Lotus, Pink, Absolute

The lotus is regularly confused with the water lily. Nelumbo nucifera belongs to its own family, the Nelumbonaceae. Its nearest relatives are the plane trees and proteas, not the Nymphaea water lilies that share its ponds.

01 · Origin

A perennial aquatic plant of South and Southeast Asia, rooted in mud with leaves and flowers held above the water. The flower holds a central place in Indian and Buddhist iconography. This absolute is produced in India from the blossoms of conventionally grown plants.

02 · Process

The pink flowers are solvent-extracted and the concrete washed with alcohol. Palmitic acid and heptadecane form much of the material. Nuciferine, an alkaloid characteristic of the species, is also present. The absolute is thick and darkly coloured, and is often warmed slightly or diluted before blending.

03 · In Practice

Soft, sweet and powdery, with an aquatic, faintly fruity floral note. A heart to base note. Natural perfumery, meditation practice and olfactory study. Facial oils take it at a fraction of a percent. Blends with sandalwood, rose, jasmine, vetiver, frankincense and champaca.

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.