Rock Rose (Cistus)

A natural history

The rock rose is a sun loving Mediterranean shrub with papery white flowers and resin glossed leaves, the source of labdanum, a sticky, fragrant resin prized since antiquity. Treasured as a precious aromatic and incense in the ancient world, labdanum was even carried as a trade good, recorded in the Hebrew scriptures among the goods brought down into Egypt.

Its harvest is the stuff of legend. In ancient times the fragrant resin was gathered without harming the plant, combed from the beards and coats of goats that had grazed among the shrubs, and later swept from the bushes with long toothed rakes. To this day labdanum remains a cherished warm amber note at the heart of fine perfumery.

What it does for your skin

Rock rose is a notably antioxidant rich, polyphenol packed botanical. In laboratory study, Cistus extracts were characterized as polyphenol rich with antioxidant and brightness supporting activity for skin protecting cosmetics.^[1] In further study, its labdanum resin showed antioxidant and anti elastase activity, the latter tied to the look of firmness.^[2] In a formula, rock rose lends a defending, toning, firming touch to mature or stressed looking skin. That toning, firming character is documented in laboratory antioxidant and anti-elastase studies.

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