Rose oil
Learn about rose oil.
On this page
About rose oil
Rose oil comes from plants. It may be used to flavour foods, but is used primarily as a fragrance in cosmetics and natural health products, such as:
- makeup
- hair care
- cleansers
- body lotion
- bath products
- massage products
Safety of rose oil
Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We have completed the draft assessment of rose oil. We are proposing that exposure to rose oil through the use of body lotions may pose a risk to infants and toddlers.
The use of body lotions containing rose oil on infants and toddlers may:
- affect red blood cells
- affect the spleen
We are also proposing that:
- rose oil is not harmful to the environment
- exposure to rose oil in food does not pose a health risk
What we're doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We are continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by rose oil before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment
Currently, there are restrictions on the maximum allowable concentrations of rose oil in natural health products.
If the proposed health effects are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:
- adding rose oil to the list of prohibited or restricted ingredients on the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
- updating the current rose oil listing in the Natural Health Products Ingredients Database
What you can do
Consumers are reminded to:
- read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
- labels on cosmetics, natural health products and non-prescription drugs must list all ingredients
- contact the manufacturer if you are unsure if your product contains rose oil
- dispose of the product safely, following the manufacturer's directions
- provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period
If you are exposed to rose oil at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
For more information
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan