Rose Otto, Bulgaria - Organic EO

Our organic Bulgarian Rose Otto is a very fine quality-distilled essential oil from the region best known for producing the world’s premium roses – the Valley of the Roses in Central Bulgaria. This oil is sourced from a family business founded there in 1909. Extremely complex, sweet and full-bodied, it is fresh, warm, deeply floral and rich with hints of soft citrus zest, faint pepper and earthy green body notes and a muted waxy undertone – a truly sublime Rose Otto and one of the finest we have ever carried!

With their multi-petaled intricacy, it is no surprise that Rose essential oils and absolutes are among plant essences with the most chemical complexity. And while many of the more than 400 chemical constituents[1] of Rosa damascena are present in mere trace amounts, they contribute immensely to the rich and nuanced fragrance we know as Rose. Only 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) of Rose Otto is obtained from 4500 kilos (about 9900 pounds) of freshly harvested Rose petals.[2]

“For its perfume, the Rose reigns supreme amongst the flowers of the world.”[3] Beloved since ancient times, Homer and Pliny, Ovid and Virgil refer especially to the Rose being esteemed more for its perfume than for its beauty.[4] The first distillation of Rose oil was probably by the Arabs in 500 CE, although ancient drawings show primitive stills as far back as 10,000 BCE.[5] In its more recent history, it is believed by many historians that Rosa damascena was brought to the town of Kazanlak in Bulgaria by a Turkish immigrant to cultivate in his own garden around the time Kazanlak was founded in 1420.

In addition to its varied applications in aromatherapy, our organic Bulgarian Rose Otto is perfect in premium skincare formulations and in fine perfumery compositions. Known as the oil of love, the comforting and inspiring aroma of Rose oil is said to encourage the metaphorical “opening of the heart.” It is especially esteemed for promoting spiritual wellbeing, creating a peaceful ambiance, and as an excellent companion to meditation practices.