Osmanthus, abs. 80% (in organic alcohol)

Osmanthus is often filed as another white floral in the jasmine mould. It shares the family of jasmine and lilac, the Oleaceae, but not their chemistry. Its character is apricot and leather rather than indole, and it is carried by ionones.

01 · Origin

Osmanthus fragrans, gui hua, is an evergreen shrub of southern China, where the autumn blossoms are used to scent tea, wine and sweets. This absolute is extracted from blossoms of conventionally grown plants in China.

02 · Process

The small flowers are extracted with solvent to a waxy concrete, then washed to an absolute. Palmitic and linoleic acids are carried through from the flower waxes and give the material body. Linalool oxide adds a floral, tea-like note. Dihydro-beta-ionone and trans-beta-ionone supply the violet-apricot heart. The absolute is supplied at 80% in organic alcohol, which keeps the dense material workable.

03 · In Practice

Fruity, leathery and floral, with a dry suede undertone. A heart note in natural perfumery, effective in small proportion. Natural perfumery, olfactory study and skincare formulation at low concentration. Blends with rose, jasmine, sandalwood, mandarin, ylang ylang, vetiver and tea accords.

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.