1/3 oz

Evernia prunastri

Oakmoss is a lichen native to Cypress that has an earthy, slightly sweet fragrance. It is used as a fixative in perfumery. Its scent provides a sense of grounding and a sense of home, belonging and attachment. 

Our very fine Oakmoss Absolute is extracted in France and contains a low atranol content so that it meets international standards. Until recently, Oakmoss Absolutes have contained potential allergens with a high risk of skin sensitization. These are now currently restricted for use by the IFRA, but ours is IFRA-compliant (a conformity certificate is available upon request). The absolute is solvent and alcohol extracted from Evernia prunastri, a lichen that grows on mostly oak trees.1

As one customer review puts it, our Oakmoss Absolute conveys the aroma of a faerie wood – an apt phrase to describe the mysterious menagerie of moss, wood, decaying leaf, fungus, lichen, and damp earth notes that lend body, naturalness and excellent fixative value to almost all types of base note accords in perfumery. Although Oakmoss Absolute is soluble in alcohol, it is only partially soluble in fixed (carrier) oils.2 (solubility on COA needs to reflect this) It does impart its aroma to fixed (carrier) oils by gently heating both absolute and carrier oil separately before combining. When cooled, some solid matter may precipitate to the bottom, however the clear portion will be highly aromatic. Please also see special use instructions to blend.

PLEASE NOTE: Oakmoss Absolute is not recommended for therapeutic purposes; it is intended for use in perfumery only.

Aromatic Profile: Dry, earthy, bark and pine-like top notes over smooth, rich notes of moss, wood, decaying leaf, fungus, lichen, and damp earth; deep, mysterious and evocative, an excellent fixative with tremendous tenacity.

Appearance: Dark brown/purple (COA says this, or is it “Very dark greenish/brown”? I don’t have a current sample, please verify), semi-solid, pliable mass that must be slowly heated to become pourable; see special use instructions to blend.

Use: Natural Perfumery

Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your perfume blends until the desired effect is achieved.

Blends Well With: Ambrette Seed, Angelica, Bergamot, Carnation, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cistus, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Frankincense, Geranium, Galbanum, Hay, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Juniper, Labdanum, Laurel Leaf, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Orris Root, Osmanthus, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tobacco, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang.  In small amounts, Oakmoss Absolute “lends body and naturalness, rich pleasant undertones and high fixative value… and forms an important part of the notes in all fougère, chypre or moss perfumes.”3

Safety Considerations: Possible skin sensitization, therefore a maximum dermal use level of 0.1% is recommended; avoid use on sensitive, diseased or damaged skin and on children less than 2 years old.4 Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.

1 Rhind, Jennifer Peace. Fragrance and Wellbeing – Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche, 2014, p. 273.

2 Industry communication.

3 Arctander, Steffen.  Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 448.

4 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 368.

 The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. The information presented by Holistic Pathways is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essental oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.