Elemi Essential Oil, 500 ml

Elemi essential oil has a spicy, balsamic scent with resinous and woody undertones, and it is added to cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient. It is obtained by the steam distillation of the resin of the Canarium luzonicum tree, which grows in South-East Asia. Besides its scent, the manufacturer attributes a soothing and cooling effect on the skin to it, which is why it also appears in formulations for sensitive, problem and mature skin.

According to the manufacturer, it contains, among other things, elemicin and limonene, which contribute to its characteristic scent. It is used in perfumes, aromatherapy, massage oils, bath products and hair cosmetics.

What it is good for

• Product fragrance – its main function in a formulation. The spicy-balsamic character gives the product a warm, resinous undertone.
• Soothing the skin – the manufacturer states that it helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, which makes it interesting for sensitive and problem skin. Treat this as the manufacturer’s claim, not as a verified effect in the finished product.
• Cooling sensation – according to the manufacturer, it leaves a refreshing, cooling impression on the skin, which can be used in after-sun products or for irritated skin.
• Scalp care – in hair products it adds a resinous-woody scent. The manufacturer recommends it for shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and scalp products for a refreshing feel during application.
• Aromatherapy and diffusers – on its own or in blends, where its clearing, invigorating scent is valued.

In the product parameters you will also find further effects, for example antioxidant, antimicrobial and regenerating. How strongly they show in the finished product depends on the usage rate and the whole formulation. They therefore serve as a guide when choosing the ingredient, not as a guarantee of the result.

Use in a formulation

In emulsions, elemi is added during the cooling phase, when the temperature of the mixture drops below 40 °C. The oil is a mixture of volatile compounds and part of the scent evaporates at higher temperatures. In anhydrous products such as body oils, balms and butters, it is mixed into the finished oil phase.

Close the container with the finished mixture, as well as the container with the oil itself, immediately after use so that the volatile components do not evaporate.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial serums, creams and toners – as a fragrance ingredient with a soothing character for sensitive, problem and mature skin.
• Body oils, balms and milks – the warm balsamic scent and cooling feel on the skin come into their own.
• Shower gels and bath products – in rinse-off products the scent is released by warm water and steam.
• Shampoos, conditioners and hair oils – for a refreshed scalp and a resinous-woody scent in the hair.
• Aromatherapy blends and diffusers – on its own or in combination with other essential oils.

The oil is intended for leave-on and rinse-off products for the face, body, hair and scalp. For other types of product, for example deodorants or lip products, follow the IFRA limit for the given category.

Good to know

Elemi is classified under the CLP Regulation and contains hazardous substances. Details of the classification and safe handling are in the safety data sheet (SDS) for the product. The product is also classified as CMR under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and contains one or more components with this classification. In cosmetics, therefore, work with it within the IFRA limits and with regard to the information in the SDS.

During preparation, do not work with the oil at temperatures above 40 °C; the volatile fragrance components would evaporate and the character of the scent would change.

The product is of plant origin, free from GMO ingredients, free from parabens and was not tested on animals for cosmetic purposes. No raw materials from species protected by the CITES convention were used in its production.

Frequently asked questions