Aglaia Essential Oil (Chinese Rice Flower)

Aglaia is frequently listed as an essential oil. It is an absolute. The blossoms are solvent extracted, not distilled, and the result carries fatty esters and heavier compounds that a still would leave behind.

01 · Origin

Aglaia odorata is an evergreen shrub of the mahogany family, Meliaceae, native to southern China and South-East Asia. The tiny yellow flowers grow in clusters and are used in China to scent tea. This absolute is produced in China from the blossoms of cultivated plants.

02 · Process

The fresh blossoms are extracted with solvent to give a concrete, which is then washed with alcohol to give the absolute. Ethyl linolenate forms a large part of the profile. Alpha-humulene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-elemene, alpha-copaene and germacrene D supply a woody sesquiterpene body. Methyl jasmonate carries the floral note.

03 · In Practice

Sweet, floral and hay-like, with a leathery, tea-like depth. A middle to base note. Natural perfumery, skincare formulation and olfactory study at low concentration. Blends with jasmine, osmanthus, sandalwood, champaca, rose, vetiver and tonka.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.