LABDANUM ESSENTIAL OIL
A rich, warm and resinous aromatic oil with sweet, balsamic and amber-like notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Cistus ladanifer - confirm supplier identification
Family: Cistaceae
Origin of Plant: Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean region
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and twigs
Note: Base
Colour: Golden yellow to amber
Aroma: Rich, warm, sweet, resinous, balsamic and lightly leathery
About This Essential Oil
This steam-distilled oil is produced from the leaves and twigs of Cistus ladanifer, an aromatic Mediterranean shrub that also produces the resin known as labdanum. Its warm, balsamic fragrance adds depth and character to diffuser blends, natural perfumery and carefully formulated body-care products.
Key Benefits
• Provides a rich, warm and resinous aroma
• Adds depth to natural perfume compositions
• Creates a comforting aromatic atmosphere
• Useful as a deep base note in aromatic blends
• Popular in carefully formulated body-care products
• Complements woody, floral, citrus and resinous oils
History
The aromatic resin of Cistus ladanifer has been valued around the Mediterranean for centuries in incense and perfumery. Historical accounts describe resin being collected from the coats of grazing goats and sheep before specialised harvesting tools were developed. Today, cistus materials remain important in perfumery; however, the steam-distilled leaf-and-twig oil is not the same material as a resin-derived labdanum absolute, resinoid or extract.
Main Chemical Components
Sesquiterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Rich and warm
• Sweet and resinous
• Balsamic and lightly leathery
• Deep base aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds warmth and depth to diffuser blends
• Provides a base note in natural perfumery
• Complements meditation and relaxation blends
• Suitable for carefully formulated body and massage oils
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as deep, warm and comforting
• Develops sweet balsamic and amber-like nuances
• Adds richness to woody and resinous compositions
• Useful for anchoring brighter aromatic notes
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• For external use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical application.
• Seek qualified advice before use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood or when managing a medical condition.
• Patch test before first use; discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin.
• Use diffusers intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Keep away from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
• Cistus oil, labdanum absolute, resinoid and resin extract are not interchangeable.
