Botanica Gaia
Rose de Mai CO₂ Absolute (Rosa centifolia)
Rose de Mai CO₂ Absolute (Rosa centifolia)
A luxurious CO₂ extract from Rosa centifolia petals, offering a radiant honeyed-rose aroma with green and fruity nuances for fine perfumery and premium skincare.
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Rose de Mai CO₂ Extract, obtained from the delicate petals of Rosa centifolia grown in the famed region of Grasse, France, represents one of the most refined expressions of rose available to modern perfumers and formulators. Using supercritical CO₂ extraction, this solvent-free method preserves the fragile aromatic molecules of freshly harvested blossoms while concentrating their lipophilic constituents into a full-spectrum extract of exceptional purity and depth.
Rose de Mai, also known as Centifolia Rose, blooms only once a year, typically in May, and has been cherished for centuries for its luminous, multi-faceted aroma. Compared to steam-distilled rose otto or traditional absolutes, the CO₂ extract offers a rounder, more complete and true-to-flower profile, capturing not only the heady floral notes but also the subtle green, honeyed, and fruity nuances that give Rose de Mai its legendary complexity.
Specifications of Rose de Mai CO₂ Absolute
- Botanical Name: Rosa centifolia
- Family Name: Rosaceae.
- Common Name: Rose de Mai.
- INCI: Rosa Centifolia Flowers CO₂ Absolute.
- Parts Used: Flowers
- Extraction Method: Supercritical CO₂.
- Note: Middle.
- Scent: Floral with delicate sweetness.
- Appearance: Viscous. Dark Pink.
- Country of Origin: Bulgaria. Recommended usage levels vary between 2–10% depending on the desired intensity and texture.
- Solubility: Soluble in oils, alcohol, and butters; insoluble in water.
Aromatic Profile
The aroma of Rose de Mai CO₂ Extract is opulent, fresh, and naturally sweet, opening with bright, dewy rose petals and soft green facets reminiscent of freshly cut stems and leaves. As the fragrance unfolds, rich honeyed and jammy undertones appear, accompanied by hints of red berries, lychee, and delicate citrus zest. The dry-down reveals a velvety floral warmth with subtle tea-like and slightly spicy nuances that linger beautifully on the skin.
Unlike some rose materials that can feel sharp or metallic, this CO₂ extract delivers a smooth, rounded, and deeply natural rose character. Its diffusion is elegant and persistent, making it suitable for both leading roles in floral compositions and as a harmonizing heart note in complex accords.
In perfumery, it functions as:
- A floral heart to top note.
- The core of rose accords in fine fragrance.
- A natural sweetener and softener for green and woody notes.
- A gentle fixative enhancing floral longevity.
It pairs exquisitely with jasmine, linden blossom, violet leaf, geranium, neroli, bergamot, raspberry leaf, patchouli, sandalwood, oud, frankincense, vanilla, and soft musks.
Chemistry
Supercritical CO₂ extraction produces a solvent‑free, full‑spectrum extract that can be richer and longer‑lasting than steam‑distilled oils.
Formulation & Usage
Rose de Mai CO₂ Extract blends easily into oils, alcohol, and emulsions. It may be semi-solid at cooler temperatures and liquefy gently with warmth.
Recommended usage levels:
- Perfumery: 0.5 – 5% of the fragrance concentrate
- Skincare: 0.05 – 0.5%
- Solid perfumes/balms: 0.5 – 3%
Applications
Uses in Skincare & Body Care
Beyond its aromatic allure, Rose de Mai CO₂ Extract is highly prized in luxury skincare for its sensorial elegance and skin-conditioning properties. Its natural lipid content integrates smoothly into creams, serums, and balms, enhancing texture and delivering a soft, velvety skin feel.
Common skincare applications include:
- Facial serums and creams
- Eye and lip treatments
- Body lotions and butters
- Cleansing balms
- After-sun and soothing products
- In cosmetic formulations, it contributes to:
- Enhanced sensorial experience
- Subtle, natural floral scent
- Support for skin comfort and softness
Typical cosmetic usage levels range from 0.05–0.5%, depending on desired aromatic intensity.
Applications in Fine & Botanical Perfumery
In fine and botanical perfumery, Rose de Mai CO₂ Extract is considered a cornerstone material. It is ideal for:
- Natural and niche fine fragrances
- Solid perfumes and oil-based perfumes
- Floral, floral-woody, and chypre compositions
- Rose soliflores and romantic accords
The CO₂ format allows perfumers to work with a rose material that is both ethically produced and exceptionally true-to-nature, offering superior stability and integration into fragrance bases.
Safety
- For external use only.
- Use appropriate dilution before skin application.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store cool and dark to minimize oxidation.
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The smell is just gorgeous. Has some similarity to damascus rose. However its very different and unlike most other roses. Very feminine and the dry down as its on the skin creates a changing aroma. I also didnt expect it was going to be in a gel like texture as some CO2s are in liqiud drops as many stewm distilled oils. However its wonderful and its pretty easy to work with. You need very little of it in products as its much more potent.
The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products.