Common names | Gallic rose, French rose

Scientific name | Rosa gallica

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory, skin brightening

Product name | French Rose-APD, French Rose-ANB

Plant Story

Rosa gallica, commonly known as Gallic rose or French rose, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and North Africa. It is known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers that come in various shades of pink, red, and purple. This rose species has a long history of cultivation dating back to ancient times. It was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans and used for various purposes, including perfumery, medicine, and ornamentation. Traditionally, Rosa gallica flowers have been used for various medicinal and skincare purposes. Medicinally, the flower petals have been used for skin irritation and minor wounds thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The infusions and teas made from Rosa gallica petals were used to support digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. 

Rosa gallica petal extracts were reported to show anti-inflammatory activity by reducing UV-induced COX-2 expression as well as several cytokines expressions. It also showed anti-oxidant activities by scavenging radicals. These anti-oxidant activities may be due to the anti-oxidant compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in Rosa gallica petals. This rose extract also shows anti-wrinkle activity by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and skin brightening activity by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis.