When actor and ocean advocate Jason Momoa partnered with Humble Brands to create his signature scent, he chose rockrose. Not lavender. Not sandalwood. Rockrose. The choice says everything about the man and the plant.

Rockrose is a survivor. This evergreen shrub clings to rocky Mediterranean hillsides where other plants fail, thriving under punishing summer heat by producing a protective aromatic resin. That rugged resilience, combined with a warm, grounding scent profile, made rockrose the perfect match for someone who spends his life between crashing waves and remote wilderness.

But rockrose isn't just a scent. It's a botanical with thousands of years of history, harvested by ancient civilizations for its calming aromatherapeutic effects and treasured by perfumers as liquid gold. Let's explore the health benefits of rockrose, from its Mediterranean origins to its therapeutic properties, and show you how Jason's Rockrose & Cedar brings this ancient aromatic into your daily routine.

What is rockrose?

In the world of plant-based fragrances, rockrose, also known as cistus labdanum, holds a special place with its soothing, warm aroma. This tough shrub thrives in the Mediterranean region, flourishing under the intense summer heat that would wilt lesser plants. The rockrose plant's ability to survive harsh, dry conditions speaks to its rugged character and explains why it has captivated humans for millennia.

During the hot months, rockrose secretes a unique resin called labdanum that helps it withstand high temperatures, adding a distinctive layer to its aromatic profile. This sticky, fragrant substance coats the leaves and stems, creating a natural barrier against moisture loss. Collected mainly in southern Spain, rockrose has been cherished for centuries for its captivating scent and therapeutic properties. Its resilience mirrors the adventurous spirit of those drawn to earthy, authentic fragrances.

 

Cultivation and collection of rockrose

Rockrose flourishes in the scenic landscapes of the Mediterranean, particularly in Andalucia, Spain, where the climate creates ideal growing conditions. The collection process is a conscientious task conducted in designated authorized areas where the rockrose shrub grows wild, preserving the plant and its natural habitat. This sustainable approach ensures future generations can continue to enjoy rockrose's remarkable qualities.

Local harvesters have passed down traditional rockrose collection methods for generations, maintaining a deep respect for the land and its resources. Ancient collectors would comb the resin from goats' beards after the animals grazed among the shrubs, a practice that speaks to the ingenuity of early Mediterranean communities. The careful balance between harvesting and conservation reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship that aligns with mindful, nature-connected living.

 

Rockrose extraction technique

The extraction of rockrose's aromatic essence involves creating an absolute, a concentrated form of the plant's fragrance through a refining process called fractionation. The final rockrose absolute retains the plant's natural aroma and is valued for its scent and therapeutic qualities. This meticulous process preserves the full depth and complexity of the original rockrose plant material.

With its complex, captivating scent, the resulting cistus essential oil embodies the warmth and tranquility for which rockrose is celebrated. Humble Brands uses only pure essential oils and botanical extracts in their products, ensuring you experience authentic aromatherapy benefits rather than synthetic imitations. The extraction process requires patience and expertise, with skilled artisans ensuring each batch captures the authentic character of this Mediterranean treasure.

Aromatherapeutic benefits of rockrose

Rockrose benefits your daily wellness routine through its aromatic qualities that extend beyond its delightful scent. For generations, rockrose has been beloved for its therapeutic properties and ability to create calm in chaotic moments. Rockrose is known for its warming and calming properties and is believed to soothe the mind and body, creating a tranquil ambiance perfect for relaxation. Many find that the rockrose scent helps center their thoughts during busy or stressful moments, promoting emotional balance throughout the day.

The grounding nature of rockrose makes it particularly well-suited for daily rituals, whether applied in the morning to start the day with intention or used as part of an evening wind-down routine. Those who experience stress or anxiety often turn to calming essential oils like cistus for natural support. The warm, resinous quality of rockrose creates a sense of stability that many people find deeply comforting.

History of rockrose

Rockrose has a rich history of being cherished for its grounding and calming effects across countless civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized rockrose as special. Ancient civilizations used its rich, musky aroma in religious rituals and spiritual practices, burning rockrose resin as sacred incense. Its soothing properties were also harnessed in traditional medicine to relieve stress and promote emotional balance. Additionally, resin from the rockrose plant was used in some beauty products of antiquity, valued for its healing properties.

 

Over time, the therapeutic applications of rockrose expanded, influencing modern aromatherapy practices. The Romans called labdanum "liquid gold" and paid premium prices for quality rockrose resin. Today, rockrose remains prized for its ability to create a serene environment, making it a staple in relaxation and meditation routines. The thread connecting ancient temples to modern self-care underscores rockrose's enduring appeal over thousands of years.

Rockrose & Cedar Developed for Jason Momoa

Humble Brand's collaboration with actor and activist Jason Momoa brings an exciting new way to experience the rockrose scent. The signature Rockrose & Cedar scent developed for Momoa marries Jason's adventurous and earthy persona with Humble Brand's dedication to simple and effective body care products. This partnership represents a shared commitment to authenticity and environmental responsibility, values that align perfectly with rockrose's rugged Mediterranean heritage.

Jason's deep connection to nature and his appreciation for authenticity inspired this fragrance. He wanted something that reflected his lifestyle, something grounded and real rather than artificial or overpowering. The rockrose scent captures his spirit of exploration and reverence for the wild, blending it with Humble Brand's commitment to high-quality ingredients and meticulous scent development process. Rockrose & Cedar Aluminum-free Deodorant provides effective odor protection and reflects a deep respect for the environment.

A portion of proceeds from Rockrose & Cedar supports Ocean Defenders Alliance and their vital conservation work, connecting your daily self-care choice to meaningful ocean conservation efforts. Jason's passion for protecting our oceans made this partnership a natural fit, extending the product's impact beyond personal care into environmental action.

Why Rockrose and Cedar Pair Perfectly

The combination of rockrose and cedar creates a fragrance that balances warmth with freshness effortlessly. Rockrose brings the rich, amber-like depth of labdanum resin, while cedar adds clean, woody brightness that keeps the scent from feeling heavy. Together, they create something grounded yet energizing, complex yet accessible.

This pairing reflects the duality of an active life, moments of intensity balanced with periods of calm reflection. The rockrose provides that warm, resinous foundation while cedar lifts the fragrance with its fresh, forest-like quality. The scent works equally well whether you're surfing at dawn or settling into an evening at home. Cedar's crispness complements rockrose's warmth in a way that feels natural rather than manufactured.

Perfumers have long recognized labdanum from rockrose as an exceptional base note that helps other scents last longer on the skin. When paired with cedar's staying power, you get a fragrance that maintains its character throughout the day without fading or shifting dramatically. This longevity means you apply once and carry that grounded rockrose confidence with you from morning to night.

Experience Rockrose Daily

Rock rose has a fascinating backstory and offers a dynamic aromatic profile that's worth experiencing firsthand. The warm, resinous character of labdanum pairs naturally with fresh cedar notes, creating a scent that feels both grounded and invigorating. Whether you're heading into a busy day or winding down after an adventure, this rockrose combination delivers confidence without overwhelming your senses or the people around you.

Choosing Rockrose & Cedar means embracing a fragrance with thousands of years of heritage behind it, now made accessible for everyday use. You don't need a trip to the Mediterranean to enjoy these ancient rockrose aromatics, just your morning routine. Every application connects you to that rich history while supporting ocean conservation through the partnership with Ocean Defenders Alliance.

Ready to experience rockrose for yourself? Try Rockrose & Cedar Aluminum-free Deodorant and bring this captivating cistus scent into your daily wellbeing ritual.