A Rose by Any Other Name: Comparing Rose Absolute, Rose Otto, Rose CO₂ & Rose Hydrosol

There’s something timeless and deeply healing about the scent of rose. Whether you’re using it to uplift your emotions, care for your skin, or simply to pause and breathe, rose oil has earned its place as the queen of botanicals.

But with so many variations Rose Absolute, Rose Otto, Rose CO₂, and Rose Hydrosol: how do you know which is right for your needs?

At Jade Bloom, we carry both Rose Absolute and Rose Hydrosol, and we’re often asked:

• What’s the difference between Rose Otto and Rose Absolute?

• Is Rose Hydrosol the same as rose water?

• Why is rose essential oil so expensive?

• Which rose oil is best for skincare and natural perfumery?

In this guide, we’ll compare the benefits, uses, fragrance profiles, and cost of each type so you can confidently choose the best rose product for your wellness and beauty routine.

What Is Rose Absolute?

A luxurious, deep floral oil with unmatched fragrance depth

Rose Absolute is extracted using a solvent-based method that captures the most aromatic compounds from the delicate petals of the Rosa damascena flower. It’s prized in natural perfumery, emotional healing, and luxury skincare.

Rose Absolute Chemical Constituents:

• Phenylethyl alcohol – Sweet, floral aroma; known for calming the nervous system
  PubMed

• Geraniol – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for skin support
  PubMed

• Nerol – Emotionally balancing and antispasmodic

• Citronellol – Uplifting and antibacterial
  PubMed

• Farnesol & Eugenol – Minor components with skin-repairing and antimicrobial properties

Why Rose Absolute Is So Expensive:

• It takes around 8,000 roses to produce 5ml of rose oil

• Solvent extraction yields a wider aromatic spectrum than distillation

• A single drop goes a long way in perfume and skin formulas

Best Uses:

• Natural rose perfume blends

• Emotional support (grief, heartbreak, stress)

• Romantic or self-love rituals

• Blending with jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang
  
  Customers Say: "Just opened my bottle of Rose Absolute. The best fragrance ever! I put a few drops in a 2 oz spray bottle with water. It smells like I am walking in a rose garden. Heavenly."

What Is Rose Otto (Steam Distilled Rose Essential Oil)?

Light, fresh, and floral. Rose Otto is a delicate beauty ideal for sensitive skin

Rose Otto, also known as true rose essential oil, is steam-distilled from fresh petals. It carries a lighter, greener aroma than Rose Absolute and is ideal for skincare, emotional well-being, and daily use.

Key Constituents:

• Citronellol – Antimicrobial, calming, and insect-repelling

• Geraniol – Antioxidant and skin-soothing

• Nerol – Stress-relieving and gentle on the skin
  Source

Can Also Be Used For:

• Facial serums and creams

• Emotional aromatherapy (anxiety, grief, irritability)

• Gentle blends for mature or sensitive skin

• Chakra work (especially the heart)

Pro Tip:

While more expensive per ml than Rose Absolute, Rose Otto offers a lighter, ethereal scent.

What Is Rose CO₂ Extract?

A rich, full-spectrum rose oil truest to the natural flower

Rose CO₂ Extract is made by applying carbon dioxide under pressure to pull out aromatic and non-aromatic compounds. It retains more waxes and heavier molecules, offering a scent and texture closest to the actual bloom.

Best Used For:

• High-end natural perfumes

• Full-body skin treatments

• Those wanting a “true to the flower” scent

???? Note: Jade Bloom does not currently carry Rose CO₂, but we love helping you understand your options.

What Is Rose Hydrosol (Rose Water)?

The most affordable and gentle way to enjoy rose every day

Rose Hydrosol, also called rose water or rose floral water, is the aromatic water left behind during steam distillation of rose petals. At Jade Bloom, our Rose Hydrosol is 100% pure and contains no alcohol, preservatives, or additives.

Benefits of Rose Hydrosol:

• Hydrating facial toner

• Soothes redness and inflammation

• Supports pH balance for all skin types

• Cools and refreshes skin (ideal post-sun or post-workout)
  Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Rose Hydrosol Best Uses:

• Face mist and toner

• Makeup setting spray

• After-sun care or hot flash relief

• Gentle aromatherapy for children and sensitive individuals

• Linen spray or room mist

???? Customer voice:
“I keep this on my nightstand and spray on my face in the morning and before bed. I feel refreshed and boosts my mood. Smells wonderful! If I wake up at night from a "hot flash", I spray it on me and cools me off.”

Pro tip: Keep it chilled in the fridge and mist on whenever you need a mid-day floral reset.

Rose Oil Comparison Chart

Rose isn’t just a flower. It’s a feeling. A medicine. A moment.
From ancient rituals to modern skincare, rose continues to be one of the most emotionally and energetically powerful botanicals we have.

Whether you're investing in Rose Absolute for your signature scent or using Rose Hydrosol as your everyday floral reset, you’re giving your body and spirit something beautiful, grounding, and real.

In a world that’s constantly asking you to do more, rose is your permission to simply be.