Costus root (EO)
Botanical name: saussurea costus
Pure essential oil
Fragrance group : animalic, woody
Fragrance Description : Earthy, woody and slightly musky scent that adds depth and character to fragrances. It is a characteristic and persistent scent reminiscent of iris and vetiver.
Extraction method : steam distillation of the roots after maceration
Fragrance strength : medium – up to 300 hours on fragrance strip
CAS : 8023-88-9
In perfumes it is often used as a base note and combines well with other ingredients such as musk, amber, leather and incense.
The scent can evoke animalic notes, making it a daring choice for natural, masculine or unisex perfumes.
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Using Costus Root Essential Oil in perfume creation requires a delicate touch due to its bold and distinctive aroma.
Here are some tips for incorporating it effectively:
- Dilution: Costus Root Essential Oil has a strong scent, so dilute it in a carrier oil or alcohol to avoid overwhelming other notes in your blend.
- Base Note: This oil is typically used as a base note in perfumes, providing depth and richness. Pair it with middle and top notes like florals, citrus, or spices for a balanced composition.
- Blending: It complements other earthy, woody, or musky scents, as well as exotic ingredients like amber, oud, and leather. Experiment with small quantities to achieve the desired complexity.
- Fixative: Costus Root acts as a natural fixative, helping to stabilize and extend the life of the fragrance on the skin.
- Safety: Use it in safe concentrations (typically under 2% in the final product).
Costusroot in Aromatherapy:
Costus Root Essential Oil plays an intriguing role in aromatherapy due to its calming, grounding, and therapeutic properties. Its earthy, woody, and slightly musky aroma makes it ideal for relaxation and stress relief. This essential oil is also used to support emotional balance and enhance meditation practices, helping individuals feel more centered.
In addition to its emotional benefits, Costus Root Essential Oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing qualities. It has been used traditionally to alleviate respiratory discomfort, promote skin health, and address minor aches and irritations.
If you’re interested in using Costus Root Essential Oil for aromatherapy, it’s important to dilute it properly with a carrier (oil, alcohol, dpg, tec) before use, as it can be quite potent.
Commercial use : Costus Root Essential Oil is subject to restrictions under IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards due to its potential to cause sensitization. According to the IFRA guidelines, the commercial use of Costus Root Oil, absolute, and concrete is prohibited in fragrance products.
Alternatives for costusroot
If you’re looking for alternatives to the scent of Costus Root, here are some options:
- Costus Oliffac®: A synthetic substitute that replicates the earthy, musky, and slightly animalic aroma of Costus Root. It’s widely used in perfumery as a safe alternative.
- Angelica Root: Offers a similar earthy and woody profile, making it a great natural replacement.
- Styrax: Known for its warm, balsamic, and slightly sweet aroma, it can add depth to fragrances.
- Cistus (Labdanum): Provides a resinous, amber-like scent with earthy undertones, often used in place of animalic notes.
- Spikenard: A natural option with a musky and earthy aroma, reminiscent of Costus Root.
These alternatives can be blended creatively to achieve a similar depth and complexity in your fragrance compositions.
Famous perfumes with costus root:
Costus Root has been used in some iconic perfumes, particularly for its earthy, musky, and slightly animalic aroma.
Here are a few notable examples:
- Yves Saint Laurent’s “Kouros”: A bold and masculine fragrance that incorporates Costus Root for its distinctive depth.
- Givenchy’s “Gentleman”: A classic chypre woody scent where Costus Root adds complexity.
- Serge Lutens’ “Muscs Koublaï Khän”: A daring unisex fragrance with oriental and animalic notes, including Costus Root.
- Etat Libre d’Orange’s “Nothing”: Another unisex creation that uses Costus Root for its unique character.
These perfumes highlight the versatility of Costus Root in creating rich and memorable compositions.
