Ingredient decoder

Rose oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Rosa Damascena Flower Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Skin conditioning

Rose oil in plain English

Rose oil is an essential oil steamed from damask rose petals, with a rich floral scent. It is much stronger than rose water and contains citronellol, geraniol and other allergens. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is rose oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Rose oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
  • Rose otto
  • Rose otto oil
  • Damask rose oil
  • Rose essential oil
  • Rosa damascena oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is rose oil comedogenic?

Rose oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does rose oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking and skin conditioning.

What else is rose oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, rose oil can also appear as Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rose otto, Rose otto oil, Damask rose oil or Rose essential oil.

Sources