Rose Attar (Gulab Ittar): How It’s Made, How It Smells and How to Choose

Ask an Indian grandmother what perfume smelled like in her childhood and there is a good chance she will say gulab: rose. Rose attar is one of the oldest and best-loved fragrances in India and the wider Islamic world. Yet many first-time buyers are unsure what they are actually getting: is it pure rose, a blend, or an oil with “rose fragrance” added? 

This guide explains how traditional rose attar is made, what it smells like, how it differs from other rose products, and what to look for when you buy. 

What is rose attar? 

Rose attar, also called gulab ittar, is a concentrated perfume oil. In the traditional Kannauj method, rose petals are distilled and their fragrant vapour is captured in a base oil, most often sandalwood. The result is an oil-based perfume with no alcohol, applied directly to the skin in small amounts. 

This is different from: 

We compare these in detail in a separate guide to rose attar, rose oil and rose water. 

How rose attar is made in Kannauj 

Kannauj, in Uttar Pradesh, is India’s best-known centre of traditional perfumery, and its perfume carries a Geographical Indication tag. Rose attar there is traditionally made using deg-bhapka distillation: 

The craft depends on skilled judgement: how hot to run the fire, how often to change the petals, and when the oil is ready. You can read more about the method in our guide to deg-bhapka distillation. 

Our own Rose Attar is described on its product page as made from Damask roses using deg-bhapka distillation and blended with a sandalwood base. 

What does rose attar smell like? 

Rose attar does not smell like a supermarket rose spray. A well-made rose attar is rich, slightly honeyed and rounded by the woody softness of sandalwood. 

On our Rose Attar, the notes are described as: 

As it dries down, the bright petal note softens and the sandalwood becomes more noticeable. This change over time is part of the pleasure of wearing attar. 

Is rose attar for men or women? 

Both. In India and the Middle East, rose has long been worn by men as well as women. Searches for “rose attar for men” are common, and the answer is simple: wear it if you like it. 

If you want a more traditionally “masculine” effect, layer rose with oud or musk. For a softer, floral effect, wear it alone or with jasmine. 

How to wear rose attar 

How to choose a rose attar 

When comparing rose attars, ask these questions: