Our Story
Rooted in tradition, refined for modern care
Every mid‑May, the Rose Valley near Kazanlak, Bulgaria awakens with the fragrance of blooming roses. Before sunrise, workers handpick thousands of kilograms of petals, preserving their richest aroma—a tradition that has defined the region for centuries.
For Elena Todorova and Marin Todorov, this harvest is a family legacy. With over 45 years of experience, they founded LEMA 30 years ago to share the magic of Bulgarian rose oil with the world. Marin Todorov, a mechanical engineer, designed their distillery to combine traditional methods with modern precision. Through steam distillation, thousands of kilograms of freshly picked rose petals are transformed into pure Bulgarian rose oil (Rose Otto) and natural rose water. Because it takes enormous quantities of petals to produce even a small amount of oil, Bulgarian rose oil is often called “liquid gold.”
LEMA also created LEMA Rose Cosmetics, a subsidiary dedicated to bringing these products and their natural benefits to the U.S. market.
Today, every bottle carries the story of mid‑May mornings, careful craftsmanship, and a family’s lifelong devotion to one of nature’s most treasured gifts.
Where Nature Becomes Beauty
The Benefits of Rose Oil & Rose Water
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
For centuries, rose oil and rose water have been treasured for their gentle yet powerful affinity with the skin. Known for their soothing and balancing properties, they help calm irritation, support hydration, and restore the skin’s natural glow.
Rich in antioxidants, rose oil helps protect the skin from environmental stress while promotin
For centuries, rose oil and rose water have been treasured for their gentle yet powerful affinity with the skin. Known for their soothing and balancing properties, they help calm irritation, support hydration, and restore the skin’s natural glow.
Rich in antioxidants, rose oil helps protect the skin from environmental stress while promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion. Its nourishing nature works to soften and replenish, leaving the skin feeling supple and revitalized.
Rose water, cherished for its refreshing and toning qualities, helps to lightly hydrate and refine the appearance of the skin. It brings a sense of balance and freshness, making it an essential part of a daily skincare ritual.
Together, they create a harmonious blend of care and indulgence—where tradition meets modern beauty, and each use becomes a moment of softness, renewal, and quiet luxury
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
Our rose-oil-infused skincare is crafted with pure Rosa damascena oil, steam-distilled from handpicked petals and blended with nourishing botanicals. Each drop restores balance, radiance, and softness, reflecting LEMA’s tradition of natural elegance.
The cosmetics unite tradition and innovation, combining authentic Bulgarian rose oil with
Our rose-oil-infused skincare is crafted with pure Rosa damascena oil, steam-distilled from handpicked petals and blended with nourishing botanicals. Each drop restores balance, radiance, and softness, reflecting LEMA’s tradition of natural elegance.
The cosmetics unite tradition and innovation, combining authentic Bulgarian rose oil with plant extracts like argan, jojoba, and geranium. The result is a luxurious yet gentle skincare line that hydrates, revitalizes, and enhances the skin’s natural glow.
As a subsidiary of LEMA Bulgaria, LEMA Rose Cosmetics brings this heritage of purity, craftsmanship, and Bulgarian rose-oil excellence directly to the U.S. market.
From Petals to Essence
Tradition & Innovation in Perfect Harmony
From Petals to Essence
Nearly three to four tons of rose petals are required to produce just one kilogram of pure rose oil, making every drop exceptionally precious.
Our rose oil and rose water are created through traditional steam distillation, a time-honored method that gently captures the essence of the rose at its most delicate. Fresh blossoms are distilled
Nearly three to four tons of rose petals are required to produce just one kilogram of pure rose oil, making every drop exceptionally precious.
Our rose oil and rose water are created through traditional steam distillation, a time-honored method that gently captures the essence of the rose at its most delicate. Fresh blossoms are distilled with steam, allowing their aromatic and beneficial compounds to be released and carefully collected without harsh processing.
This method is especially valued for preserving the purity, character, and integrity of the rose, resulting in both luxurious rose oil and beautifully fragrant rose water. By respecting the fragile nature of the petals, steam distillation yields ingredients that are refined, authentic, and true to the flower.
The result is a process rooted in tradition, where every drop reflects the rarity, elegance, and quiet beauty of the rose.