List of Absolutes Used in Aromatherapy and/or Natural Perfumery
Within the scope of aromatherapy, steam distilled essential oils are primarily used. However absolutes are also used at times, primarily for emotional and spiritual wellness applications. Absolutes are also widely used within natural perfumer applications.
If you're not sure what an Absolute is, this guide is for you!
Guide: Introduction to AbsolutesSo many precious and exquisite absolutes are available. Often exotic florals like Jasmine, Tuberose, Pink Lotus or Champaca are the first to come to mind when thinking about absolutes. Deep, earthy absolutes such as Tobacco Leaf and Hay are also available. Beeswax is even solvent extracted to produce a delicately aromatic Beeswax Absolute that is wonderful for use within perfumery applications.
As with essential oils, it is very important to research the safety information for each absolute that you want to consider using.
Tip: Always verify whether the aromatic that you are considering working with is an essential oil or an absolute.
List of Absolutes Profiled on AromaWeb
Ambrette Seed Absolute
Abelmoschus moschatus /
Hibiscus abelmoschus
Geranium Absolute
Pelargonium graveolens / Pelargonium asperum
This profile primarily pertains to Geranium Essential Oil. However, there is a section pertaining to Geranium Absolute.
Lavender Absolute
Lavandula angustifolia / Lavandula officinalis
This profile primarily pertains to Lavender Essential Oil. However, there is a section pertaining to Lavender Absolute.
More Absolutes
More absolutes exist that aren't profiled (yet) on AromaWeb. Below is a quick list of some of them:
- Carnation
- Champaca
- Cistus / Labdanum Absolute
- Clary Sage
- Hay
- Lavender
- Orange Blossom
- Osmanthus
- Pink Lotus
- White Lotus
Lastly, some botanicals that are commonly available as essential oils are also available as absolutes. These absolutes tend to be primarily used in perfumery and fragrancing applications.
General Safety Information
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Shelf Life
Important Information About the Profiles
The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for basic educational purposes only. The references to safety information, test results, constituents and percentages is generalized information. Essential oils can vary greatly in composition. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil composition and color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several CO2 Extracts and absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.