Ambrette Seed – Nature’s musk substitute

When does a plant represent an animal?  When you are Ambrette Seed, one of the best musk substitutes in the world of fragrances.

Related to hibiscus, okra and cotton, this top-selling essential oil from our French supplier, Payan Bertrand, is used as a light musk base for delicate floras and adds a musky odour to exotic, oriental perfumes.  Did we also mention it is said to act as an aphrodisiac?… Could be because its very soft, delicately sweet scent is very reminiscent of human skin.

Another reason to promote this warm scent in the depths of a cold winter is because this raw material is undergoing its second harvest (the main harvest period is between June and September when seeds turn to brownish colour).  Distilled from the dried kidney-shaped seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus shrub (synonyms: Hibiscus mochatus, musk mallow and musk seed) in Asia and other tropical areas, the final product acts as a fixative or a base note in fine fragrances.

Available as an essential oil, absolute and CO² extraction, the oil is strong and animalic while the CO² quality is soft, slightly powdery and woodier. The absolute is the sweetest of all and has a very subtle aroma that is oily and slightly vinegar-like but, once matured, becomes sweet and floral.

Very popular in the Middle-East, the seeds are also placed in coffee or chewed for their freshness.  In addition to brightening a “cuppa”, when the raw material is used in topical blends, Ambrette Seed is said to be helpful in reducing anxiety, aches and poor circulation.

Zanos supplies Ambrette Seed and other 100% natural and organic ingredients from our trusted supplier, Payan Bertrand, based in Grasse.  As well as other natural ingredients, we have also been distributing in competitively-priced aroma chemicals for nearly 20 years.

We are happy to help you find what you are looking for.  Email webenquiries@zanos.co.uk or speak to our Sales Specialists on 01565 755899.