What Does the INCI Name “Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate” Mean?

When consumers read a cosmetic label, they often encounter botanical names that seem scientific or difficult to interpret.

One of these is:

Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate

This is the INCI name used to identify Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate as a cosmetic ingredient.

But what exactly does this name tell us?

Does “distillate” mean the same thing as rose water? Does it indicate that rose essential oil is present? Does an INCI name certify a product’s quality, purity or safety?

To answer these questions correctly, we must first understand the purpose, and the limitations, of the INCI system.

What Is an INCI Name?

INCI stands for International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient.

INCI names are internationally recognized, systematic names used to identify cosmetic ingredients. They provide a standardized language that allows the same ingredient to be recognized across different brands, countries and languages.

The INCI system is developed by the International Nomenclature Committee and published by the Personal Care Products Council in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook.

According to the Personal Care Products Council, the purpose of the INCI system is to support consistent, transparent and internationally harmonized ingredient identification. Personal Care Products Council — INCI

In Canada, cosmetic ingredient lists must use the INCI system. This allows consumers, cosmetic professionals and regulators to identify ingredients using standardized terminology rather than relying only on commercial or marketing names. Health Canada — Labelling of Cosmetics

An INCI name is therefore not a product slogan. It is the formal name used to declare an ingredient on a cosmetic label.

Reading the Name Word by Word

The name Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate contains four important parts:

Together, these words identify a material obtained through the distillation of Rosa damascena flowers.

Rosa

Rosa is the botanical genus that includes roses.

Using the botanical genus rather than simply writing “rose” reduces confusion because many different rose species exist.

Damascena

Damascena identifies the particular species: Rosa damascena.

This distinction matters because products described commercially as “rose water” may be produced from different rose species, or may not be directly distilled from roses at all.

Flower

“Flower” identifies the plant part used to produce the ingredient.

It tells us that the botanical source is the flower rather than the leaf, stem, seed, root or fruit.

Distillate

“Distillate” indicates that the ingredient is obtained through a distillation process.

During distillation, heat and water or steam help carry certain volatile compounds from the flowers. The vapour is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form. The collected liquid is the distillate.

Therefore, the most direct explanation of the full name is:

Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate is a cosmetic ingredient obtained by distilling the flowers of Rosa damascena and collecting the resulting condensed botanical distillate.

Why Is “Distillate” an Important Word?

The word distillate describes how the material is produced more precisely than a broad commercial expression such as “rose water.”

“Rose water” can be used in the marketplace for different types of products, including:

• A directly collected rose distillate
• The aromatic water remaining after rose oil separation
• A diluted botanical distillate
• Water formulated with rose essential oil
• Water containing rose fragrance or perfume
• A cosmetic toner containing rose-derived ingredients

These products do not necessarily have the same production method or chemical composition.

The term flower distillate directs attention to the manufacturing process: the material was collected as a product of flower distillation.

However, the word “distillate” should still be interpreted carefully. It does not, by itself, provide every detail about the distillation parameters or subsequent processing.

How Is a Flower Distillate Produced?

In botanical distillation, fresh or prepared plant material is placed in a distillation system with water, steam or a combination of both.

As the system is heated:

1. Water produces vapour.
2. Certain volatile botanical compounds travel with the vapour.
3. The vapour enters a condenser.
4. Cooling converts it back into liquid.
5. The resulting aromatic liquid is collected as a distillate.

Not everything in the flower reaches the final distillate.

Many non-volatile substances remain in the distillation vessel and spent flowers. The distillate contains primarily the substances capable of travelling through the particular distillation system under the selected conditions.

The final composition may be influenced by:

• Rose species and botanical quality
• Geographical origin
• Harvest time
• Time between harvesting and distillation
• Flower-to-water ratio
• Distillation duration
• Pressure and temperature
• Condensation conditions
• Fraction selection
• Oil separation
• Redistillation or cohobation
• Storage and packaging

This means that two ingredients bearing botanical names that appear similar may still have different sensory and analytical characteristics.

What Is the Difference Between “Flower Water” and “Flower Distillate”?

In general conversation, flower water, hydrosol, aromatic water and flower distillate are often used as though they mean exactly the same thing.

In practice, their use varies among suppliers, markets, scientific publications and regulatory systems.

“Flower water” emphasizes the aqueous character of the material. “Flower distillate” emphasizes that the material was obtained as the condensed product of distillation.

The difference should not be interpreted only as:

Flower water is ordinary water, while flower distillate contains everything from the flower.

That would be scientifically incorrect.

A genuine flower water obtained during rose distillation can contain valuable water-compatible aromatic compounds. A flower distillate does not contain every compound originally present in the fresh flower because non-volatile materials do not readily travel with steam.

The more useful questions are:

• Was the material directly distilled?
• Which botanical species and plant part were used?
• Was the free essential-oil phase separated?
• Was the aromatic water redistilled?
• Were water, fragrance, preservatives or isolated ingredients added afterward?
• Was the distillate itself the intended main product?
• What do the supplier’s technical documents and laboratory analyses show?

Why Did Akita Use “Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate”?

Akita’s submitted INCI documentation describes a botanical distillate produced from fresh Rosa damascena flower petals through a single, long-duration distillation process.

According to the technical information provided in the application:

• Fresh Rosa damascena flower petals are distilled with water.
• The process is conducted as one extended distillation.
• The naturally occurring essential-oil fraction is not separated from the collected distillate.
• No decantation or centrifugation is used to collect the oil separately.
• The aromatic water is not redistilled.
• No ethanol, solvent, preservative or additive is added.
• The distillate is stored and used as obtained.

The requested name Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate was intended to represent the identity and production method of this directly distilled botanical material more accurately than the company’s earlier commercial use of Rosa Damascena Flower Water.

The distinction is centred on the process:

Akita produces the rose distillate itself as the main product of distillation and does not collect the naturally occurring rose oil as a separate commercial fraction.

What Does “Non-De-Oiled” Mean?

“Non-de-oiled” is Akita’s explanatory term for a distillate from which the naturally occurring separable rose-oil fraction has not been collected as a separate product.

In conventional rose-oil production, the primary objective is generally to recover rose essential oil. After condensation, the free oil phase may be separated from the aromatic aqueous phase.

Akita’s objective is different.

The process is designed around producing the final rose distillate. The naturally occurring oil-associated volatile fraction transported into the collected distillate is not intentionally removed as a separate product.

This does not mean that the finished distillate is a bottle of rose essential oil mixed into water. It also does not mean that a visible layer of oil must appear on the surface.

Botanical distillates are complex aqueous systems. Their volatile constituents may be:

• Dissolved in the aqueous phase
• Present in very small quantities
• Finely dispersed
• Distributed between water-associated and oil-associated fractions
• Influenced by the natural composition of the flower and the distillation conditions

“Non-de-oiled” therefore describes a production decision—not the addition of rose oil after distillation.

Does the INCI Name Itself Prove That the Rose Oil Was Not Separated?

Not necessarily.

This is an important limitation.

An INCI name identifies an ingredient using standardized nomenclature, but it may not communicate every manufacturing parameter, concentration, purity grade or physical characteristic.

The Personal Care Products Council explains that different materials may sometimes share an INCI name while possessing different attributes or physical characteristics. Products bearing the same INCI name should not automatically be assumed to be interchangeable. INCI FAQs

Therefore:

The words “Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate” identify the botanical source, plant part and preparation type, but the name alone does not provide a complete technical description of every supplier’s distillation process.

Akita’s non-de-oiled character is supported by its complete production documentation and analytical profile—not merely by reading the INCI name in isolation.

When evaluating a botanical distillate, the INCI name should be considered together with:

• Manufacturing specifications
• Technical Data Sheet
• Certificate of Analysis
• GC–MS characterization
• Microbiological results
• Stability data
• Supplier traceability
• Complete finished-product ingredient list

Does the Name Mean the Product Contains Pure Rose Essential Oil?

No.

Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate and rose essential oil are not interchangeable terms.

Rose essential oil is the concentrated, predominantly oil-associated fraction obtained during distillation. A rose flower distillate is the condensed aqueous botanical phase containing water and volatile rose-derived constituents carried through the process.

Akita’s production method does not separate the naturally occurring oil fraction from the distillate, but this does not transform the complete product into essential oil.

The product remains an aqueous distillate.

The correct distinction is:

• Rosa damascena flower oil: concentrated essential-oil material
• Rosa damascena flower distillate: condensed botanical distillate
• Non-de-oiled rose distillate: a distillate produced without separately collecting its naturally occurring oil fraction

Does “Flower Distillate” Mean That Every Substance in the Rose Is Present?

No.

Distillation is selective.

Only compounds capable of travelling through the distillation system under the operating conditions can reach the collected distillate. Many substances remain behind in the processed petals and vessel water.

The distillate may contain volatile or steam-transportable compounds such as:

• Phenethyl alcohol
• Citronellol
• Geraniol
• Nerol
• Linalool
• Benzyl alcohol
• Other minor aromatic constituents

However, many non-volatile plant materials—including much of the fibre, minerals, pigments and larger botanical molecules—remain in the still or spent flower biomass.

The scientifically accurate statement is:

A Rosa damascena flower distillate contains the portion of the flower’s composition transported and collected through the specific distillation process—not every substance originally present in the fresh flower.

What Do Akita’s Analytical Results Tell Us?

Akita’s submitted technical documentation includes GC–MS analyses used to characterize the volatile profile of the non-de-oiled rose distillate.

The analyses identified compounds including:

• Phenethyl alcohol
• β-Citronellol
• Acetic acid
• Benzyl alcohol
• Linalool

These results help describe the material’s distinctive volatile composition.

However, GC–MS percentages must be interpreted correctly.

When a report lists a compound as a percentage of the detected chromatographic profile, the value often represents its relative peak area within the analysed volatile fraction. It does not necessarily mean that the same percentage of the complete bottled product consists of that pure compound.

For example:

A high relative phenethyl-alcohol peak does not mean that the bottle contains that percentage of pure phenethyl alcohol by total mass.

Determining the actual concentration of an individual compound requires a calibrated quantitative analytical method.

Laboratory analysis is valuable because it can support ingredient identity, consistency and process characterization. It must nevertheless be interpreted according to the analytical method used.

Does an INCI Name Prove That an Ingredient Is Natural?

Not by itself.

An INCI name identifies a cosmetic ingredient; it does not automatically certify that the ingredient is:

• Natural
• Organic
• Sustainably produced
• Free from additives
• Preservative-free
• Food-grade
• Therapeutically effective
• Suitable for every skin type

These qualities require separate evidence and documentation.

In Akita’s case, the natural and additive-free character must be supported by the manufacturing method, formulation records, supplier documentation and relevant analyses—not simply by the existence of the INCI name.

Does an INCI Name Mean That an Ingredient Has Been Approved as Safe?

No.

This is one of the most important points about cosmetic nomenclature.

The Personal Care Products Council states that assigning an INCI name does not mean that the ingredient has been approved for cosmetic use. It also does not, by itself, prove safety or regulatory compliance.

The INCI name establishes a standardized identity. Safety and suitability must be evaluated separately by the manufacturer using appropriate technical, toxicological, microbiological and regulatory information. Personal Care Products Council — INCI

Therefore:

INCI identification, safety evaluation and regulatory compliance are related—but separate—matters.

Why Is Standardized Ingredient Identification Important?

A standardized botanical name helps reduce ambiguity.

A front label may say:

• Rose water
• Pure rose mist
• Rose toner
• Botanical rose essence
• Rose facial spray

These are commercial descriptions. They do not necessarily reveal the product’s actual formula.

The ingredient list provides more useful information.

For example, a product described as “rose water” may list:

• Water and fragrance
• Water and rose oil
• A rose distillate plus preservatives
• Several botanical waters and cosmetic ingredients
• A single directly distilled rose ingredient

These formulas are not equivalent.

Using the INCI name helps consumers and professionals distinguish a botanical ingredient from a commercial product description. It also allows the same ingredient to be recognized across multilingual markets such as Canada.

What Does the Name Tell Consumers—and What Does It Not Tell Them?

The name can tell us:

• The botanical genus is Rosa.
• The species is Rosa damascena.
• The flower is the plant part used.
• The material is identified as a distillate.
• The term is intended for standardized cosmetic ingredient declaration.

The name alone cannot tell us:

• Where the roses were grown
• When they were harvested
• How long the distillation lasted
• The flower-to-water ratio
• Whether every supplier uses identical equipment
• Whether the free oil phase was separated
• Whether the material was redistilled
• Its exact chemical profile
• Its microbial quality
• Its concentration in the finished cosmetic
• Whether the complete product contains other ingredients
• Whether it is safe or suitable for a particular person

The INCI list is therefore a starting point for understanding a product—not the entire story.

A Common Misconception

Misconception

If two products display the same botanical INCI name, they must be chemically identical and interchangeable.

Scientific explanation

An INCI name provides standardized ingredient identification, but materials bearing the same name may still differ in:

• Botanical origin
• Agricultural conditions
• Distillation parameters
• Fraction selection
• Chemical profile
• Sensory character
• Concentration
• Purity
• Microbiological quality
• Supplier specifications

For botanical distillates, production documentation and comparative laboratory analysis are necessary before equivalence can be assumed.

Another Common Misconception

Misconception

“Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate” means rose essential oil has been added to water.

Scientific explanation

A flower distillate is collected through distillation and condensation. It is not defined as a post-production mixture of ordinary water and added essential oil.

Akita’s non-de-oiled distillate is produced without separately collecting the naturally occurring oil fraction. This is different from adding isolated rose essential oil to water after the process.

Did You Know?

INCI names are not brand names or proprietary names.

The purpose of the INCI system is to establish common, internationally recognizable ingredient terminology. A company cannot treat an INCI designation as exclusive ownership of the ingredient name.

What may distinguish suppliers is not ownership of the INCI words, but factors such as:

• The production method
• Process expertise
• Ingredient specifications
• Analytical composition
• Quality-control system
• Traceability
• Supporting safety and performance data

Rose Academy Note

The distinction between traditional rose water and Akita Non-De-Oiled Rose Distillate should not be explained by claiming that traditional rose water is “false,” “empty” or without valuable aromatic compounds.

Traditional rose water can retain water-compatible volatile compounds, particularly phenethyl alcohol, even after a separable oil phase has been collected.

Akita’s distinction is better explained through the complete process:

Traditional rose-oil production is principally organized around recovering rose essential oil, after which an aromatic aqueous phase remains. Akita’s process is organized from the beginning around producing the non-de-oiled rose distillate as the principal finished material, without collecting the natural oil phase as a separate product.

This description recognizes the value of traditional rose water while accurately communicating Akita’s different production objective.

Section Summary

• INCI means International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient.
• INCI names provide standardized identification for cosmetic ingredients.
• Canada requires cosmetic ingredients to be declared using the INCI system.
• Rosa identifies the botanical genus.
• Damascena identifies the species.
• “Flower” identifies the plant part used.
• “Distillate” identifies the material as a product of botanical distillation.
• The name does not mean the ingredient is pure rose essential oil.
• A flower distillate does not contain every substance present in fresh roses.
• “Non-de-oiled” means the naturally occurring oil fraction is not collected as a separate product.
• The INCI name alone does not communicate every production parameter.
• Materials sharing an INCI name should not automatically be assumed to be identical or interchangeable.
• An INCI name does not certify naturalness, quality, safety, efficacy or regulatory approval.
• Akita’s distinction is supported by its production documentation and analytical characterization.
• The complete ingredient list, technical specifications and laboratory evidence should be evaluated together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate mean?

It identifies a cosmetic ingredient produced by distilling Rosa damascena flowers and collecting the condensed botanical distillate.

2. Is Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate the same as rose essential oil?

No. Rose essential oil is a concentrated oil fraction. Rose flower distillate is primarily an aqueous distillation product containing steam-transportable rose compounds.

3. Is Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate the same as rose water?

The terms may overlap in everyday and commercial use, but “flower distillate” places clearer emphasis on the material’s direct distillation origin. The exact process must still be confirmed through supplier documentation.

4. What does non-de-oiled mean?

It means that the naturally occurring rose-oil fraction transported into the collected distillate is not intentionally separated and collected as another commercial product.

5. Is rose essential oil added to Akita’s distillate afterward?

No. “Non-de-oiled” refers to not separating the naturally occurring oil fraction during production; it does not mean isolated rose oil is added to ordinary water afterward.

6. Does the INCI name prove that the oil was not separated?

Not on its own. The non-de-oiled character must be established through the manufacturing description, technical documents and analytical evidence.

7. Does the ingredient contain every compound found in fresh Rosa damascena flowers?

No. Distillation mainly transfers volatile or steam-transportable compounds. Many non-volatile materials remain in the still and spent flowers.

8. Does the name prove that the ingredient is 100% natural?

No. Natural origin and additive status require separate manufacturing and formulation documentation.

9. Does an INCI name certify product safety?

No. An INCI name identifies an ingredient. Safety and regulatory compliance must be assessed separately.

10. Can two Rosa Damascena Flower Distillate ingredients be different?

Yes. Botanical origin, harvest conditions, equipment, distillation duration, oil separation and storage can produce meaningful differences.

11. Why does the plant species appear in Latin?

Botanical Latin provides a standardized international method of identifying the source plant and helps distinguish Rosa damascena from other rose species.

12. What does “flower” tell us?

It indicates that the flowers—not the leaves, roots, seeds or another plant part—are the botanical material used.

13. Can a fragrance-added rose product use the same front-label wording?

Commercial front labels can use broad descriptions. The complete INCI ingredient list should be checked to determine whether the formula contains a directly distilled ingredient, added fragrance, essential oil or other substances.

14. Does a stronger rose scent mean a better flower distillate?

Not necessarily. Fragrance strength may be influenced by botanical composition, added perfume, isolated aroma compounds or essential oil. Scent alone cannot establish authenticity or quality.

15. How should consumers evaluate a rose distillate?

They should consider the botanical species, plant part, geographical source, production method, oil-separation status, complete ingredient list, supplier documentation and available analytical and microbiological evidence.