The Rose Garden

In this crazy and modern world where we are bombarded with complex and eclectic scents you sometimes forget how beautiful the scent of Rose really is. It is the simplicity and purity of the Rose that makes it timeless and through Frenchsoaps we have fallen back in love with this gorgeous fragrance. 

Rose essential oils are also great for delicate skin and have skin softening and regenerating properties. 

Our range of Rose products for body, bath and home make perfect gifts and are ideal to have in your present drawer for unexpected requirements. 

From Marseille Liquid soaps for hand & body, to hand cream, body lotion and dry oil, our range also includes Dead Sea Bath Salts and a number of scents & formulations of soap bar. 
Aleppo Soap fragranced with Isphan Rose. bars enriched with dried rose petals, Rose soap free from colour, and large chunky Shea Butter bars. Call us if we can help finr 'your' rose!

The rose is one of the oldest and most beloved flowers in human history. Its cultivation dates back over 5,000 years, with origins in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and China. It quickly spread across Asia and the Mediterranean, becoming a symbol of love, luxury, and purity. In ancient Greece and Rome, roses were associated with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love, and were used in both perfumes and rituals.

In France, the rose gained prominence during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, cultivated in royal gardens and monastic apothecaries. By the 18th century, Grasse in Provence became a major center for rose distillation, particularly the Rosa centifolia (cabbage rose), now synonymous with high-end French fragrance.

The scent of rose is one of the most complex and treasured in perfumery. True rose essential oil (rose otto) and rose absolute are extracted via steam distillation or solvent extraction, requiring thousands of petals for just a few milliliters.

• Powdery

• Sweet

• Green

• Spicy undertones (in damask and centifolia varieties)

The fragrance is calming and uplifting. It is known for its emotional benefits—relieving stress, anxiety, and promoting feelings of love and security. In aromatherapy, rose oil is considered a powerful heart opener.

Rose has long been prized for its gentle yet effective skincare properties. In Provence and beyond, it is used in:

• Rose essential oil and face mists offer antibacterial and soothing properties

• Rose-scented soaps are ideal for sensitive or mature skin

• Often combined with olive oil or shea butter or Goats milk for extra nourishment

• Rose water balances pH, tones, and hydrates

• Rose oil improves elasticity and reduces redness

• Antioxidant-rich, protecting skin from environmental stress

Artisan soap makers in Provence continue to incorporate rose into traditional cold-processed and triple-milled soaps, both for its scent and skin-friendly benefits.

The rose has symbolized many things across time and cultures:

• Love and romance: Red roses

• Purity and innocence: White roses

• Joy and gratitude: Pink roses

• Mysticism and secrecy: The Latin phrase sub rosa ("under the rose") means "in secret"

In French tradition, the rose represents elegance, luxury, and passion, often appearing in heraldry, literature, and religious symbolism.

While rose oil is generally well-tolerated, it may cause sensitivities in some individuals:

• Rose absolute contains natural compounds like geraniol and citronellol, which can trigger allergic reactions

• Patch testing is recommended for people with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies

• Products labeled with fragrance (parfum) may include rose-derived synthetics, which can increase the chance of irritation

Always choose naturally scented, essential oil-based rose products if you are looking for a gentler experience.

In Provence, the rose is a celebrated botanical used in fragrance, festivals, and body care. Alongside lavender and verbena, rose is a staple in the region’s perfumery and soapmaking traditions.

• Rose gardens bloom in May and June, particularly in the Luberon and Grasse regions

• Rose-scented liquid soaps and solid bar soaps are a favorite in Provence markets

• Integrated into spa treatments for its toning and aromatherapeutic effects

• Dried rose petals are also added to some soap bars for their scent and to provide natural exfoliation.

Beyond skincare and fragrance, the rose has a wide variety of traditional and modern applications:

• Culinary: Rose petals and rose water used in desserts, teas, and Middle Eastern cuisine

• Medicinal: Used historically in tinctures for heart and skin conditions

• Spiritual: Incorporated in rituals, meditation, and sacred oils

The rose is more than just a symbol of beauty—it is an ingredient rooted in tradition and respected for its benefits in natural skincare, perfumery, and wellness. From ancient Persia to the fields of Provence, its legacy lives on in the soaps and skincare we cherish today.

Whether you're indulging in a handcrafted rose soap or spritzing a delicate rose EDT or washing your bedding with our essential oil fragranced soap flakes, you are participating in a timeless ritual of care, luxury, and sensuality.

Shop our full range of Rose Fragranced soaps & body care here.