Cistus Absolute (Labdanum) - Cistus ladaniferus

Cistus Absolute, also known as Labdanum Absolute, is a rich, amber-resinous raw material obtained from the gum-resin of Cistus ladaniferus (rockrose), a wild Mediterranean shrub native to Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, and Morocco. The sticky resin exuded by the plant's leaves and twigs is gathered from the wild branches, then refined through solvent extraction into this deep, complex absolute that has been prized in perfumery for centuries.

Its aroma is warm and enveloping: a sweet, slightly green resinous freshness opens into a rich amber-leather heart, settling into a soft, animalic base reminiscent of ambergris and castoreum, with hints of dried fruit, honey, and caramel.

In fine fragrance creation, this absolute works as a foundational base note and exceptional fixative, extending the life of a composition while giving it warmth, depth, and old-world character. It's a cornerstone of chypre, oriental, fougère, and leather accords, and a valued natural alternative to animal-derived amber and musk materials.

Olfactory profile

• Top: green, slightly sweet resinous freshness
• Heart: warm amber-leather
• Base: animalic, ambergris-like, honeyed depth

Perfumery use

• Base note / fixative for chypre, oriental, fougère and leather accords
• A natural alternative to ambergris and castoreum

Specifications

• Botanical name: Cistus ladaniferus (Rockrose)
• Origin: Mediterranean region (Spain, Portugal, Greece, Morocco)
• Extraction: solvent extraction of the gum-resin → resinoid → absolute
• Appearance: dark brown, viscous paste; solidifies when cool — gently warm before use; soluble in alcohol, oils, and warm waxes

This product is offered as a professional perfumery raw material, not a finished cosmetic. It should be diluted and incorporated into fragrance formulas following IFRA guidelines, and should never be applied undiluted directly to the skin. Ask us for the current IFRA certificate to confirm the exact usage limit for your product category.