Vetivert Java Essential Oil, 500 ml

Essential oil, vetiver Java

Vetiver Java is an essential oil from the roots of the grass Vetiveria zizanoides, obtained by steam distillation from plants grown in Asia. It is added to cosmetics and perfumery for its deep woody-earthy fragrance, which gives products an earthy and woody character. In skin and hair products it acts both as a fragrance component and as an active ingredient with an antioxidant effect, and according to the manufacturer, also with a soothing and balancing effect.

The oil is of cosmetic grade and vegetable origin. It contains no materials of animal origin, and the manufacturer describes it as vegan and not tested on animals.

What it smells like and where to use it

The fragrance is distinctive, earthy and woody. The manufacturer states that it evokes a feeling of grounding and relaxation, which is why the oil often appears in evening and relaxation products: in bath salts, body and massage oils or in candles. It is compatible with an alcohol base, so it can also be used in perfumes and eau de toilette.

Effects on skin and hair

According to the product parameters, the oil is among the substances with an antioxidant effect and is recommended especially for oily, problem and mature skin. In its materials, the manufacturer states that it has a soothing and balancing effect on the skin, helps to ease redness and the feeling of irritation, and leaves a slightly cooling sensation. The actual extent of these effects depends on the usage rate and on the composition of the finished product.

• Antioxidant effect – suitable for facial oils, serums and balms for mature skin.
• Oily and problem skin – the soothing and balancing effect stated by the manufacturer can be used in facial oils as well as in rinse-off facial products.
• Scalp and hair – in scalp oils and hair treatments it provides fragrance and, according to the manufacturer, helps the scalp feel soothed.

Use in formulations

The oil is added only in the cooling phase or afterwards to the finished base, at a temperature below 40 °C. An essential oil is a mixture of volatile components that would escape at a higher temperature and change the fragrance. In emulsions it is therefore incorporated after cooling, with constant stirring, and in balms just before pouring.

It dissolves in oils, butters and alcohol, but not in water. In anhydrous products (body oils, massage blends, balms, solid perfumes) it is enough to mix the oil in. In toners, bath salts with water or water-based sprays, a solubiliser must be added, otherwise the oil separates on the surface and both the fragrance and the dose will be uneven. It is also compatible with the alcohol base of perfumes and colognes.

The specific usage rate is governed by the IFRA limits for the given product category. The limits differ, for example, for leave-on facial products, body oils, rinse-off products or candles, so check the value for your type of product before production.

Suitable for products such as

• Body oils, balms and massage blends – anhydrous products where the oil is simply mixed into the oil phase.
• Facial oils and serums for oily and mature skin – makes use of the antioxidant effect and the balancing effect stated by the manufacturer.
• Foot and hand creams – added to the cooling phase of the emulsion.
• Scalp oils and hair treatments – as a fragrance and soothing component.
• Bath salts, bath bombs, shower gels – in a water-based environment with a solubiliser.
• Perfumes, solid perfumes, eau de toilette – an earthy, woody component of the composition in both alcohol and oil bases.
• Candles – a warm, earthy fragrance for container candles and classic candles alike.
• Household cleaning products – for scenting within the scope of the relevant IFRA categories.

Good to know

The product does not contain any of the fragrance allergens that must be listed on the label under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. When compiling the ingredient list of a finished product, this raw material therefore does not create an obligation to list individual allergens. It does not contain any food allergens either.

When making candles, we recommend checking how the fragrance behaves in the specific wax and at the specific usage rate with a test candle before producing the whole batch.

The oil is obtained without the use of GMOs, without treatment with ionising radiation and without residual solvents, and its origin is not subject to the CITES convention.

Frequently asked questions