Vetiver, Extra (organic)

Vetiver is sometimes pictured as a leaf or grass oil. It comes entirely from the root. The fragrant matter sits in the dense, fibrous root mass of a tall grass, and the oil distils slowly, thick and amber.

01 · Origin

Vetiveria zizanioides, now generally listed as Chrysopogon zizanioides, is a perennial grass of the Indian subcontinent, family Poaceae. Production began in India and spread to other tropical regions, among them Madagascar and Haiti. This oil is distilled in Madagascar from the roots, from certified organic cultivation.

02 · Chemistry

Vetiver is among the most complex oils in perfumery, built almost entirely from sesquiterpene alcohols, ketones and hydrocarbons. Khusimol leads, followed by isovalencenol, khusinol and beta-vetivenene. The low volatility of this fraction explains the oil's viscosity and its persistence on a blotter for days. Like patchouli, vetiver rounds and deepens with age.

03 · In Practice

Earthy, smoky and woody, with a damp-root, slightly sweet character. A base note and a classic fixative. Natural perfumery, massage blends, meditation practice and olfactory study. Gentle warming in the hand helps it pour. Comparison with Vetiver, Bourbon, Madagascar (No. 2980) is instructive. Blends with sandalwood, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, bergamot, patchouli and frankincense.

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.