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Ambrette Seed Absolute

Item#: 509230  CAS: 8015-62-1   FEMA: 2051

Odor Strength: Medium
Odor Description: Dry woody musk amber hay tobacco

Ambrette seed oil is popularly used in fragrance as a vegan alternative to traditional musk.  The peculiar little seeds possess a pleasantly musky aroma when distilled into an oil.  The extract is found in formulations such as Dior Homme Intense, Beauty by Calvin Klein, and Le Labo Ambrette 9.

Ambrette seeds are formally known as Abelmoschus moschatus or Hibiscus mochatus.  They are also informally called muskmallow or musk seed.  Ambrette is native to Asia, but the shrub thrives in nearly any tropical climate.  The shrubby botanical is easily recognized by its large, pale yellow blooms.  These blooms give way to fuzzy seed pods, which contain the ambrette seeds.  Seed pods are typically harvested in March-April, with the exception of some regions in which they are harvested later in mid-summer time.

After harvest, the seeds are dried and crushed to prepare for steam distillation.  Steam distillation extracts the volatile oil and all of the floral muskiness that ambrette has to offer straight from the tiny seeds.  2-trans,6-trans-farnesyl acetate is the main constituent of ambrette oil, contributing to its trademark scent.

Ambrette smells musky and pleasant, sweet and floral; with a woody earthiness.   Some have praised ambrette seed oil for its ability to impart a subtly seductive “skin” like note to fragrances.  Like traditional musk, it blends well with vanilla, sandalwood, neroli, jasmine, and rose for warm feminine accords.  For masculine formulations, ambrette is formulated with amber, tobacco, cedar, vetiver, and dry florals like lavender.  Many perfumers have made the switch from true ambrette seed oil to more cost effective synthetic substitutes, namely ambrettolide.

Far before ambrette seeds were used to create high quality fragrances, they were revered in traditional Ayurvedic medicinal practices.  The seeds can be used to heal a variety of ailments: everything from an upset stomach to skin irritation!

Vigon’s Ambrette Seed Absolute

If you are interested in seeing a sample or placing an order, please email Nicholas Bourne at nbourne@vigon.com or call 570-422-6026.