Roses and Skin Aging: What Does Scientific Research Really Show?

Roses and Skin Aging: What Does Scientific Research Really Show?

An evidence-based exploration of rose essential oil, rose petal extracts, rosehip, and rose distillates—and their potential effects on collagen, elasticity, hydration, oxidative stress, and skin photoaging.

Skin aging is not simply the result of getting older.

While chronological aging is a natural biological process, environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, air pollution, oxidative stress, and changes in skin barrier function can also contribute to the visible signs of aging.

Over time, collagen and elastin structures may deteriorate, the skin's ability to retain moisture may decline, and wrinkles may become more noticeable.

Scientists are investigating a wide range of botanical materials for their potential influence on these processes.

Among them, rose-derived preparations have attracted increasing research interest.

Studies have examined Rosa damascena essential oil, rose petal extracts, rosehip preparations from other Rosa species, and newly developed biotechnology-derived rose ingredients.

However, these preparations are not chemically or biologically interchangeable.

A favourable result obtained with a concentrated rose petal extract does not automatically demonstrate the same effect for rose essential oil or rose water.

Likewise, research involving one rose species cannot be assumed to apply to another.

To understand what the science actually demonstrates, we must consider the botanical identity, preparation method, concentration, experimental model, and measured outcomes.

The Rose Academy Scientific Principle

"Rose" is not a single research material.

The species, plant part, extraction or production method, chemical composition, formulation, and route of administration all influence how a study should be interpreted.

1. Which Biological Processes Are Involved in Skin Aging?

Scientific investigations into skin aging focus on several structural, biochemical, and physiological processes.

Understanding these mechanisms helps explain why researchers are interested in certain rose-derived compounds.

Collagen: Supporting Skin Structure

Collagen is one of the principal structural proteins responsible for the strength and integrity of the skin.

It is an essential component of the extracellular matrix, the network that provides structural support to skin tissue.

With aging and repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, collagen synthesis may decrease while the breakdown of existing collagen increases.

These changes contribute to visible signs such as wrinkles and reduced skin firmness.

Elastin: Maintaining Skin Elasticity

Elastin contributes to the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape.

Damage to elastin fibres can reduce elasticity and contribute to skin laxity.

Both intrinsic aging and environmental exposure may affect the organisation and function of elastin within the skin.

Collagenase, Elastase, and MMP-1

Collagenase and elastase are enzymes involved in the degradation of collagen and elastin, respectively.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) belongs to a family of enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodelling and collagen breakdown.

Researchers investigate whether certain botanical compounds can influence the activity or expression of these enzymes.

However, inhibiting collagenase or elastase in a laboratory assay does not establish that a product reduces wrinkles in human skin.

Such findings identify a potentially relevant biological mechanism that requires further investigation.

Hyaluronic Acid and the Skin Barrier

Hyaluronic acid contributes to the skin's ability to retain water.

It is an important component of the extracellular matrix and plays a role in hydration and tissue function.

The skin barrier, particularly the outermost layer of the epidermis, helps limit excessive water loss and protects against environmental exposure.

When barrier function is impaired, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) may increase.

For this reason, researchers often examine:

• Skin hydration

• Hyaluronic acid-related markers

• Transepidermal water loss

• Skin barrier integrity

These measurements can provide information about different aspects of skin condition and function.

Oxidative Stress

Ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollutants can increase the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

These molecules participate in normal biological processes, but excessive production may overwhelm cellular antioxidant defences.

The resulting oxidative stress can contribute to cellular damage, inflammatory responses, and processes associated with collagen degradation.

Researchers are therefore interested in compounds that may influence oxidative stress-related pathways.

However, an antioxidant result obtained in a chemical assay is not equivalent to a demonstrated anti-aging effect in people.

2. Rosa damascena Essential Oil and Skin Photoaging

A 2025 Study of Rose Essential Oil Nanogel and UVB-Induced Skin Damage

One of the more directly relevant investigations into Rosa damascena essential oil and skin photoaging was published in 2025.

Ranjbar and colleagues developed a nanogel containing Rosa damascena essential oil and examined its potential effects on biological mechanisms associated with skin aging.

The essential oil was incorporated into a nanoemulsion-based gel system.

A nanoemulsion is a formulation in which very small droplets are dispersed within another phase. Such systems can influence how ingredients are distributed and delivered within a formulation.

The study investigated three principal areas:

1. Antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay.

2. Inhibition of collagenase and elastase enzymes.

3. Skin changes in a rodent model exposed to UVB radiation.

What Did the Researchers Find?

The rose essential oil nanogel demonstrated the following laboratory results:

The nanogel demonstrated greater anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity than the essential oil alone under the conditions tested.

In the animal model, the researchers also reported a reduction in the formation of deep wrinkles in certain treatment groups exposed to UVB radiation.

Scientific reference:Ranjbar et al., 2025 – Photochemistry and Photobiology

Why Does the Formulation Matter?

An essential detail is that the researchers investigated a specially developed nanogel—not simply pure rose essential oil applied directly to human skin.

The carrier system, droplet size, concentration, and other formulation characteristics may influence the behaviour of the material.

Consequently, the results cannot automatically be attributed to every rose essential oil or rose-containing cosmetic product.

What Do the Percentages Actually Mean?

The reported laboratory values must be interpreted within their respective assays.

For example:

• 60% collagenase inhibition does not mean collagen increased by 60% in human skin.

• 76% antioxidant activity does not mean wrinkles were reduced by 76%.

• 51% elastase inhibition does not establish a corresponding improvement in human skin elasticity.

Each percentage describes a specific experimental measurement.

Clinical improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, and skin condition would require separate studies in human participants.

What Is the Level of Evidence?

This research provides laboratory and animal-model evidence supporting further investigation of a Rosa damascena essential oil nanogel.

It is not a human clinical trial.

Therefore, it does not establish that rose essential oil reduces wrinkles in people.

Rose Academy Insight

An encouraging result from a specialized formulation should be attributed to the exact material and experimental conditions studied.

It should not automatically be extended to pure essential oil, rose hydrosol, or other finished products.

3. The Antioxidant Potential of Isparta Rose Essential Oil

A 2026 Study from the Isparta-Gönen Region

In 2026, Sönmez Gürer, Karadağ, and Altıntaş published a study examining Rosa damascena essential oil obtained from roses cultivated in the Isparta-Gönen region of Türkiye.

The researchers compared the essential oil with an ethanol extract prepared from dried flowers of the same species.

Their investigation included two methods commonly used to assess antioxidant-related activity:

• DPPH radical-scavenging assay

• ABTS radical-scavenging assay

What Did the Researchers Measure?

The study reported the following half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values:

What is IC₅₀?

IC₅₀ refers to the concentration required to produce 50% inhibition of a measured response under specified experimental conditions.

In these assays, a lower IC₅₀ generally indicates that a lower concentration was required to achieve the defined radical-scavenging response.

The essential oil demonstrated lower IC₅₀ values than the ethanol extract in both tests.

Scientific reference:Sönmez Gürer, Karadağ & Altıntaş, 2026 – Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University

What Does This Study Tell Us?

The findings indicate that the particular Isparta-Gönen rose essential oil sample demonstrated measurable antioxidant-related activity under the laboratory conditions used.

They also show that different preparations derived from the same botanical species may perform differently in chemical assays.

However, the study did not investigate the effects of these preparations on human skin.

It did not measure wrinkle depth, skin elasticity, collagen synthesis in human skin, or clinical signs of aging.

Therefore, the findings support the antioxidant research potential of the tested material but do not establish clinical anti-aging effectiveness.

Why Is This Distinction Important?

The DPPH and ABTS assays measure specific chemical reactions.

They do not reproduce the full complexity of human skin, including the skin barrier, metabolism, formulation behaviour, and long-term exposure conditions.

The study provides valuable analytical evidence, but its conclusions must remain within the scope of the experimental methods.

4. Rose Petal Extracts and UVB-Induced Photoaging

A 2024 Study Investigating Anthocyanin-Rich Rose Petal Extract

In 2024, Sim and colleagues published research examining the effects of an anthocyanin-rich rose petal extract on biological processes associated with UVB-induced skin aging.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments belonging to the flavonoid family.

They contribute to red, purple, and blue pigmentation in many flowers and fruits and are of interest because of their biological and antioxidant-related properties.

The researchers investigated the potential of orally administered rose petal extract in laboratory and animal models.

The botanical preparation in this study should not automatically be identified as Rosa damascena without confirming its species and characterization from the full experimental methods.

What Was Investigated in Human Skin Cells?

In cultured human dermal fibroblasts, researchers examined markers associated with several skin-aging processes.

These included:

• COL1A1: Related to the production of type I collagen.

• MMP-1: An enzyme associated with collagen degradation.

• HAS2: Involved in hyaluronic acid synthesis.

The researchers also evaluated the extract's activity against collagenase and hyaluronidase.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.

What Happened in the Animal Study?

In the animal phase, hairless mice exposed to UVB radiation received rose petal extract orally for 12 weeks.

The researchers reported that the intervention was associated with:

• Reduced wrinkle formation

• Less transepidermal water loss

• Reduced loss of skin moisture

• Better preservation of collagen structure

• Reduced loss of hyaluronic acid

The researchers also examined protocatechuic acid, a metabolite associated with anthocyanin metabolism.

Their findings suggested that metabolites formed after oral administration may contribute to the biological effects observed in the experimental model.

Scientific reference:Sim et al., 2024 – Molecular Nutrition & Food Research

Why Must These Results Be Interpreted Carefully?

This study did not investigate rose essential oil or rose hydrosol.

The experimental intervention involved an anthocyanin-rich rose petal extract administered orally.

Furthermore, the principal skin photoaging findings were obtained from cell and animal studies.

The results therefore cannot be directly applied to a rose water facial spray or a conventional rose essential oil product.

An Important Scientific Distinction

A botanical extract taken orally and a rose distillate applied to the skin produce different forms of exposure.

Their biological effects must be investigated separately.

5. What Have Studies of Other Rose Species Revealed?

The genus Rosa contains numerous species with different botanical and chemical characteristics.

Research involving one species can provide useful scientific context, but findings should not automatically be attributed to another.

Two particularly interesting examples involve Rosa multiflora and Rosa canina.

5.1. Rosa multiflora Flower Extract and Photoaging

A study published in 2020 examined extracts prepared from the flowers of Rosa multiflora.

The researchers investigated their effects in skin cell models and hairless mice exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

In cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, the extracts influenced several UV-related biological markers.

These included:

• Reactive oxygen species

• Pro-inflammatory cytokines

• Matrix metalloproteinases

• Collagen-related responses

The animal experiments also reported changes in selected indicators associated with UV-induced skin damage.

The researchers identified several phenolic compounds in the extracts, including quercitrin, a quercetin-related flavonoid.

Quercitrin was investigated as a possible contributor to the observed cellular responses.

Scientific reference:Kwak et al., 2020 – Journal of Medicinal Food

What Is the Scientific Significance?

These findings support further investigation of Rosa multiflora flower extracts in photoaging-related research.

However, Rosa multiflora is not Rosa damascena.

The research also involved flower extracts rather than distilled rose essential oil or rose water.

The results should therefore remain associated with the botanical species and preparations studied.

5.2. Rosa canina Rosehip Powder: A Small Human Study

One of the more interesting human investigations involving a rose-derived preparation was published in 2015.

The study examined a standardized rosehip powder made from the seeds and shells of Rosa canina.

Unlike the previous cell and animal investigations, this research involved human participants.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The randomized, double-blind study included 34 healthy participants between 35 and 65 years of age.

The investigation compared a standardized rosehip powder with astaxanthin.

Over eight weeks, participants received the assigned preparation.

The rosehip group consumed 3 grams of standardized rosehip powder daily.

Researchers assessed:

• Crow's-feet wrinkles

• Skin moisture

• Skin elasticity

• Participant satisfaction

What Were the Results?

After eight weeks, the rosehip group demonstrated statistically significant improvements from baseline in:

• Crow's-feet wrinkle measurements

• Skin moisture

• Skin elasticity

The astaxanthin comparison group also demonstrated improvements in the measured outcomes.

Scientific reference:Phetcharat et al., 2015 – Clinical Interventions in Aging

What Are the Limitations?

Although this was a human study, the sample size was relatively small and the observation period was limited to eight weeks.

Furthermore, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that rosehip was superior to the comparison intervention.

Most importantly, the material studied was Rosa canina rosehip powder taken orally, not Rosa damascena essential oil or rose water.

Therefore, these findings cannot establish anti-aging benefits for Rosa damascena distillates or other rose-based skincare products.

Rose Academy Insight

Human evidence involving one Rosa species may be scientifically valuable, but it cannot automatically establish the effectiveness of a different species or preparation.

6. Emerging Biotechnology: New Rose-Derived Ingredients

Research into rose-derived materials now extends beyond traditional essential oils, extracts, and hydrosols.

Scientists are investigating new materials obtained through biotechnology, including plant-derived polydeoxyribonucleotides and extracellular vesicles.

These materials represent a different category of research.

They should not be confused with conventional rose essential oil, rose water, or rose petal extracts.

6.1. Rose-Derived Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) refers to DNA-derived fragments that are being investigated for various biological and cosmetic applications.

A study published in 2025 examined a rose-derived PDRN preparation in experimental models relevant to environmental skin aging.

The researchers investigated its potential effects in human keratinocytes exposed to environmental stressors, including UVA radiation and benzo[a]pyrene.

Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis.

They play an essential role in maintaining the skin's protective barrier.

What Did the Researchers Examine?

The study evaluated several biological pathways associated with cellular function and aging.

These included:

• Mitochondrial function

• Cellular energy balance

• Protein oxidation

• MMP-1 and IL-1α

• Type I and III collagen

• Autophagy and mitophagy-related markers

Autophagy is a cellular process involved in breaking down and recycling certain cellular components.

Mitophagy refers specifically to the selective removal of damaged or unnecessary mitochondria.

What Were the Findings?

The researchers reported favourable changes in several markers associated with mitochondrial function, oxidative damage, and skin structural integrity.

Complementary investigations involving human skin tissue samples maintained outside the body also examined collagen-related and environmental stress markers.

These results suggest that the rose-derived preparation may be of interest for further research into skin aging mechanisms.

Scientific reference:Cavagnino et al., 2025 – Current Issues in Molecular Biology

Why Is This Not Equivalent to a Clinical Anti-Aging Study?

The research involved cultured cells and human skin tissue studied outside the body.

It was not a controlled clinical trial demonstrating wrinkle reduction in people using a finished cosmetic product.

Additionally, the study involved researchers affiliated with the cosmetics industry.

Industry involvement does not automatically invalidate a study, but funding, affiliations, and potential conflicts of interest should be considered when evaluating scientific evidence.

An Important Distinction

Rose-derived PDRN is a specialized biotechnology ingredient.

It is not equivalent to conventional rose essential oil, rose water, or rose distillate.

6.2. Exosome-Like Vesicles Derived from Rosa damascena Callus Cells

A study published in May 2026 investigated exosome-like vesicles obtained from Rosa damascena callus cell cultures.

A callus culture consists of plant cells grown under controlled laboratory conditions.

Researchers can use these cultures to investigate plant-derived compounds and cellular materials without relying exclusively on conventionally harvested plant tissues.

Extracellular vesicles are small particles released by cells. Certain plant-derived vesicles are being investigated for their ability to carry biological molecules and interact with other cells.

What Did the Researchers Study?

The investigators isolated and characterized exosome-like vesicles from Rosa damascena callus culture medium.

They examined several characteristics, including:

• Particle size and structure

• Uptake by skin-related cells

• Cell compatibility

• Collagen synthesis

• Cell migration

• Melanin-related responses

• Inflammatory signalling

What Did the Results Show?

The vesicles were taken up by human dermal fibroblasts and demonstrated favourable compatibility compared with crude conditioned culture medium.

In the experimental models, the researchers reported increased collagen synthesis.

They also observed a trend toward improved wound closure in a fibroblast model.

Other tests reported changes in melanin production and selected pro-inflammatory cytokines.

These findings suggest potentially interesting biological activities in laboratory models.

Scientific reference:Cho et al., 2026 – International Journal of Molecular Sciences

What Do These Findings Not Demonstrate?

The study did not establish clinical anti-aging effectiveness in humans.

It did not demonstrate that applying rose water or rose essential oil produces the same cellular responses.

The callus-derived vesicles were isolated and characterized through specialized laboratory procedures.

Therefore, their reported activity cannot be attributed to conventional rose preparations.

Why Is This Research Important?

This investigation illustrates how modern biotechnology is expanding the scientific study of Rosa damascena beyond traditional extraction and distillation.

However, the findings remain at an early experimental stage.

Additional research is necessary to establish their relevance, safety, reproducibility, and potential applications in finished skincare products.

7. Comparing the Scientific Evidence

The following table summarizes the principal studies discussed in this article.

It is important to distinguish the material tested from the strength and scope of the evidence.

How Should This Table Be Read?

The findings cannot be ranked simply by identifying which study reported the most impressive percentage or improvement.

Different studies evaluated different materials, biological mechanisms, and research outcomes.

For example, a chemical assay showing strong antioxidant activity does not provide the same type of evidence as a controlled human study measuring wrinkle depth.

Similarly, a cellular increase in collagen-related markers does not necessarily translate into a visible increase in skin firmness.

The strength of a scientific conclusion depends on the research question, the experimental model, and the quality of the evidence—not merely on the size of the reported result.

8. Product-Specific Research on Rose Distillates

Rose essential oil and rose distillate are different preparations.

Rose essential oil represents a concentrated oil fraction rich in volatile aromatic constituents.

Rose distillate, by contrast, is obtained from the aqueous phase of distillation and contains constituents that are soluble or dispersed within that phase.

Its chemical profile depends on the botanical material and the production method.

Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate

Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate is produced using a process in which the separable rose oil fraction is not deliberately removed from the distillate.

This production approach differs from conventional processes in which the essential oil fraction is collected separately.

However, production differences alone do not establish differences in anti-aging effectiveness.

The finished material must be evaluated through its own chemical analyses and product-specific tests.

Product-Specific Laboratory Testing

According to the 2020 product-specific laboratory assessment described in Akita's research materials, Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate was evaluated in an in vitro anti-aging test.

The report's conclusion described an anti-aging-related effect for the tested material.

The scientific interpretation of this finding requires several important distinctions:

• The result concerns the specific Akita preparation tested.

• Pure rose essential oil was not the material evaluated.

• The result cannot be generalized to all rose waters or hydrosols.

• The assessment was product-specific laboratory testing, not a peer-reviewed human clinical trial.

• The complete experimental methods, measured endpoints, and numerical results are necessary to evaluate the mechanisms and strength of the finding.

Why Does Product-Specific Evidence Matter?

Different rose distillates may have different chemical profiles because of their manufacturing processes.

Consequently, laboratory results obtained with one preparation cannot be assumed to apply to another.

This principle is especially important when investigating biological activities associated with cosmetic ingredients.

Akita Research Note

Findings obtained with Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate should be interpreted in relation to its own production method, chemical composition, and testing conditions.

These results do not constitute direct evidence for other rose waters, hydrosols, or rose essential oils.

Likewise, product-specific laboratory findings should not be presented as proof of clinical wrinkle reduction or other anti-aging benefits in humans without appropriate supporting clinical research.

9. Common Misconceptions About Roses and Skin Aging

"All scientific studies involving roses apply to rose essential oil."

Incorrect.

Rose essential oil, rose distillate, rose petal extracts, rosehip preparations, and biotechnology-derived ingredients have different chemical and biological characteristics.

Findings obtained with one material cannot automatically be transferred to another.

"If collagenase activity is inhibited by 60%, collagen increases by 60%."

Incorrect.

Collagenase inhibition measures the extent to which the activity of a collagen-degrading enzyme is reduced under particular experimental conditions.

It does not mean that collagen production or collagen content in human skin increases by the same percentage.

"Antioxidant activity proves that a product reduces wrinkles."

Incorrect.

Antioxidant assays measure specific chemical reactions, such as radical-scavenging capacity.

They do not directly measure wrinkle reduction, firmness, or skin elasticity in people.

"Results from animal studies will be identical in humans."

Incorrect.

Animal models can provide useful information about possible biological mechanisms.

However, differences in skin structure, metabolism, exposure conditions, and experimental dosage may influence how findings translate to human use.

"A product containing rose must have the same benefits as pure rose essential oil."

Incorrect.

The composition and performance of a finished cosmetic product depend on its complete formulation.

The concentration of the rose-derived ingredient, the delivery system, and other components may influence the result.

The relevant scientific evidence must relate to the exact formulation and intended use.

10. Why Are Human Clinical Studies Essential?

Laboratory and animal studies help researchers understand how a botanical ingredient might influence certain biological mechanisms.

However, controlled human studies are needed to determine whether these effects translate into meaningful benefits under realistic conditions of use.

For research investigating skin aging, well-designed clinical studies should consider:

• A sufficient number of participants

• An appropriate placebo or control group

• Randomization and blinding where feasible

• A clearly characterized and standardized product

• Defined application amounts and frequency

• An appropriate duration of use

• Objective measurements of skin-related outcomes

• Safety and irritation assessments

• Predefined statistical analyses

Which Outcomes Should Be Measured?

Depending on the scientific question, researchers may investigate:

Wrinkle depth and appearance

Using appropriate skin imaging or profilometry methods.

Skin elasticity

Using instruments designed to measure mechanical responses of the skin.

Skin hydration

Using validated methods to assess the water-related characteristics of the skin.

Transepidermal water loss

To provide information about skin barrier function.

Skin firmness and texture

Using standardized evaluation methods.

Safety and tolerability

Including the monitoring of irritation, sensitization-related concerns, and other adverse effects.

What Is Still Missing?

The research discussed in this article provides valuable information about several rose-derived preparations.

However, the evidence is not yet sufficient to establish broad clinical anti-aging claims for Rosa damascena essential oil or pure rose distillate.

Appropriately designed and independently replicated human studies remain important for evaluating specific products and their intended cosmetic uses.

Rose Academy Insight

The presence of a potentially beneficial biological mechanism is a starting point for research—not the final demonstration of a visible clinical benefit.

11. What Does the Scientific Evidence Currently Support?

Scientific studies suggest that certain rose-derived preparations may influence biological processes associated with skin aging.

These processes include:

• Oxidative stress

• Collagen-related pathways

• Elastase and collagenase activity

• UV-induced skin damage

• Skin hydration-related mechanisms

• Inflammatory responses

However, the available evidence varies substantially between preparations.

For Rosa damascena essential oil, the 2025 nanogel investigation provides laboratory and animal-model findings related to collagenase, elastase, and UVB-induced photoaging.

The 2026 Isparta-Gönen investigation adds analytical evidence concerning the antioxidant-related activity of a specific rose essential oil sample.

Research involving rose petal extracts has reported additional findings in cell and animal models.

However, these results cannot automatically be attributed to distilled rose essential oil or rose water.

Human findings involving standardized rosehip powder are scientifically interesting but concern Rosa canina, a different botanical species.

Similarly, emerging biotechnology investigations involving rose-derived PDRN and callus-derived vesicles represent separate categories of experimental research.

The Most Scientifically Responsible Conclusion

Certain rose-derived preparations have demonstrated promising activity in laboratory and animal models involving biological processes associated with skin aging. However, their compositions, methods of production, and experimental conditions differ substantially. These findings cannot be generalized to all rose products, and further controlled human research is necessary to establish product-specific clinical benefits.

12. Key Takeaways

Scientific research is expanding our understanding of how rose-derived materials may interact with mechanisms involved in skin aging.

The principal findings can be summarized as follows:

• Skin aging is a multifactorial process involving collagen degradation, elastin changes, moisture loss, UV exposure, and oxidative stress.

• Rosa damascena essential oil nanogel has demonstrated antioxidant activity, collagenase and elastase inhibition, and favourable outcomes in an experimental UVB photoaging model.

• Isparta-Gönen Rosa damascena essential oil demonstrated antioxidant-related activity in DPPH and ABTS laboratory assays.

• Anthocyanin-rich rose petal extract showed favourable photoaging-related findings in human skin cells and UVB-exposed mice.

• Rosa multiflora flower extract demonstrated potentially beneficial responses in experimental skin photoaging models.

• Rosa canina rosehip powder produced improvements in selected skin measurements during a small human trial, but it is a different species and product.

• Rose-derived PDRN and Rosa damascena callus vesicles are emerging biotechnology materials with preliminary laboratory findings.

• Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate should be evaluated separately using product-specific analytical, laboratory, and clinical evidence.

• Controlled human studies are still needed to establish the clinical anti-aging effectiveness of particular Rosa damascena essential oil and rose distillate products.

Conclusion: What Can We Really Say About Roses and Skin Aging?

The scientific literature provides growing evidence that certain rose-derived ingredients have properties worthy of further investigation in skin aging research.

Studies have identified antioxidant-related activity, enzyme inhibition, and favourable biological responses in experimental models involving UV damage, collagen-related pathways, and skin hydration.

However, the results must be interpreted within the limits of the materials and methods used.

A rose essential oil nanogel is not equivalent to pure rose essential oil.

An anthocyanin-rich petal extract is not equivalent to rose hydrosol.

A rosehip supplement obtained from Rosa canina is not interchangeable with Rosa damascena.

Similarly, biotechnology-derived rose ingredients represent distinct research materials.

These differences matter because the scientific value of a finding depends on understanding exactly what was studied.

The Academic Conclusion

Current scientific evidence indicates that certain rose-derived preparations may influence biological mechanisms associated with skin aging. However, much of the available evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies. Independent, controlled human clinical research using well-characterized and standardized products is needed to establish reliable conclusions about effects on wrinkles, collagen, elasticity, hydration, and skin barrier function.

The purpose of scientific research is not simply to identify promising results.

It is to determine how those results were obtained, what they demonstrate, and whether they can be reproduced under relevant conditions.

The Akita Rose Academy Perspective

At Akita Rose Academy, we believe that understanding Rosa damascena requires a clear distinction between botanical knowledge, chemical analysis, experimental research, and demonstrated clinical outcomes.

The rose is a complex botanical material whose characteristics are influenced by growing conditions, harvesting, extraction, and distillation.

Different production methods may create materials with distinct chemical profiles.

These differences deserve scientific investigation, but they should not be used as substitutes for evidence of biological or clinical effectiveness.

Our educational approach separates:

Published independent research: Scientific investigations involving rose species, individual constituents, and specific preparations.

Product-specific testing: Analytical and laboratory evaluations conducted on identified materials under defined conditions.

Exploratory research: Preliminary investigations that may generate new scientific questions and hypotheses.

By maintaining these distinctions, the Rose Academy aims to communicate the science of roses accurately, responsibly, and transparently.

Scientific credibility comes from understanding what the evidence actually supports—not from extending conclusions beyond the products and conditions studied.

Scientific References

1. Ranjbar, N., Osanloo, M., Nasiri-Ghiri, M., et al. (2025). Investigating the protective effect of Rosa damascena nanogel on collagenase and elastase activity and UVB-induced dermal damage: A rodent model approach to skin photoaging. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 101(6), 1443–1453.
   https://doi.org/10.1111/php.14072

2. Sönmez Gürer, E., Karadağ, A. E., & Altıntaş, A. (2026). In vitro evaluation of antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of Rosa damascena Mill. essential oil and ethanol extracts. Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University, 50(2), 389–397.
   https://doi.org/10.33483/jfpau.1691324

3. Sim, W.-J., Lee, E., Lee, G., Lim, W., & Lim, T.-G. (2024). Inhibition of photoaging by anthocyanin metabolites derived from rose petal extract. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 68(5), e2300611.
   https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300611

4. Kwak, C. S., Yang, J., Shin, C.-Y., & Chung, J. H. (2020). Rosa multiflora Thunb flower extract attenuates ultraviolet-induced photoaging in skin cells and hairless mice. Journal of Medicinal Food, 23(9), 988–997.
   https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2019.4610

5. Phetcharat, L., Wongsuphasawat, K., & Winther, K. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 1849–1856.
   https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092

6. Cavagnino, A., Azadiguian, G., Breton, L., Baraibar, M., & Black, A. F. (2025). Modulating skin aging molecular targets and longevity drivers through a novel natural product: Rose-derived polydeoxyribonucleotide (Rose PDRN). Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(12), 971.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47120971

7. Cho, B. S., Lee, H. J., Son, B., et al. (2026). Characterization of Rosa damascena callus-derived exosome-like vesicles and their multifunctional activities in skin-related cellular models. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(11), 4938.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114938

Akita product-specific research: In vitro anti-aging assessment of Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate (2020), referenced in Akita research materials. This laboratory report is distinct from the peer-reviewed publications listed above. Its complete methodology and numerical results should be consulted before making specific mechanistic or performance claims.

Akita Rose Academy — Exploring Rosa damascena through botanical knowledge, scientific research, and responsible interpretation of evidence.