Perfume absolutes, exceptional raw materials

Perfume absolute is the most precious extract of plant matter. Like essential oil, it is a highly concentrated extract of plant material. Very similar to essential oil, what sets it apart is the complex technique used to obtain the absolute. This makes it both rare and expensive. Discover all the secrets of absolutes in this article.

How is the absolute produced?

Perfume absolute is a fragrance derived from plant material (seed, flower, bark, wood or root, for example). It is the highest concentration of perfume. Unlike essential oils, it is obtained by extraction using volatile solvents (ethanol, methanol, benzene or carbon dioxide). Essential oil is obtained by hydro-distillation of the plant.

There are two extraction methods:

Extraction by maceration

The plant is macerated in a volatile solvent. It is "washed" several times to extract the fragrant molecules. It is then decanted and distilled. The result is a thick paste called a concrete. This is macerated in alcohol. All the odorant molecules are extracted. After filtration, the evaporated alcohol yields the sought-after absolute.

Grease

The absolute can be obtained by transferring the odors of the vegetable raw material into fat. The material is then washed to extract the fragrant components. The result is perfume absolute.

 

 

Absolutes in perfumery

Unlike essential oils, absolutes cannot be used in aromatherapy due to their very high concentration. Absolutes are rarely sold pure. They are generally diluted in alcohol and used in the manufacture of perfumes, eaux de parfum andeaux de toilette. One liter of absolute makes around 3,000 liters of perfume.

Absolutes at Panier des Sens

Grasse perfumery and its ancestral know-how are showcased in our range of skincare products with fragrance absolutes. A land of flowers overlooking the Côte d'Azur, Grasse is recognized by UNESCO as the world capital of perfumery for the transformation of natural raw materials and the quality of its essences and creations. Extracted cold, like an elixir, the absolute used in our Eaux de Toilette concentrates all the facets of the plant in a precious, highly concentrated floral fragrance.

At the heart of our skincare formulas in our Les Absolues collection, olive oil is a veritable jewel recognized for its cosmetic virtues. It nourishes, softens, tones, protects, revitalizes and promotes cell renewal.

 

3 emblematic fragrances

Orange Blossom Absolute: emblematic of Provence, Bigaradier Orange Blossom is one of the essential raw materials of Haute Parfumerie Grassoise. Picked in the early spring, it exudes a unique, bewitchingly sunny scent. Its hesperidic freshness echoes the radiance of the Mediterranean, a veritable ode to light and lightness.

 

Discover our Orange Blossom collection, up to 97% natural!

L'absolue Precious Jasmine : a powdery, generous trail. Gathered in August at first light, its immaculate flowers deliver a bewitching, powdery, slightly fruity fragrance. The small, delicate flowers of Jasmine Grandiflorum were already being used in the 16th century by Grasse's master glove-makers and perfumers. This plant jewel soon became a staple of perfumers' palettes, and was at the heart of Grasse horticulture.

Discover our collection at Precious Jasmine up to 97% natural!

Geranium Rosat absolute: an intense, floral trail. Geranium has a particularly fine pink scent, both suave and powerful, very similar to that of the rose. What sets it apart is its light green, lemony notes. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, Geranium was first used for medicinal purposes. It was soon used in perfumery for the fragrant properties of its leaves and stems.

Discover our up to 97% natural Rose Geranium collection!

Les Absolues in the spotlight for our 20th anniversary

Panier des Sens is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! For this occasion, in collaboration with the Musée International de la Parfumerie, we have created a collector's box comprising 3 Eaux de Toilette roll-on scents, with Geranium Rosat, Precious Jasmine and Orange Blossom absolutes, emblematic of Provence, presented in a metal case.

As you may have guessed, the absolute is the most precious essence of the plant raw material, the jewel of haute parfumerie. Our fragrances are created in Grasse, the cradle of world perfumery. Exclusive to the brand, they are designed around exceptional natural raw materials. Sublimated by the master perfumers of Grasse, they are at the heart of every composition in our collection of fragrance absolutes.