The Scientific Potential of Rose Distillate with Its Naturally Occurring Rose Oil Components Retained in Oral Care

From laboratory research and clinical studies to traditional use: What does science currently tell us about the potential role of Rosa damascena products in oral care, and which questions should future Akita research explore?

Rose water has been valued for centuries not only for its distinctive aroma and use in skincare, but also for its place in traditional oral and throat care practices. Historical sources describe the use of roses and rose-derived preparations in oral hygiene and gum care.

Today, laboratory and clinical research is bringing renewed attention to the oral-care potential of certain rose-derived ingredients, particularly products in which naturally occurring aromatic compounds have been retained.

A study reportedly conducted at the Rose and Rose Products Research and Application Centre at Süleyman Demirel University is one of the initiatives that has drawn attention to this area in Türkiye. However, when the available scientific evidence is considered as a whole, the findings do not provide a single definitive conclusion. Instead, they reveal a promising field that requires careful and product-specific research.

Why Is Morning Breath Often More Noticeable?

Saliva production naturally decreases during sleep. Saliva helps cleanse the surfaces of the mouth and remove some of the substances produced by oral microorganisms.

As salivary flow slows overnight, volatile sulphur compounds produced by microorganisms on the tongue, between the teeth and around the gumline may become more noticeable.

Morning breath is therefore not related only to toothbrushing. Several other factors may contribute, including:

• Coating and microbial accumulation on the tongue

• Gum disease

• Dry mouth

• Inadequate water intake

• Mouth breathing

• Certain medications

• Smoking

• Acid reflux

• Untreated tooth decay

Mouth rinses may provide a temporary sensation of freshness. However, persistent or pronounced bad breath should be evaluated by a dental professional to identify its underlying cause.

An Observation from Akita’s Personal Use Experience

Ayşe Kılıç, co-founder of Akita, has incorporated Akita Rose Distillate with its naturally occurring rose oil components retained into her personal oral-care routine. She describes her experience as follows:

“After brushing my teeth, I spray the rose distillate onto my teeth and inside my mouth. I also gargle with Akita mouthwash. With regular use, I have noticed that my mouth feels fresher when I wake up in the morning.”

This observation is valuable as a personal account of the sensory experience and feeling of freshness associated with the routine. However, an individual experience is not, by itself, evidence of clinical effectiveness.

To turn this observation into a scientifically supported conclusion, the product would need to be studied directly using controlled research methods.

A future study could evaluate:

• Instrumental measurement of volatile sulphur compounds in morning breath

• Microbial levels on the tongue

• Dental plaque and gum-health indicators

• Participants’ perceptions of dry mouth, comfort and freshness

• Comparisons among Akita Rose Distillate, a control product and a conventional mouth rinse

This type of research could help determine whether the feeling of freshness is primarily sensory or whether it may also be associated with measurable changes in the oral environment.

What Did the Süleyman Demirel University Research Reported by NTV Find?

According to a report published by NTV, Professor Fatih Ali Canlı, then director of the university’s Rose and Rose Products Research and Application Centre, stated that researchers from Süleyman Demirel University and its Faculty of Medicine had investigated the effects of rose water containing natural rose oil components on oral bacteria.

According to the information presented in the report:

• Laboratory testing was conducted on six types of oral bacteria.

• Rose water with its naturally occurring oil components retained reportedly inhibited the growth of four of the six bacteria.

• Some of the tested microorganisms were described as being associated with dental plaque formation.

• Following the research, a rose-water mouth-rinse formulation was developed and a patent process was initiated.

• Researchers associated the observed activity with natural rose oil components remaining in the rose water.

This research is particularly relevant to Akita because Akita Rose Distillate is also produced without subsequently separating the naturally occurring aromatic oil phase from the distillate.

However, the rose water examined in the reported university study cannot automatically be considered scientifically equivalent to Akita Rose Distillate.

The NTV article also did not provide several details required for a complete scientific assessment, including:

• The scientific names of the six bacterial species

• Which four bacteria were affected

• The chemical composition of the tested rose water

• The concentration used

• The control groups

• The number of experimental repetitions

• Statistical analyses

• Minimum inhibitory or bactericidal concentrations

• Whether the complete research was published in a peer-reviewed journal

The reported findings should therefore be regarded as an important university research initiative and a meaningful signal for further research, rather than as independent proof of clinical effectiveness.

Read the NTV report

Does Rose Water Kill Oral Bacteria?

Current scientific research does not provide one universal answer to this question. One of the main reasons is that the products described as “rose water” in different studies are not necessarily chemically or functionally identical.

The biological properties of rose water may be influenced by:

• The rose species and growing region

• Whether fresh or stored flowers were used

• The flower-to-water ratio

• Distillation temperature, pressure and duration

• Single or double distillation

• Whether the rose oil phase was removed

• The concentration of volatile and water-soluble compounds

• The product’s pH

• Storage conditions

• The bacterial species being tested

• The laboratory method used

For this reason, findings obtained with one rose-water sample cannot automatically be applied to every other rose water or distillate.

An Important Study on Oral Bacteria

In a 2017 laboratory study, Aliasghari, Khorasgani and Khoroushi examined rose water against four types of oral bacteria:

• Streptococcus mutans

• Streptococcus sobrinus

• Streptococcus sanguinis

• Streptococcus salivarius

Some of these bacteria are associated with adhesion to tooth surfaces, biofilm formation and the development of dental caries.

In the agar-based test, rose water did not create a clear inhibition zone around the bacteria. Under the conditions examined, it also did not demonstrate a bactericidal effect, meaning it was not shown to kill the bacteria.

However, the rose water reduced the bacteria’s ability to adhere to surfaces. At the highest concentration evaluated by the researchers, the reported reductions in adhesion were approximately:

• 53% for S. mutans

• 61% for S. sobrinus

• 66% for S. sanguinis

• 75% for S. salivarius

This distinction is important:

Killing bacteria is not the same as reducing their ability to adhere to a surface or participate in biofilm formation.

Although the rose water did not demonstrate strong antibacterial activity under the conditions studied, its effect on bacterial adhesion suggests that rose-derived products may warrant further investigation in relation to the early stages of plaque formation.

These laboratory findings must still be confirmed in well-designed human studies.

Read the full study

Why Is the 2025 Study Important?

A study published in 2025 examined three rose-water samples produced through single distillation. The samples were tested against:

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Staphylococcus epidermidis

• Bacillus cereus

The researchers used disk-diffusion and microdilution methods. The tested rose-water samples did not demonstrate measurable antibacterial activity against these three bacterial species under the study conditions.

The researchers also reported that no bacterial contamination was detected in the rose-water samples themselves.

Differences among study results may be related to:

• Distillation methods

• Concentrations of volatile compounds

• Product concentration

• Chemical composition

• The microorganisms selected for testing

• The laboratory methods used

These results do not mean that rose water has no biological potential. They show only that the three samples tested did not demonstrate antibacterial activity against the specified bacteria under the conditions of that particular study.

A scientifically responsible assessment should consider both positive and negative findings.

Read the full study

Recent Research on Rosa damascena Extracts

A comprehensive laboratory study published in Microorganisms in 2024 investigated different Rosa damascena extracts against microorganisms associated with dental caries and oral health. Some extracts demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity.

It is important to recognize, however, that the materials used in this study were not traditional rose water or Akita Rose Distillate.

Results obtained with concentrated botanical extracts do not prove that a diluted hydrosol or distillate will produce the same effects. The study does, however, support the conclusion that Rosa damascena contains biologically active compounds worthy of continued oral-care research.

Read the peer-reviewed study

A Clinical Study on Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted by Hoseinpour and colleagues, a mouth rinse containing Rosa damascena extract was evaluated for recurrent aphthous stomatitis, commonly known as canker sores.

No significant differences were observed between the treatment and placebo groups at baseline. On days four and seven, however, researchers reported significant differences favouring the test product in measures related to pain, ulcer size and healing.

This study demonstrates that an oral-rinse formulation containing Rosa damascena extract has been clinically investigated for oral mucosal care.

The research product was not pure rose water. It was a specific formulation containing rose extract. Its findings therefore cannot be directly transferred to Akita Rose Distillate or to rose water in general.

View the clinical study record

Research on Rose-Water Mouth Care in Intensive Care Patients

A randomized controlled trial published in 2023 examined the possible role of a rose-water mouth-care intervention in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The study was conducted in a specialized hospital environment with intensive-care patients receiving mechanical ventilation. These conditions do not represent everyday oral care at home.

Nevertheless, the study is relevant because it demonstrates that rose water is being investigated as part of clinical oral-hygiene protocols.

Read the full study

Rose Oil, Rose Water and Rose Distillate Are Not the Same

Rose oil, rose distillate, conventional rose water, rose extract and a formulated rose mouth rinse are different materials.

It would not be scientifically accurate to assume that every rose water provides the same activity reported for concentrated rose essential oil. The amount and distribution of rose-derived compounds in a water-based distillate are substantially different.

Akita’s distinctive production approach creates an important research opportunity. To establish whether this production difference has biological relevance, Akita Rose Distillate should be compared directly with conventional rose waters from which the oil phase has been separated, using the same experimental conditions.

What Could Explain the Feeling of Fresher Morning Breath?

Several possible explanations for the freshness observed in Akita’s personal-use experience could be investigated.

1. Sensory freshness

The characteristic aromatic compounds in rose distillate may leave a fresh and clean sensation in the mouth.

2. A temporary feeling of moisture

A water-based spray may provide a temporary feeling of moisture and comfort, particularly when used before sleep. Whether this sensation continues throughout the night would need to be measured.

3. A possible effect on bacterial adhesion

The 2017 laboratory study suggests that a rose-water sample may reduce the surface adhesion of certain oral streptococci. This finding has not been confirmed specifically for Akita Rose Distillate.

4. The complete oral-care routine

The personal experience described includes toothbrushing, the use of Akita Rose Distillate and gargling with an Akita mouth rinse.

The observed freshness cannot therefore be attributed to the rose distillate alone. Other ingredients in the mouth rinse, the duration of rinsing, tongue cleaning and toothbrushing may all influence the result.

The personal observation provides a meaningful starting point, but controlled research would be required to establish cause and effect.

A Proposed Scientific Research Program for Akita

As Akita continues exploring this area, the research could be conducted in carefully structured stages.

1. Chemical characterization

Each test sample should be analyzed for compounds such as:

• Phenethyl alcohol

• Citronellol

• Geraniol

• Linalool

• Benzyl alcohol

• Organic acids

• Other volatile and water-soluble constituents

This would allow researchers to examine possible relationships between chemical composition and biological activity.

2. Oral microorganism panel

An initial laboratory panel could include:

• Streptococcus mutans

• Streptococcus sobrinus

• Streptococcus sanguinis

• Streptococcus salivarius

• Porphyromonas gingivalis

• Fusobacterium nucleatum

• Enterococcus faecalis

• Candida albicans

This panel includes microorganisms associated with dental caries, plaque, periodontal conditions, root-canal infections and oral fungal overgrowth.

3. Growth-inhibition and microbial-killing tests

Minimum inhibitory concentration, or MIC, testing identifies the lowest concentration that prevents visible microbial growth.

Minimum bactericidal concentration, or MBC, and minimum fungicidal concentration, or MFC, testing determine the lowest concentration capable of killing the bacterium or fungus under controlled laboratory conditions.

4. Biofilm and adhesion testing

Even if a rose distillate does not directly kill microorganisms, it may influence their ability to attach to dental surfaces or form biofilms.

Research should therefore extend beyond conventional antibacterial screening and include adhesion and biofilm models.

5. Comparative study design

The same experiment could compare:

• Akita Rose Distillate with its naturally occurring rose oil components retained

• Conventional rose water from which the oil phase has been separated

• Sterile water

• The complete Akita mouth-rinse formulation

• A conventional antimicrobial mouth rinse as a positive control

6. Oral-tissue compatibility

If daily oral use is being considered, studies should evaluate:

• Cytotoxicity in oral mucosal cells

• Irritation potential

• Product pH

• Possible effects on dental enamel

• Taste and user acceptability

• Risks associated with accidental swallowing

7. A pilot human study

Following appropriate safety evaluations, a small randomized controlled study could measure:

• Volatile sulphur compounds in morning breath

• Plaque index

• Gingival bleeding index

• Microbial levels on the tongue

• Sensations of dry mouth

• Participants’ perceptions of freshness and oral comfort

• Changes in the oral microbiome

The Akita Rose Academy Scientific Perspective

Based on the evidence currently available, the following conclusion can be reached:

Laboratory studies, limited human research and other scientific investigations suggest that products derived from Rosa damascena may have potential applications in oral-care research. Some studies have reported antibacterial, anti-adhesion or biofilm-related findings, while other rose-water samples have not demonstrated antibacterial activity against the microorganisms tested. These differing results suggest that a product’s composition, concentration and production method may be critical.

The Süleyman Demirel University research reported by NTV highlights the importance of studying rose water in which naturally occurring rose oil compounds have been retained. This approach is relevant to the production philosophy behind Akita Rose Distillate.

However, controlled studies conducted directly with Akita products would be required before claiming that Akita Rose Distillate inhibits oral bacteria, reduces plaque, prevents bad breath or treats gum disease.

Ayşe Kılıç’s observation of improved morning freshness after regular personal use provides a meaningful hypothesis for future Akita research, rather than clinical proof:

Could a nighttime oral-care routine supported by Akita Rose Distillate influence the perceived freshness of morning breath and overall oral comfort?

This question creates a valuable research opportunity that Akita could explore through chemical analyses, microbiological testing and controlled human studies.

Important Use and Safety Information

Rose distillate and mouth rinses cannot replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste, interdental cleaning or regular dental examinations.

Only products specifically developed and safety-assessed for oral use should be used inside the mouth. A product marketed as a cosmetic facial mist should not be recommended or promoted for oral use unless its formulation, manufacturing standards and safety have also been evaluated for that intended purpose.

The product should not be swallowed. Persistent bad breath, bleeding, pain, recurring mouth ulcers or other gum and dental concerns should be assessed by a dentist or another qualified healthcare professional.

This article is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or dental advice.

References

APA 7th Edition

Agirman Yilmaz, S., Aydogan, O., & Altintas, A. (2025). Investigation of microbiological contamination and antibacterial properties of rose water (Rosa damascena) against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus. Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia, 63(4), 873–881. https://doi.org/10.23893/1307-2080.APS6353

Aliasghari, A., Khorasgani, M. R., & Khoroushi, M. (2017). The effect of vinegar, rose water and ethanolic extract green tea against oral streptococci: An in vitro study. Journal of Probiotics & Health, 5(4), Article 186. https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-8901.1000186

Antoniadou, M., Rozos, G., Vaiou, N., Zaralis, K., Ersanli, C., Alexopoulos, A., Tzora, A., Varzakas, T., & Voidarou, C. (2024). The in vitro assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy in Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum extracts against pathogenic strains in the interplay of dental caries, oral health, and food microbiota. Microorganisms, 12(1), Article 60. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010060

Dobakhti, F., Eskandari, M., Tavakolizadeh, M., Forouzideh, N., Dobakhti, P., Jamshidi, M., & Naghibi, T. (2023). Impact of rose water mouthwash on prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care unit: A randomized controlled trial. Tanaffos, 22(1), 112–119. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10618586/

Hoseinpour, H., Peel, S. A. F., Rakhshandeh, H., Forouzanfar, A., Taheri, M., Rajabi, O., & Samareh Fekri, M. (2011). Evaluation of Rosa damascena mouthwash in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Quintessence International, 42(6), 483–491. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21519586/

Mahabob, N., & Mohan, J. (2019). Preparation of mouthwash and gel from Rosa damascena Mill and evaluating its effectiveness—An in vivo analysis. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 11(Suppl. 2), S198–S202. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6555359/

NTV. (n.d.). Gül suyu diş hastalıklarında kullanılacak [Rose water to be used in dental care research]. https://www.ntv.com.tr/saglik/gul-suyu-dis-hastaliklarinda-kullanilacak,zCwBN_XXVEm5Ko9QRDBDAA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rose distillate with its naturally occurring oil components retained be used in oral care?

Some laboratory and clinical research points to the potential of rose-derived ingredients in oral-care applications. However, every product has a different composition and intended use. Only products specifically formulated and safety-assessed for oral use should be used inside the mouth.

Does rose water kill bacteria in the mouth?

There is no definitive answer that applies to every rose-water product. Some studies suggest that certain Rosa damascena preparations may influence microbial growth, adhesion or biofilm formation, while other rose-water samples have shown no measurable antibacterial activity.

Results may vary according to production method, chemical composition, concentration, microorganism and testing method.

Is rose distillate with its natural oil components retained the same as conventional rose water?

Not necessarily. In conventional rose essential-oil production, the separated oil phase may be removed from the water-based distillate.

In Akita’s rose distillate production approach, the naturally occurring aromatic phase is not subsequently separated from the distillate. Controlled comparative research is required to determine whether this difference creates measurable oral-care benefits.

Does Akita Rose Distillate prevent bad breath?

There is currently no direct clinical study demonstrating that Akita Rose Distillate prevents bad breath.

The feeling of freshness reported after personal use is a valuable observation, but controlled research measuring volatile sulphur compounds and oral microorganisms would be required to confirm an objective effect.

Why might rose distillate leave the mouth feeling fresh?

The naturally occurring aromatic compounds in rose distillate may create a clean and refreshing sensory experience. Its water-based composition may also provide a temporary feeling of moisture and comfort.

Product-specific studies are required to determine whether the experience is entirely sensory or whether measurable effects on microbial adhesion or biofilm may also be involved.

Can rose water reduce dental plaque?

A 2017 laboratory study reported that a rose-water sample reduced the surface adhesion of certain oral streptococci.

This laboratory result does not demonstrate that rose water reduces dental plaque in people. Human clinical studies measuring plaque indices would be required.

Can rose water treat gum disease?

The available evidence is not sufficient to support this treatment claim.

Some formulations containing Rosa damascena have been studied for oral and gum-related applications, but these formulations are not necessarily equivalent to pure rose water or Akita Rose Distillate.

Bleeding, swelling, pain or other gum concerns should be evaluated by a dental professional.

Can rose water help with canker sores?

A limited number of human studies have examined mouth-rinse and gel formulations containing Rosa damascena for recurrent aphthous ulcers. Some studies reported improvements in pain, ulcer size and healing-related measurements.

However, the research formulations were not composed solely of pure rose water. The same findings therefore cannot be assumed for every rose-water product.

What did the Süleyman Demirel University research reported by NTV show?

According to NTV, rose water containing natural rose oil components inhibited the growth of four of six tested oral bacteria.

The article did not provide the names of the bacteria or sufficient information about the experimental methods, concentrations and full results. The report is therefore an important research signal, but not independent proof of clinical effectiveness.

Are rose oil, rose extract and rose distillate the same?

No. Rose essential oil is a highly concentrated volatile oil. Rose extract is a concentrated material prepared using water, alcohol or another solvent. Rose distillate is the water-based product obtained during distillation.

Because these materials differ considerably in composition and concentration, results obtained with one cannot automatically be applied to another.

Is it appropriate to spray a rose water marketed for facial use inside the mouth?

Even when a product is natural or contains only one ingredient, its intended use and safety assessment remain important.

A product marketed as a cosmetic facial mist should not be recommended for oral use unless its formulation, manufacturing controls and safety have also been evaluated for oral application.

Can rose distillate replace toothbrushing and flossing?

No. Rose distillate and mouth rinses cannot replace brushing, interdental cleaning or regular dental examinations.

If its suitability is established through appropriate testing, a rose-distillate product developed specifically for oral use may be considered a complementary step within a complete oral-care routine.

What research could Akita conduct in this area?

Potential research priorities include:

• Detailed chemical characterization

• Testing against oral microorganisms

• MIC and MBC measurements

• Bacterial adhesion and biofilm studies

• Oral-tissue compatibility assessments

• Controlled user studies

• Direct comparison with conventional rose water and appropriate control products

What should I do if bad breath continues in the morning?

Persistent bad breath can be associated with tongue coating, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, mouth breathing, smoking, certain medications or acid reflux.

If bad breath continues despite regular oral hygiene, it should be evaluated by a dental professional.