.49 |
|
|
size 7 Swarovski Crystal pearl rose petal gold GP 18K Fashion ARINNA finger Ring $5.99 |
|
|
4 Size Rose Petal Flower Blossom Cutter Cake Craft Clay $1.00 |
|
|
Rosenthal China Moss Rose PETAL LANE Bread Plate/s $5.55 |
|
|
VINTAGE PIN BROOCH ROSE FLOWER BLOOM BLOSSOM THORN PETAL LEAF RED FERN FRO VL-AD $3.99 |
|
|
WILTON PASTE ICING COLORS $2.29 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
600 ROSE FLOWER FABRIC PETAL many colors $6.99 |
|
|
size 7 Swarovski Crystal pearl rose petal gold GP 18K Fashion ARINNA finger Ring $5.99 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decoration Favor Hear $1.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
3 x Bath Body Soap Rose Petal Flower Gift Party Wedding Decorative Favor Hear $2.29 |
|
|
ARINNA violet petal crystal rose GP Necklace pendant $6.30 |
|
|
u5 Style Colourful Petal Bracelet Silicone Girls Ladies Womens Wrist Watch $9.15 |
|
|
NEW WHITE *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT COMMUNION DRESS $28.99 |
|
|
NEW WHITE *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT COMMUNION DRESS $28.99 |
|
|
NEW PURPLE *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT DRESS [Size 2 & 8] $24.99 |
|
|
NEW PURPLE *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT DRESS [Size 2 & 8] $24.99 |
|
|
NEW FUCHSIA *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT DRESS $24.99 |
|
|
NEW FUCHSIA *EXQUISITE ROSE PETAL* FLOWER GIRL PAGEANT DRESS $24.99 |
|
|
David’s Bridal ROSE PETAL pink F13573 bridesmaid gown dress, size 4 $75.00 |
|
|
ARINNA Swarovski Crystal pearl blue pink red flower petal Rose gold GP Ring sz 8 $5.99 |
|
|
2 set 12 x Fondant Sugarcraft cake decorating Rose petal Modelling Shaped tool $8.79 |
