Lily of the Valley Absolute Oil

Lily of the Valley absolute oil is a precious and rare aromatic extract derived from the flowers of Convallaria majalis, known for its delicate, sweet floral fragrance and various uses in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Identification

• Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis
• INCI Name: Convallaria Majalis Flower Extract
• CAS Number: 68916-82-5
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)
• Plant Part: Flowers
• Origin: Finland
• Aroma: Fresh, green, sweet floral with a delicate, ethereal quality
• Color: Pale yellow to amber
• Consistency: Viscous liquid

Traditional Uses

Lily of the Valley has been used in traditional medicine and perfumery for centuries:

• Mood enhancer
• Perfume ingredient
• Ceremonial and religious purposes

Aromatherapy and Skincare Benefits

While primarily used in perfumery, Lily of the Valley absolute may offer the following benefits:

• Emotional: Uplifting, calming, may help with anxiety and situational depression
• Skincare: Potentially soothing and anti-inflammatory
• Respiratory: May provide relief from respiratory issues

Perfumery Uses

Lily of the Valley absolute is highly valued in perfumery for its unique aroma:

• Used as a top or heart note in fine fragrances
• Adds a fresh, springtime floral touch to blends
• Pairs well with other florals, green notes, and light woods
• Often used in feminine and classic floral perfumes

How to Use in Perfumery

1. Use sparingly due to its potency - typically at 1% or less in fine fragrances
2. Blend with complementary notes like rose, jasmine, or sandalwood
3. Add to floral bouquets for a fresh, green lift
4. Allow blends to mature for several weeks to develop full complexity

Recipes

1. Spring Floral Perfume

• 1 drop Lily of the Valley absolute
• 2 drops Rose absolute
• 1 drop Jasmine absolute
• 1 drop Bergamot essential oil
• 10 ml Jojoba oil

Blend all ingredients in a glass roller bottle. Allow to mature for 3-4 weeks before use.

2. Fresh Floral Room Spray

• 2 drops Lily of the Valley absolute
• 3 drops Lavender essential oil
• 2 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
• 100 ml Distilled water
• 1 tsp High-proof vodka (as a dispersant)

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use.

3. Delicate Floral Diffuser Blend

• 1 drop Lily of the Valley absolute
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
• 2 drops Lemon essential oil

Add to your diffuser with the appropriate amount of water for a fresh, floral atmosphere.

Remember to use Lily of the Valley absolute oil very sparingly due to its intense aroma and potential for skin sensitization. 

These recipes can be adjusted based on personal preference and skin sensitivity. Always prioritize safety when working with this potent aromatic extract.

Lilium candidum vs. Convallaria majalis in Perfumery and Aromatherapy

Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily) and Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) are two distinct plants with different characteristics and uses in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily)

Botanical Details:

• Family: Liliaceae
• INCI Name: Lilium Candidum Flower Extract

• CAS Number: 84776-67-0

   

Aroma Profile:

Rich, floral, lightly sweet with fresh green undertones. The dry-down is floral, fresh, and slightly citric.

Extraction Method:

Typically extracted as an absolute using organic solvents.

Use in Perfumery:

Madonna Lily absolute is prized for its rich, floral scent. It's often used as a middle note in fine fragrances, adding depth and complexity to floral compositions.

Aromatherapy Benefits:

While less common in aromatherapy, it may offer mood-enhancing and calming properties.

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Botanical Details:

• Family: Asparagaceae (formerly Ruscaceae)
• INCI Name: Convallaria Majalis Flower Extract
• CAS Number: 68916-82-5

Aroma Profile:

Sweet, delicate, and fresh floral with green undertones.

Extraction Method:

True essential oil is not commercially available. Most "Lily of the Valley" scents in perfumery are recreated using synthetic components or other natural extracts.

Use in Perfumery:

Lily of the Valley accords are popular in perfumery, often used as top or heart notes to add a fresh, spring-like quality to fragrances.

Aromatherapy Benefits:

Due to the lack of a true essential oil, aromatherapy applications are limited. Synthetic versions are sometimes used for their uplifting and calming scent.

Key Differences

1. Extraction: Madonna Lily is available as a true absolute, while Lily of the Valley is typically recreated synthetically.
2. Scent Profile: Madonna Lily is richer and more complex, while Lily of the Valley is lighter and fresher.
3. Use in Perfumery: Madonna Lily is often a middle note, while Lily of the Valley accords are typically top or heart notes.

Perfume Recipes

Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum) Recipes

1. Luxurious Floral Blend

    

• 2 drops Madonna Lily absolute
• 3 drops Jasmine absolute
• 1 drop Rose absolute
• 1 drop Bergamot essential oil
• 10 ml Jojoba oil
•  

1. Green Lily Perfume

    

• 1 drop Madonna Lily absolute
• 2 drops Galbanum essential oil
• 2 drops Neroli essential oil
• 1 drop Vetiver essential oil
• 10 ml Fractionated coconut oil

1. Oriental Lily

• 2 drops Madonna Lily absolute
• 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil
• 1 drop Vanilla CO2 extract
• 1 drop Ylang-ylang essential oil
• 10 ml Sweet almond oil

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) Recipes

Note: These recipes use synthetic Lily of the Valley accords or natural blends that mimic its scent.

1. Spring Bouquet
   • 3 drops Lily of the Valley accord
   • 2 drops Lemon essential oil
   • 1 drop Geranium essential oil
   • 1 drop Green apple accord
   • 10 ml Jojoba oil
2. Fresh Floral
   • 2 drops Lily of the Valley accord
   • 2 drops Freesia accord
   • 1 drop Bergamot essential oil
   • 1 drop Muguet accord
   • 10 ml Fractionated coconut oil
3. Woodland Lily
   • 2 drops Lily of the Valley accord
   • 1 drop Cedarwood essential oil
   • 1 drop Green accord
   • 1 drop Violet leaf absolute
   • 10 ml Sweet almond oil

These recipes highlight the differences between the two scents. Madonna Lily blends tend to be richer and more complex, 

while Lily of the Valley compositions are typically lighter and fresher. Always use caution when working with absolutes and synthetic fragrances, and perform patch tests before applying to skin.

• May cause skin sensitization - use at very low dilutions for dermal applications
• Toxic if ingested - not for internal use
• Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Perform a patch test before use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets