Osmanthus Absolute
Details
- Botanical Name: Osmanthus fragrans Lour.
- Origin: China
- Process: Solvent Extracted Absolute
- Plant Part: Flowers
- Cultivation: Conventional
- Use: Natural Perfumery. Always dilute.
- Note: Middle to Base Note
- Aroma Families: Floral, Fruity
- Aroma: Intensely rich, sweet, fruity-floral aroma with honeyed apricot, dried raisin and plum nuances, light spicy and soft green notes, and faint animalic/leather undertones; very tenacious.
- Contraindications: None known.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Overview
Osmanthus Absolute
Our luscious and very special Osmanthus Absolute has a soft yet very concentrated aroma, so don't let a whiff straight from the bottle fool you! On a fragrance tester strip, its intense, incredibly rich, sweet, fruity-floral aroma has honeyed apricot and dried fruit nuances with light spicy notes of Black Pepper and faint animalic/leather undertones. There are also soft green and subtle precious wood notes and some slightly waxy characteristics in this complex and delightful oil, all aromatic aspects of which are perfectly balanced from first whiff through to its long, luxurious dry down.
The genus Osmanthus is in the same botanical family – Oleaceae – as Jasmine and Lilac1; this species, O. fragrans, is an evergreen shrub2 native to eastern Asia. The yield of Osmanthus absolute is only about one kilo per 1,000 kilos of flowers harvested in September/October,3 another, older source states three times as many flowers yield one kilo,4 the difference in weight of flowers required is more than likely due to seasonal changes, time of harvest, etc. – this, plus the expense of labor involved in hand harvesting contributes to the comparably high cost for this precious aromatic oil.
PLEASE NOTE: Osmanthus Absolute is intended for use in perfumery only.
For information regarding the use of Osmanthus in perfumery, please see:
- Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, Alec Lawless, 2009, p. 74.
- Aromatherapeutic Blending – Essential Oils in Synergy, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2016, p. 267.
- Fragrance and Wellbeing – Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2014, pp. 317-8.
- "Osmanthus Conversation with Perfumer Charna Ethier," Ayala Moriel in SmellyBlog, March 2013, https://ayalamoriel.com/blogs/smellyblog/osmanthus-conversation-with-perfumer-charna-ethier?_pos=1&_sid=3d90b96db&_ss=r
- "Osmanthus," May Yudov, https://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Osmanthus-10.html
Aromatic Profile: Intensely rich, sweet, fruity-floral aroma with honeyed apricot, dried raisin and plum nuances, light spicy and soft green notes, and faint animalic/leather undertones; very tenacious.
Appearance: Dark brown, viscous, semi-liquid material; very gentle heating increases liquidity. Soluble in fixed/carrier oil (tested in jojoba) with some cloudiness; completely soluble in 190 proof alcohol.
Use: Natural Perfumery.
Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your perfume blends until the desired effect is achieved.
Blends Well With: Agarwood, Ambrette Seed, Angelica, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Boronia, Cassie, Champaca, Cinnamon, Cistus, Clary Sage, Clove, Cocao, Coconut, Coriander, Davana, Fir Balsam Absolute, Frangipani, Galbanum, Jasmine, Labdanum, Lavender, Linden Blossom, Liquidambar, Lotus, Mimosa, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange Blossom, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Tuberose, Vanilla, Vetiver, Violet Leaf, Ylang Ylang. Osmanthus "surprises [and] adds interest and sophistication to fragrances."5
Safety Considerations: None known.6 Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.
1 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, pp. 499-500.
2 Rhind, Jennifer Peace. Essential Oils - A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, 2nd ed., 2012, p. 250.
3 Naturals Compendium, International Flavors & Fragrances, 2009, p. 116.
4 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, pp. 499-500.
5 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 74.
6 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 378.
The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.
Customer Reviews for Osmanthus Absolute
- Disappointed Review by Breeze
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Rating I don't normally do reviews and really hate to give a bad review but this isn't what I was expecting or wanted it to smell like. I am in love with the smell of tea olive trees and after much "research" and decided to order the proper name of this tree fragrance "osmanthus" I was so excited! It definitely doesn't smell anything like the tea olive to me and wanted to hopefully spare someone else the disappointment and money.(Posted on 10/19/2020)
- Smokey and Sweet Review by Eyal
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Rating The top notes are very heady and special, i felt a vortex of smoke and sweet powder notes, when the scent settle down i got a steady leathery scent with delicate vibes of peach.(Posted on 8/3/2019)
When its diluted you can really smell a perfumed sweet olive like scent that i could not stop sniffing it really sends you to far away places
My wife and customers loved the natural perfume version i made.
Will buy again in larger amounts for sure.
- Delish! Review by Miss Layla
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Rating First impressions on my skin right out of the bottle: I get a skanky animalic, "olive" note. That's right- olive... like a dirty martini.. ::slobber::.(Posted on 10/26/2018)
It's been settling for about 30 seconds now:
Dear Osmanthus, don't take this the wrong way but you smell like a campsite bathroom. There's a forest-y, earthy quality to you but you smell like pee... which must be your animal side?
The apricots come later... a little fruity bitterness too. You know what? You can be my forbidden fruit- you little naughty thing, you. Two thumbs up!
- Beautiful in blends Review by Rose
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Rating Honey and apricots, juicy, sweet and fruity. At first, I felt this was too sweet and fruity for me, however, it is exquisite simply blended with a bit of Turkish Rose Otto and Hawaiian or Australian Sandalwood. It is now one of my can't live without oils for fruity, floral perfumes.(Posted on 9/16/2018)
- Apricot Soda & Macho Musky Football Player?! Review by MD
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Rating I had no idea. This was a sweet surprise!!! Right out of the sampler I smelled heavy fruit, the apricot! It reminded me of a tart energy drink kinda taste, fizzy, bubbly effervescent scent. The tea note is very nice, to me it was less green and maybe more black? Tannic in nature, it reminded me of a pigskin football! This awesome absolute reminded me of the smell football jerseys, that slick material they make the numbers out of. It's like a ghostly resinous note similar to benzoin, smell the inside of a Halloween mask from the movie scream! It's the only way I can describe that texture, but I noticed so many subtle hits, that it might have come from something else. But the football leather and suede... So velvety. Remind me of someone's sweat. A super clean refined sweat. Almost like a happy happy pheromonal note(Posted on 2/6/2018)
:-)
Very balanced in its sweet-tart and astringent-almost bitter edges!!
Masculine and feminine making it a great addition to men's and ladies fragrances. Takes one to the exotic with coconut and orange blossom, bees wax and other white and orange treats for soft velvety textures.
Thank yoooooouuuuuu, Eden!!
- Very exotic Review by Skye
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Rating Just received the sample today. At first whiff, it smelled like musky prune with the usual solvent residual. I smeared a bit on my fingers and waited it out while joking with my mom about how weird this smelled. But sure enough, in 3 minutes, when the solvents evaporated, the green tones of flowery fragrance started to make itself known. This is not for everyone but I think will be a very exotic note to add to my perfume blend.(Posted on 1/13/2018)
- AMAZING!! Review by Anna B
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Rating I bought a tiny sample of this to try to recreate a limited edition oil blend that also included lime, bergamot, and frankincense. The instant I popped the top off the bottle, I was in love! The first whiff was very fruity, like apricots, and then it settled into a warm leathery smell that transported me back to the interiors of my late grandfather's antique cars. Incredible!!(Posted on 11/17/2017)
And the blend that I put it into is dreamy as well...I may be getting more of this in the near future!!
- NOPE, not for me Review by Amanda
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Rating Smells like rubber and plastic and chemicals. I diluted it heavily in Perfumers Alcohol and it smells like something i need to get away from. Out of all my samples this was one that i wish i hadn't even ordered but hey won't know till you try. Just isn't for me. yuck, sorry.(Posted on 6/9/2017)
- Very nice, much like the description! Review by CK
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Rating Definitely has an intense apricot smell, with something unique and unusual underneath I'm still having a hard time placing. Tea / leather? It's lovely - very happy with my tiny sample and looking forward to trying this in different ways!(Posted on 2/13/2017)
- Incomparable Review by Rebecca
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Rating I've been waiting a good while to review this absolute as I don't have adequate words, but here goes--no other sample I've ordered has made my head tilt back involuntarily, as I emit an ecstatic, "Ahhhhhhhh!" It is THE perfect, singularly comforting fragrance. So, SO lovely! Rich fuzzy apricot, warm sweet tea, and "baby shoe," to be precise (that adorable suede smell I couldn't get enough of as a new mom...)(Posted on 8/26/2016)
There is also an acutely nostalgic facet that I can't quite place, except to say it resides at the heart of an elementary classroom: somewhere between crayon, construction paper, Play Doh, and fingerpaint. Whatever it is, it is 100% sublime, and HAPPY. In fact, this is the sample that has made friends break into the biggest grins. I am saving up for this one. The samples I've ordered have gone a looooong way in brightening my days!
- I'll be ordering more! Review by Crystal
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Rating I got the tiny sample of osmanthus with my inaugural order from Eden, and now I'm sad I didn't order more. With my 6 drops of absolute, I diluted it with 3ml. of jojoba, and the fragrance carried through beautifully, and I'm sure I could dilute it further with equally satisfying results. (I also accidentally spilled a tiny bit on myself upon opening the vial. I smell INCREDIBLE.)(Posted on 3/14/2016)
- from heaven Review by Reborn
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Rating Out of all the samples I tried - this is the one that captured and held me fast. I ordered 1/4 oz and have been patiently building fragrances along with some of my other absolutes, CO2's and essential oils. It is a mesmerizing base note. I just don't have adequate words to describe how pleased I am with the osmanthus absolute! Will be certain that at least one of my blends is predominately osmanthus. Blends beautifully with Eden Botanical's Jasmine Egypt.(Posted on 2/24/2016)
- Go-to Osmanthus Review by Pith Fragrances
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Rating Exactly what I was expecting--a gorgeous, multi-faceted osmanthus absolute that is pourable and easy to work with. Very complex scent profile. I detect tea notes, apricots, and a bit of suede. Highly recommended.(Posted on 1/18/2016)
- Apricots, tea and leather Review by Pam
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Rating I was surprised at the thickness and viscosity of this oil. I diluted it with some apricot kernel oil and applied a few drops to test and WHAM! Like the other reviewers said, this totally smells of apricots, leather and tea. A really unique and mesmerizing fragrance.(Posted on 8/9/2015)
- Love! Review by Emma
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Rating After visiting Japan and smelling Osmanthus F. in person I decided to research if an essential oil was available. Although the oil doesn't smell the same as the fresh flower (which is intoxicating), it is an equally seductive scent. This is my favorite oil from Eden, and probably top 3 favorite of all essential oils. Rich apricot and leather with a gentle sweetness. You have to smell it more than once to really pick up on all the notes.(Posted on 2/6/2015)
- Rich and Beautiful Review by Jenn
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Rating As a wild mushroom picker, I learned to identify the best golden chanterelle mushrooms by their distinctive rich sweet apricot-like scent. More than apricots, or anything else I have ever smelled, pure osmanthus is that scent. The scent is so similar I am convinced they must contain some of the same compounds. I am also convinced it is one of the most beautiful scents I know.(Posted on 4/7/2014)
- Smells like pickled apricots Review by Lil
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Rating This is a surprise indeed. It smells nothing like the real osmanthus flower, but still interesting. I agree with one of the reviewer, it has a strong apricot tartness, inlaid with oolong tea and leather beneath.(Posted on 3/20/2014)
- delicious Review by Liz
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Rating Love the rounded floral fruity smell of this extract. Definitely adding this to my shopping list.(Posted on 3/21/2013)
- I'm in love again... Review by Ascent
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Rating I've had a perfume in my head for many, many, years and of course, its elusiveness never to be found at retail counters. Starting point...osmanthus, champaca, oakmoss, palmarosa, orange blossom,(Posted on 3/11/2013)
cocoa, and agarwood. I love perfume again! Thanks EB.
- WOW! Review by BShea
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Rating WOW! I love this stuff! So sexy! It's like fresh apricots covered in flowers and strawberry jam on top of leather. Gorgeous stuff. In blends I feel like this could go either deep and rich or fresh & fruity, depending on what it was blended with. I actually had a sample a long time ago which I used in a blend I made called Black Cat, along with civit, patchouly, cacao, jasmine, and blood orange along with other things. It is a mobile liquid that is a clear greenish-brown color. I have to cough up the bucks and get me some of this stuff!(Posted on 3/1/2013)
- Exquisite! Review by Keith
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Rating Osmanthus is an absolutely delightful specimen and Eden Botanicals' osmanthus absolute is a pure, intoxicating, and exquisite essence. My absolute favorite!(Posted on 2/18/2013)
- Surprise! Review by Flo
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Rating Previously, I had only experienced osmanthus attar and was disappointed with my specimen. This sample was surprising. It had a fruit tea note to my nose. Once diluted, it becomes a real delight.(Posted on 2/15/2013)
- If you love tea olives Review by Sedna Bee
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Rating I have lots of tea olives around my house and here is an incredible absolute that captures them. It is potent, but when mixed with a little rose, jasmine and ylang ylang, it gets attention! People love it.(Posted on 2/13/2013)