Ambrette Seed

Ambrette is called plant musk, and the term is accurate. The musk note does not imitate an animal material by accident. It comes from ambrettolide, a macrocyclic lactone of the same structural class as many animal musk odorants.

01 · Origin

Abelmoschus moschatus, long listed as Hibiscus abelmoschus, is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, and a close relative of okra. Native to tropical Asia, it is now grown widely across the tropics. This oil is distilled from the seeds of conventional cultivation in Peru.

02 · Chemistry

Farnesyl acetate and farnesol lead, giving the oil its soft, faintly floral sweetness. Ambrettolide is present in smaller proportion and carries the musk. Yield from the seed is low.

03 · In Practice

Warm, musky and wine-like, with a pear-like fruitiness. A base note and fixative in natural perfumery. A small proportion rounds floral and woody accords and extends their life on skin. Used in anointing oils, massage blends and olfactory study. Blends with rose, neroli, sandalwood, iris, jasmine and bergamot.

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.