Bois de Rose Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Safety Tips
Bois de rose oil (often called rosewood oil) smells soft, woody, and a bit floral — lighter than rose but warm and sweet. People use it in perfumes, diffusers, and skin blends because it mixes well and calms the senses. If you like natural scents that feel gentle and clean, this oil is worth trying. Below are practical ways to use it and how to stay safe.
How to use bois de rose oil
Aromatherapy: Put 3–5 drops in a diffuser for a relaxing room scent. For a travel inhaler, add 2–3 drops to a cotton wick and carry it with you for quick stress relief.
Skin and massage: Always dilute. A common safe guideline is 1–2% for adults: that’s about 3 drops (1%) to 6 drops (2%) of bois de rose oil per 10 ml carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut). For example, a 10 ml roller blend: 6 drops bois de rose + 6 drops lavender in jojoba makes a mellow, calming roll-on.
Perfume and blends: Bois de rose is a great middle note. It pairs well with bergamot, cedarwood, lavender, geranium, and ylang-ylang. Use small amounts as a bridge between citrus top notes and heavier base notes.
Practical tips, safety and sourcing
Patch test: Before using on larger areas, do a 24-hour patch test on your inner forearm. Stop use if you get redness, itching, or irritation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children: Don’t use without checking with a healthcare provider. Many aromatherapy guides advise avoiding concentrated essential oils during pregnancy and in very young children.
Drug interactions and medical conditions: If you’re on medication or have a health condition, ask your doctor before regular use. Essential oils can affect people differently.
Sustainability: Wild rosewood trees have been overharvested in some regions. Look for suppliers who list the botanical name (Aniba rosaeodora), offer GC-MS testing, and follow sustainable or certified sourcing. If sustainability is a priority, consider ethical alternatives or fragrance blends that mimic the scent.
Storage and quality: Keep the oil in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight. Genuine bois de rose smells warm, sweet, and slightly floral. If it smells harsh or chemical, don’t use it.
Simple recipe for a calming 10 ml roller: add 6 drops bois de rose, 6 drops lavender, fill the rest with jojoba oil. For a body massage blend (50 ml): about 30 drops total bois de rose across the bottle keeps dilution around 1–2%.
If you want a scent that’s soft, blends easily, and supports relaxation routines, bois de rose oil is a practical choice. Just buy responsibly, dilute correctly, and check with a professional when in doubt.
