Rosewood - The Cell Regenerator

Rosewood (INCI: Aniba Rosaeodora) is also commonly known as Bois de Rose. It is one of the first essential oils I ever experienced. I was immediately taken by it's rich aroma – soft, floral top notes and woody undertones – what an exquisite combination! The scent has enough depth to stand alone, yet mixes beautifully with citrus oils (such as orange or mandarin) and florals (such as geranium or rose) adding a rounded fullness to any mix.

If you're wondering why there is a picture of a box up there, it's as close as I could get to finding a picture of rosewood.

This wonderful essential oil is made by steam-distilling wood chippings of the endangered (yes, you read correctly) rosewood tree.

The Politics (and Profit) of Precious Plants

There are many woods that carry the rosewood name, but only the trees native to Peru and Brazil are the species (a member of the lauraceae – or laurel – family) that is used to produce the essential oil coveted around the world.

And if we aren't extremely careful, the world is going to loose this unique product forever, because this tree is indeed on the official list of Brazil's endangered flora.

No, I'm not trading with black-market suppliers or doing underhanded deals to get hold of the essential oil I am using.

The rosewood oil I buy is sourced from fairly traded, 100% organic wood from a community project in Brazil that is trying to turn the situation around.

My conscientious European supplier informs me that his Brazilian supplier 'has a commitment to curb deforestation and guarantee the biological balance'. If this sounds like marketing fluff, I can only say I have dealt with this supplier for many years and trust their commitment, integrity and honesty.

Let's Talk Skin Care

Now that we've established just how precious this oil is, let's look at what it can do. Rosewood essential oil is ideal for skin care, stimulating new cell growth in the deeper layers of the skin, fighting wrinkles and helping smooth lines. It is particularly suited to mature skin, and because it also helps balance sebum production, rosewood is – incredibly – equally suited to dry and oily skin.

I have worked with this oil in several products and it always brings a wonderful 'anchoring' effect on a mix that will remain constant throughout the life of the product. Besides having a gorgeous scent, it is an active ingredient – what's not to love?

Additional Properties of Rosewood

- Mild
- Calming
- Uplifting
- Fortifying
- Non toxic
- Non irritant
- Non sensitizing

UPDATE 

I have since writing this post decided to stop using this precious oil due to the reasons described above.