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Absolute Oils


Absolutes

Absolute oils are produced by solvent extraction. Quality jasmine oil is only extracted by this method. Rose oil is produced both as an Otto (By distillation) and as an absolute. The two products differ considerably largely because phenyl ethyl alcohol (One of the constituents responsible for the fragrance) is soluble in water and, therefore, hardly present at all in the Otto.

There used to be concern that some of the solvent remained in the oil. These days though, extraction by carbon dioxide or hexane is extremely sophisticated and the possibility of solvent residue is not an issue. Absolute oils dissolve in alcohol and fixed oils but not in water.


Solvent Extract

The traditional way to capture the fragrance of delicate flowers (Enfleurage) uses warm or cold lard as a solvent. Flowers are placed on chassis; wooden framed sheets of glass onto which lard has been spread. Over the ensuing hours (Or days!) the lard absorbs the aromatic constituents of the flowers. The flowers are then removed and the chassis is recharged with fresh flowers, this process being repeated until the lard is saturated. The resulting waxy and fragrant substance, the pommade, is then subjected to alcohol to wash out the oil it contains. The alcohol can then be evaporated off leaving the absolute from pommade.

The enfleurage process is seldom used today but perfumers look back to the old fashioned product with a certain nostalgia since it allowed enzymatic decomposition to take place and this resulted in some exciting peculiarities of odour. As the name implies, solvent extraction causes substances such as petroleum ether to pass through the prepared plant parts. The solvent is then evaporated off leaving a mixture of waxes and oil. This is called the concrete. After the removal of the waxes there remains the highly fragrant, intensely strong substance known as the absolute.


Balsam Tolu Absolute
Balsam Tolu Absolute is mainly used as a fixative for perfumers and it adds great value when trying to create exotic floral scents. The smell is reminiscent of Benzoin and Peru Balsam, largely because the chemistry is not overly different. It contains benzyl-benzoate, benzyl-cinnamate and benzoic acid amongst other constituents. More Info >>
Benzoin Absolute (red crystalline)
Benzoin Absolute is a bit of a confusing subject as all benzoin material is solvent extracted so technically speaking I could and maybe should sell the two benzoin variants found in my essential oil selection as absolutes like most of my UK competitors. The reason why I don't and what sets this material apart from the other two I offer is the quality of the solvents used to obtain the benzoin. In this instance a far more nature identical solvent is used where as the other two materials are extracted via the use of much cheaper solvents and diluted down in dpg to make them both easy to work with.
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Cassie Flower Absolute
Whilst many suggest Cassie and Mimosa are similar in smell I feel that the absolutes differ enormously from each other. For me Cassie is far stronger in smell, exuding gorgeous floral, sweet honey and sugary notes throughout, it is extremely pleasing to smell, highly uplifting and quite addictive. Truly stunning absolute oil that I recommend everybody tries at least once in life. More Info >>
Chamomile Absolute
Chamomile Roman Absolute is a thick creamy consistency which exudes a delicate and slightly sweet floral aroma that develops in strength over the period of a few hours of use. It is such a gentle smell that is very pleasing on the senses and has an almost instant calming effect. More Info >>
Champaca Absolute
Champaca Absolute is floral heaven; in excess of 1000 white petals are needed to produce one 10ml bottle. The aroma is simply exquisite. Soft, fresh, clean and floral, one of the most outstanding well rounded aromas I have personally had the pleasure to work with. More Info >>
Chinese Rose Flower Absolute
Grown wild, this Chinese Rose flower is rich red in colour and has a unique Rose aroma with light spicey back notes reminiscent of Carnation. Also known as Dog Rose. More Info >>
Clary Sage Absolute
This solvent extracted Clary Sage Absolute is from Provence in France and is a useful fixative that is a little sweeter, warm and earthy in smell compared to regular steam distilled Clary Sage, in fact its actually a million times more superior in smell. Most certainly a thick consistency, that is mud brown in colour and which will require a consistent heat source for 15 minutes before it turns liquid enough to use. More Info >>
Coffee Absolute
Coffee Absolute is solvent extracted straight from the coffee beans, it is a 100% pure absolute using the finest coffee beans available. If you love the smell of freshly made strong coffee then this is for you. The material is thick and of a chocolate/coffee colour that will benefit from gentle warmth for 5-12 minutes prior to use. This material is luxury in its truest form. More Info >>
Fenugreek Absolute
Fenugreek Absolute has a very intriguing aroma, fresh, slightly bitter, heavy and quite spicy at the same time. The oil is distilled from the seeds by both steam and solvents, in this instance our Fenugreek is solvent extracted and this results in a more precise aroma to the plant when in its natural state as none of the water soluble compounds are lost. It is a very masculine aroma and would be a useful addition for the natural perfumer wanting to create a manly scent. More Info >>
Frangipani Absolute
Frangipani Absolute, how do I describe this smell! When I slowly inhale this I detect warmth, hot-ness, words such as exotic, sweet, musky and floral greet me, I can detect a spicy note which really impacts when I’m half way into smelling this absolute, it’s not an overwhelming spicy note either, its fresh in the truest sense of the word, invigorating and deeply stimulating. More Info >>
Gardenia Absolute
Gardenia Absolute exudes a magnificent, highly addictive and truly unique aroma. This floral oil is sweet, earthy, potent and has a really fresh breezy green note throughout. This is genuine Gardenia Absolute that is solvent extracted from the fresh fragrant flowers. More Info >>
Genet Absolute
This is a very thick material and very different to smelling the flower. The smell is very complex and I would describe it as a little bit like sweet hay crossed with tuberose with a tobacco tint running throughout. Very powerful and a heady scent that is unusual and really pleasing on the senses. More Info >>
Goji Berry Absolute
Goji Berry Absolute, quite difficult to source until now! I sampled this about 2 years ago and was really taken back only to find out the supplier could no longer obtain it when I wanted to place my order so I’m very pleased to finally be able to offer this for sale at long last. The absolute is obtained by solvent extraction of the berries and it exudes such a fruity, vibrant and rather sensual aroma, a great addition to the natural perfumer’s collection. More Info >>
Green Tea Absolute
Green Tea Absolute is useful in massage for helping wounds heal, promoting digestion and helping regulate body temperature. Green Tea Absolute is also a very effective antioxidant and super for treating mental fatigue. More Info >>
Hay Absolute
Spanish Hay Absolute is yet another aromatic triumph, expensive yes but I find it so calming and peaceful, I use this on its own added to my oil burner whilst I work, not for any therapeutic reason other than I love the smell. When you inhale it you are greeted with a very fresh, clean, grassy, tobacco accord, absolutely wonderful. I actually conjure up an image of being in the open countryside, early afternoon, sun shining down with a fresh breeze in the air each time I smell Hay Absolute, I recommend it very highly indeed. More Info >>
Honey Absolute
Acacia Honey Absolute has a very dreamy aroma. Obtained from the Honey combs by solvent extraction. Highly fragrant, it’s a combination of sweet honey with sharper resinous earthy notes that is very soothing to the soul.This would be ideal for anyone wanting to add something a little special to a blend or perfume creation. I could imagine this oil blending very well with Vanilla, Rose and Lavender.
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Honey Lavender Absolute
Honey Lavender Absolute is the result of bee hives being planted around the edges of the Lavender fields in France. The bees take the pollen from the Lavender flowers and when these particular honey combs are solvent extracted it results in a very fine smelling honey with a strong hint of Lavender. Not as sweet as the Acacia Honey we sell. More Info >>
Iris Absolute
Iris Absolute also known as Orris Absolute is obtained from the roots/rhizomes of the perennial plant by solvent extraction. Hundreds of iris species exist and all are loved for producing colourful and visually stunning flowers. More Info >>
Jasmin Absolute
Highly relaxing and fantastic in masage, useful for helping with emotions, a superb confidence booster. Useful for those with sensitive skin types. More Info >>
Jasmin SAMBAC Absolute
In excess of 75’000 hand-picked blossoms are needed to produce 10ml of this precious absolute. Jasmin Sambac Absolute is also known as Arabian Jasmin and is produced by solvent extraction of the Jasmin blossoms. More Info >>
Laurel Absolute
Olive green in colour, these highly fragrant sweet smelling leaves are solvent extracted to produce this absolute oil with such a unique and charming aroma. When I inhale Laurel Absolute I’m instantly greeted with a fresh green note that reminds me of sweet bay leaves crossed with crushed green cardamoms. The smell is potent throughout, quite intense and definitely makes an impact. More Info >>
Lavender Absolute
Wow! An absolute triumph, this solvent extracted Lavender Absolute is far superior in smell to conventional steam distilled Lavenders. Whilst the price is also much higher it is Lavender we would encourage every perfumer,aromatherapy and Lavender enthusiast to try at least once in life, we can’t recommend this highly enough. More Info >>
Linden Blossom Absolute
Despite all the ‘Lime’ references made about Linden Blossom Absolute it actually has no connection with Lime (Citrus Aurantifolia, family Rutaceae). Looking at the history of the tilia/linden tree I see that the Americans amongst other countries refer to the tilia tree as lime tree. More Info >>
Liquorice Absolute
In massage Liquorice Absolute is outstanding at treating inflammation this is because it contains a high percentage of glycosides (12%-13%) called glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid and these have a structure similar to the natural steroids in our bodies. More Info >>
Mimosa Absolute
Mimosa Absolute smells very sweet, with green notes throughout, it actually reminds me greatly of violet. More Info >>
Mint Light Leaf Absolute
Mint Light Leaf Absolute, this is something a little bit unusual which we are very proud to offer. Instead of steam distillation the oil from the leaves is obtained by solvent extraction resulting in the finest, most exquisite Mint Oil available. More Info >>
Narcissus Absolute
Narcissus is a stunning white floral absolute that is very potent and obtained by solvent extraction from the flowers. The smell is possibly my favourite as in my opinion it is warm and clean throughout and on initial smell it possesses a light spicy note remiscent to clove crossed with mulled orange and honey which I truly adore. More Info >>
Oakmoss Absolute
Oakmoss Absolute is extracted by solvent extraction. The major chemical constituents are lichenol, being an ester of evernic acid. Oakmoss is an excellent fixative and blends well with Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Jasmin, Tuberose and Neroli. Commonly used to treat respiratory conditions. More Info >>
Opoponax Absolute
This product is a thick material and always supplied in an amber glass jar. Please also kindly note the 120ml size is a TRADE price and can not be purchased with any discount codes. Opoponax Absolute is a gum-resin that is available as an absolute and as an essential oil. The aroma is very pleasant; it reminds me of a cross between sweet toffee and creamy vanilla with a hint of liquorice. More Info >>
Orange Flower Absolute
The perfumers dream is how I would sum up Orange Flower Absolute! The highly fragrant flowers are solvent extracted to create this intense, sensual and deeply complex absolute. It is warm, exotic, heady with so much character, charm and personality! This differs greatly from steam distilled Neroli as the solvent extracted absolute locks in the water soluble compounds and delivers the truest representation of the flowers. More Info >>
Papyrus Absolute
Papyrus is a light yellow oil obtained by solvent extraction from the flowering umbel and smells clean, fresh and slightly sweet, very uplifting and highly invigorating. Papyrus is a sublime oil for the natural perfumer that wants something exclusive in there creation. More Info >>
Peru Balsam Absolute
If you smell straight from the bottle you may struggle to detect any significant difference between the absolute and the essential oil of Peru Balsam. Both are very thick materials but once liquid it is clear to see the absolute exudes a much finer aroma with a warm hint of amber, something I don't detect within the essential oil.Theraputically there is no real difference between the 2 materials. Purely a finer smelling Peru Balsam that is the better choice for the perfumer I would imagine. More Info >>
Pink Lotus Absolute
Instant olfactory stimulation is how I would describe Pink Lotus. This is an absolute oil of the highest class that has everything and more, an absolute that plays with us, teases and tantalises us and does all it can in the process to remain a mystery. Pink Lotus is a big personality and it lets you know this with the power it delivers from that initial smell. Floral of course but it has much more to offer, this is no everyday oil, it takes us on a fragrant journey , earthy and herbal, lots of green notes spring from the bottle, come to life and they all want you to know of their presence. This is just the beginning because ... More Info >>
Raspberry Leaf Absolute
My friend Skye, Absolute enthusiast and perfume genius has provided her opinion on the Raspberry Leaf Absolute. Raspberry Leaf Absolute has officially become my new top favourite Absolute! I didn't think I'd like the scent as I'm not a fan of raspberry leaf tea... but it is pure fruity jammy lushousness! More Info >>
Rose Absolute - Rosa Centifolia
The aroma of Rose Absolute is very beautiful, uplifting and comforting and is useful for anyone who maybe suffering with depression or grieving. Rose opens up our hearts and helps us find contentment. Rose Absolute also has anti-inflammatory properties and regeneration effects on the skin which is why it is used in so many skin care products to treat dry, mature and ageing skin cells. More Info >>
Rose Absolute - Rosa Damascena
As I write it is 16th February 2012, I will be putting a proper write up in place within a week but for now I just want to say this is Bulgarian material and from the same specie that provides us with Rose Otto Essential Oil. The smell is very different and may I add - utterly stunning, a total olfactory sensation. More soon. More Info >>
Rosemary Absolute
This Rosemary Absolute is grown in the South of France and only the leaves are solvent extracted. The smell is very herbal, slightly sweet and has a really warming effect on the heart and soul. Rosemary Absolute is golden yellow in colour and has a paste consistency which seems to turn liquid with the minimum of heat. Whilst I appreciate this will have great appeal for the natural perfumer it also has a whole host of therapeutic actions. More Info >>
Sacred Jasmine Sambac Absolute
The Vietnamese Sambac reminds me of a garden in the summertime that I walk past. There is an archway near the path which lovingly supports the scrambling plant Jasmine officinale. It is a mass of delicate white star Jasmine flowers and whenever there is a gentle breeze in the air I am greeted with the delicate, divine fragrance. However the smell of Vietnamese Sacred Jasmine is profoundly more floral and subtle, possibly the truest representation of the jasmine flower and its wonderful healing effects on our physical and spiritual bodies. More Info >>
Seaweed Absolute
Deep Green in colour, with a smell that will delight, dazzle and stimulate you. The smell is exactly like fresh seaweed that has found its way to the shore in the early morning, possessing that unique and refreshing ocean smell, very clean and invigorating with stunning aquatic green notes throughout. More Info >>
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Stevia Leaf Absolute
Many of you may be aware of Stevia, the plant is grown chiefly for the super sweet leaves which are processed and sold as a sugar substitute due to the low calorie content and it is also known as Sweet Leaf and Sugar Leaf. In this instance the leaves have been collected in Brazil and then solvent extracted in France to produce this absolute. More Info >>
Stinging Nettle Leaf Absolute
STAR BUY - 10ML NORMALLY £18.99 NOW ONLY £12.99
The aroma of Stinging Nettle Leaf Absolute is so spine tingling gorgeous, one of those aromas you keep going back to smell. Inhaling this aroma is a triumph on every level. It is fresh, cleansing, sweet and deeply stimulating, actually it reminds me of Linden crossed with Opoponax, bizzare I know but it really works and its just so different. This absolute is produced by solvent extraction using the fresh top leaves from the stinging nettle plant and is very dark green in colour, and dont worry it wont sting you! More Info >>
Thyme Absolute
I have always enjoyed working with the various thyme essential oils available; however I can say I greatly prefer Thyme Absolute in comparison as the smell is so superior, it’s just like picking the leaves straight from the plant itself! Thyme Absolute is olive green in colour and of a thick consistency with a wealth of uses, helping eradicate coughs, colds, sore throats and aiding breathing, due to the strength it’s important that you always blend this absolute down in carrier oil before using it. More Info >>
Tobacco Absolute
The finest Bulgarian Tobacco Absolute, chiefly used by perfumers and those wanting to enjoy the very sweet and very strong scent Tobacco Absolute exudes. More Info >>
Tonka Bean Absolute
Tonka Bean Absolute has a very interesting aroma. I would describe the smell as a sweet vanilla crossed with amaretto liqueur and caramel, I instantly think of Christmas when I smell this oil.The large seeds which are known as tonka beans are solvent extracted producing oil which is of a sandy beige colour and of a very thick consistency. If you submerge the bottle in hot water for 10-15 minutes it becomes pourable. More Info >>
Tree Moss Absolute
Tree Moss exudes a gorgeous aroma it is green, earthy, dry, masculine, very thought provoking actually! I personally think it is much lighter and far simpler in its composition than the Oakmoss we sell which has a much heavier smell. The oil is solvent extracted from the lichens that grow on the spruce tree. More Info >>
Tuberose Absolute
Tuberose represents sensuality and is used in aromatherapy for its ability to open the heart and calm the nerves, restoring joy, peace and harmony. More Info >>
Vanilla Absolute
Vanilla Absolute is very uplifting, generating feelings of well-being and calmness. Fantastic in massage, lotions & potions or used on a oil burner. Great value for money. More Info >>
Violet Leaf Absolute
You would be forgiven for thinking this would smell like Parma Violet sweets. But no, this absolute comes from the leaf of the plant. It is a very thick green liquid and exudes a heavy/heady but pleasant aroma – like Jasmin absolute does. More Info >>
Ylang Ylang Absolute
Simply the finest Ylang Ylang available, the oil is obtained from the fragrant yellow leaves by solvent extraction opposed to steam distillation this results in Ylang Ylang that is far more concentrated, retaining all the water soluble aromatic compounds that would normally be lost with steam distillation and ultimately resulting in an accurate representation of the flowers fragrance when they were in there original state. More Info >>