Labdanum Absolute Oil
Cistus ladaniferus (Rose of Sharon, Rockrose)
Product Identification
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Labdanum Absolute |
| Synonyms | Labdanum Absolute, Labdanum Essential Oil |
| CAS Number | 8016-26-0 |
| Extraction Method | Organic extraction (Hexane free) |
| Parts Used | Resin |
| Origin | France, Spain |
| Common Names | Labdanum, Ladanum, Rose of Sharon, Brown-Eyed Rockrose, Common Gum Cistus |
| Appearance | Amber-brown to dark brown, viscous to thick liquid; can become sticky/gum-like |
| Odour Note | Base note, superb fixative. Warm, resinous, herbaceous, ambergris-like undertone |
| Quality | 100% pure, natural, complete absolute |
| Storage | Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place, away from children & pets |
Background & Features
Labdanum Absolute is extracted from the sticky oleoresin of the Cistus ladaniferus plant (Rockrose).
Widely used as a base note and fixative in natural perfumery; gives lasting, warm, amber-balsamic depth, similar to animalic musk and ambergris.
Revered since ancient times for emotional grounding and as an ingredient in grooming balms for hair and beard.
Used in incense, devotion, and meditation blends for a rich, contemplative aroma.
Usage & Application Guidelines
Labdanum Absolute is highly viscous/sticky: always gently warm the bottle (bain-marie in warm water) before handling. Work quickly, as it will re-solidify on cooling.
| Application | Dilution Ratio / Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Body Massage | 1–6 drops / 10 ml carrier (0.5–2% concentration) | Deeply aromatic, grounding, skin regenerative |
| Face Care | 1–3 drops / 10 ml base (0.5–1%) | Scar healing, calming, astringent |
| Body Care | 2–6 drops / 10 ml carrier or base (1–2%) | For balms, creams, beard waxes, cicatrizing and styling properties |
| Natural Perfume | Prepare tinctures: 0.5g Labdanum/1.5ml perfumer’s alcohol, let infuse | Fantastic fixative and base note; use as foundation for complex blends |
| Home Fragrance / Candle | Dilute in essential oils/warm wax | For candles, meditation sticks, temple incense |
Dissolves well in high-proof alcohol, pure essential oils, warm carrier oils, and hot wax. Use a spatula or toothpick to handle minute quantities.
Reported Benefits & Properties
Haemostatic (stops minor bleeding) & Astringent
Scar healing & skin regenerating (cicatrizing)
Antiviral, antifungal, immunity regulating
Calming, emotionally grounding
Blending & Perfume Creation
Labdanum blends beautifully with:
Oriental notes: Bergamot, Pepper, Frankincense, Vetiver, Rose, Cedar, Vanilla, Benzoin
Woody notes: Lemon, Ginger, Clove, Cinnamon, Coriander Seed, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Pine, Sandalwood
Fruity sweet notes: Mandarin, Rose, Patchouli, Benzoin
Floral/Oriental: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose
Fresh/Cologne: Lemon, Ginger, Grapefruit, Cilantro, Mint, Katrafray
Other base notes: Amyris, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Benzoin
Use for:
Perfumery (chypre accords, bases, soliflore, oriental blends)
Hair and beard care (wax, pomade, fixing/styling)
Meditation blends, devotion/incense
Scenting home fragrance items and candles
Handling Tips
Liquefy gently: Place the tightly-closed bottle or spatula in a bain-marie or warm water bath; change water as needed until workable.
Work swiftly: Labdanum thickens quickly as it cools.
Dissolve immediately in your choice of essential oil, carrier oil, alcohol (for perfumery), or hot wax for candles/beard products.
Safety Information
Do not use undiluted on skin; always dilute as instructed above.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding (first 3 months recommended minimum)
Always perform a skin patch test before using
For external use only; do not ingest.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Seek medical/specialist advice if unsure about topical or cosmetic uses.
See full safety procedures and instructions here
Summary
Labdanum Absolute is a legendary plant resin offering a powerful, tenacious amber aroma, unique animalic notes, and superb fixative capacity for natural perfumery and grooming formulas.
Perfect for perfumers, aromatherapists, and cosmetic crafters seeking a luxurious, grounding base and complex scent for their premium creations.