What are Some of the Costliest Fragrance Ingredient

17 April 2023

What are Some of the Costliest Perfume Ingredient?
Fragrances can make you fall in love with them with their beautiful scent but the cost of some of these fragrances we love can be very heart-stopping! Let us explore what and why these fragrance ingredients could possibly puncture a big hole our wallets and pockets!

Several fragrance ingredients are considered to be among the costliest due to their rarity, extraction methods, and the labor-intensive processes required to obtain them. Some of the costliest fragrance ingredients include:

1. Orris Root: Derived from the rhizomes of the iris plant, orris root is known for its powdery and violet-like aroma. The extraction process involves drying the rhizomes for several years, which contributes to its high cost.
   
2. Agarwood (Oud): Agarwood is a resinous wood formed in certain species of trees in response to fungal infection. The distinctive and complex aroma of agarwood makes it highly sought after in perfumery, but the rarity of trees producing agarwood contributes to its high price.
   
3. Rose Oil (Rose Otto): Rose oil is extracted from rose petals, and it takes a large quantity of roses to produce a small amount of oil. The labor-intensive process of hand-harvesting and steam distillation contributes to its high cost.
   
4. Sandalwood Oil: Sandalwood oil is obtained from the heartwood of sandalwood trees. The slow growth of these trees and the increasing demand for their aromatic wood have led to a rise in its cost.
   
5. Jasmine Absolute: Jasmine absolute is extracted from jasmine flowers through solvent extraction. The delicate nature of jasmine flowers and the large quantity required to produce a small amount of absolute contribute to its high price.
   
6. Ambergris: Ambergris is a rare substance that forms in the intestines of sperm whales. It is known for its unique, musky aroma and is often used as a fixative in perfumery. The rarity of ambergris contributes to its high cost.
   
7. Natural Musk: Musk is obtained from the musk gland of certain animals, such as musk deer. However, due to ethical and conservation concerns, natural musk is now rarely used in perfumery. Synthetic alternatives are more common.
   
8. Narcissus Absolute: Narcissus absolute is derived from the flowers of the narcissus plant. The extraction process is challenging and requires a large quantity of flowers, contributing to its high cost.
   
9. Vetiver Oil: Vetiver oil is obtained from the roots of the vetiver grass. The roots are deeply buried, making their extraction labor-intensive. Additionally, vetiver's rich and earthy aroma makes it a valuable ingredient in perfumery.
   
10. Saffron: Saffron, while more commonly associated with cooking, is also used in perfumery. It is derived from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower and is one of the most expensive spices due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and its low yield.
    

Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is a highly valuable and sought-after fragrance ingredient due to its unique aroma and the challenges associated with its production. Here's a more in-depth look at sandalwood oil and the reasons behind its high cost:
Sandalwood Tree and Growth Process: Sandalwood oil is primarily extracted from the heartwood of sandalwood trees, primarily species like Santalum album (Indian sandalwood) and Santalum spicatum (Australian sandalwood). These trees are slow-growing and require a significant amount of time to reach maturity and develop the aromatic heartwood that is suitable for oil extraction.
Extraction Process: The extraction of sandalwood oil involves several intricate steps. The heartwood is first harvested, usually through sustainable practices to ensure the long-term survival of sandalwood trees. The heartwood is then subjected to various processing methods to extract the essential oil. The two main methods of extraction are steam distillation and solvent extraction.

• Steam Distillation: This is the most common method for extracting sandalwood oil. The heartwood is chipped or powdered and then subjected to steam distillation to release the aromatic compounds. The resulting steam, which carries the oil, is condensed and separated, yielding the essential oil.
• Solvent Extraction: In this method, a solvent is used to extract the aromatic compounds from the heartwood. The solvent is then removed, leaving behind a concentrated oil extract. This method is often used to extract oil from lower-grade wood that might not yield as much oil through steam distillation.

Challenges and Costs: The high cost of sandalwood oil can be attributed to several factors:

1. Slow Growth and Limited Supply: Sandalwood trees grow slowly, often taking several decades to develop enough heartwood for oil extraction. This slow growth means that the supply of mature sandalwood trees is limited, leading to scarcity.
2. Demand vs. Supply Imbalance: Sandalwood oil has been used for centuries in perfumery, religious rituals, and traditional medicine. The increasing demand for this prized oil, especially in luxury perfumes and cosmetics, has placed additional pressure on the already limited supply.
3. Conservation Efforts: Due to the overexploitation of sandalwood trees for their heartwood, many species of sandalwood are now endangered or threatened. Conservation efforts have led to stricter regulations on harvesting and trading sandalwood, further impacting its availability and driving up costs.
4. Sustainability Practices: Sustainable harvesting and cultivation of sandalwood trees are essential to ensure a long-term supply of this precious resource. These practices, while important for the environment and the species' survival, can lead to increased costs in terms of management and cultivation.
5. Quality Considerations: The quality of sandalwood oil varies based on factors like the age of the tree, the part of the tree used, and the extraction method. Higher-quality oils, obtained from older heartwood and through steam distillation, command a higher price.

Sandalwood oil's high cost is a result of its slow growth, limited supply, increasing demand, conservation efforts, sustainability considerations, and the complex extraction processes involved. These factors combined contribute to its status as one of the most expensive fragrance ingredients in the world.

Natural Musk:
Musk is obtained from the musk gland of certain animals, such as musk deer. However, due to ethical and conservation concerns, natural musk is now rarely used in perfumery. Synthetic alternatives are more common. Musk is a complex and highly prized fragrance ingredient known for its rich, warm, and animalic aroma. Traditionally, musk was obtained from the musk gland of certain animals, particularly the musk deer. The gland produces a substance called musk that was historically used in perfumery as a fixative, enhancing the longevity and depth of fragrances.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns: The use of natural musk has raised various ethical and conservation concerns:

1. Animal Welfare: Musk deer and other animals that produce musk have been hunted for centuries to obtain their musk glands. This practice has resulted in significant harm to these species, often leading to population decline and even endangerment.
2. Conservation: Musk deer populations have suffered due to overhunting, habitat loss, and illegal trade. Several musk deer species are now considered endangered, prompting conservation efforts to protect these animals.
3. Cruelty: The extraction of natural musk can involve invasive and often painful procedures for the animals. This raises concerns about animal cruelty and welfare.
4. Sustainability: The demand for natural musk far exceeded the sustainable supply, contributing to the depletion of these animal populations.

Synthetic Musk: In response to these ethical and environmental concerns, the perfume industry has largely shifted towards synthetic alternatives to natural musk. Synthetic musks are chemical compounds designed to replicate the scent of natural musk without the need to harvest or harm animals. These synthetic musks are created through various chemical processes and can mimic the aroma of natural musk while offering greater control over scent profiles.
Advantages of Synthetic Musk: Using synthetic musks in perfumery offers several benefits:

1. Ethical Considerations: Synthetic musks eliminate the need to harm animals for their musk glands, aligning with modern ethical standards.
2. Consistency: Synthetic musks can be engineered to provide consistent scent profiles, which can be challenging with natural musk due to variations in animal diets and gland secretions.
3. Sustainability: By reducing reliance on natural resources, the fragrance industry contributes to the preservation of animal species and ecosystems.
4. Customization: Perfumers can tailor synthetic musks to achieve specific scent effects, giving them more creative freedom.

Types of Synthetic Musk: There are various types of synthetic musks, including nitro musks, polycyclic musks, and macrocyclic musks. Each type has its unique aromatic characteristics and is used in different combinations to achieve desired fragrance compositions.
In conclusion, the transition from natural musk to synthetic alternatives in the perfume industry reflects a growing awareness of ethical and conservation concerns. Synthetic musks provide a way to create captivating fragrances without contributing to the harm of animals or the environment.

Narcissus Absolute:
Narcissus absolute is derived from the flowers of the narcissus plant. The extraction process is challenging and requires a large quantity of flowers, contributing to its high cost. Narcissus absolute is a highly aromatic substance extracted from the flowers of the narcissus plant (Narcissus spp.). The narcissus plant is renowned for its captivating fragrance and is commonly associated with spring due to its vibrant and colorful blossoms. The extraction of narcissus absolute is indeed a complex and labor-intensive process, which contributes to its relatively high cost.
The extraction process involves using solvent extraction or enfleurage techniques to capture the intricate aroma of the flowers. The primary steps include:

1. Harvesting: Narcissus flowers are carefully harvested at a specific stage of their development to ensure the highest quality fragrance compounds are present.
   
2. Solvent Extraction: In this method, a solvent (often hexane or a similar organic solvent) is used to extract the aromatic compounds from the flowers. The flowers are typically submerged in the solvent, which gradually absorbs the fragrant molecules over time. This mixture is then filtered to separate the solvent from the extract.
   
3. Removal of Solvent: The solvent is then removed from the extract, usually through a distillation process, leaving behind a concentrated substance known as the absolute.
   
4. Enfleurage (Alternative Method): Enfleurage is an older technique used to capture fragrances from delicate flowers. In this method, a fat or oil is used to absorb the aromatic compounds from the flowers. The process involves placing the flowers on sheets of fat, and over time, the fat absorbs the fragrance. The fat is then washed with alcohol to separate the aromatic compounds, and the alcohol is evaporated to obtain the absolute.
   

Due to the labor-intensive nature of the extraction process and the substantial quantity of flowers required to produce a small amount of absolute, narcissus absolute is considered a precious and costly ingredient in the field of perfumery and aromatherapy. Its complex and rich floral scent, often described as intoxicating and captivating, makes it a sought-after addition to high-end perfumes and fragrances.

Vetiver Oil:
Vetiver oil is obtained from the roots of the vetiver grass. The roots are deeply buried, making their extraction labor-intensive. Additionally, vetiver's rich and earthy aroma makes it a valuable ingredient in perfumery.
Vetiver oil is a distinctive essential oil extracted from the roots of the vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), a perennial plant native to India and other tropical regions. This essential oil is renowned for its deep, rich, and earthy aroma, making it a popular and valuable ingredient in the perfume and fragrance industry.
The process of extracting vetiver oil is indeed labor-intensive and involves several steps:

1. Harvesting: The vetiver grass is typically harvested when it reaches maturity, which usually takes about 18 to 24 months. The roots, which contain the aromatic compounds, are the primary target for extraction.
   
2. Cleaning: After harvesting, the roots are thoroughly cleaned to remove soil, debris, and other impurities. This step is crucial to ensure the quality and purity of the extracted oil.
   
3. Drying: Cleaned roots are then usually dried to reduce moisture content. This helps prevent the growth of mold or bacteria during the extraction process.
   
4. Distillation: The most common method used to extract vetiver oil is steam distillation. The dried roots are placed in a distillation apparatus where steam is passed through them. The steam vaporizes the aromatic compounds present in the roots. The vapor is then condensed, resulting in a mixture of water and essential oil. The oil, being less dense than water, floats on the surface and can be separated.
   
5. Separation: After distillation, the mixture of water and essential oil is collected. Since oil and water do not mix, the essential oil can be separated from the water through a separation process, usually involving a separator funnel.
   
6. Aging: Vetiver oil, like many essential oils, can benefit from a period of aging. During this time, the oil's aroma matures and becomes more complex. This aging process can range from a few months to a year or more, depending on the desired quality.
   

Vetiver oil's unique and complex fragrance, characterized by its earthy, woody, and smoky notes, makes it a prized ingredient in perfumery. It is often used as a base note in many perfumes, providing depth and longevity to fragrances. Apart from its aromatic qualities, vetiver oil is also valued for its potential therapeutic properties, which include relaxation, stress relief, and grounding effects in aromatherapy.
Due to the labor-intensive extraction process and the amount of plant material required to produce a relatively small amount of oil, vetiver oil can be relatively expensive. However, its unique fragrance profile and potential benefits make it a sought-after essential oil in various industries.

Saffron:
Saffron, while more commonly associated with cooking, is also used in perfumery. It is derived from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower and is one of the most expensive spices due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and its low yield. Saffron is a highly prized spice that is derived from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower, scientifically known as Crocus sativus. While saffron is most well-known for its culinary uses, it is indeed used in various other industries, including perfumery.
In perfumery, saffron is valued for its unique and complex aroma. It contributes a warm, slightly bitter, and hay-like fragrance that adds depth and richness to perfumes. The distinct scent of saffron makes it a sought-after ingredient for creating luxurious and exotic fragrances.
The process of obtaining saffron is labor-intensive and contributes to its high cost:

1. Harvesting: Saffron crocus flowers bloom for only a short period of time, usually in the autumn. Each flower produces three vivid red stigmas, which are the part of the flower used to make saffron. These stigmas need to be carefully hand-harvested at the right moment when the flowers are in full bloom.
   
2. Hand-Picking: The delicate saffron stigmas are hand-picked from each flower. This process requires precision and careful handling to avoid damaging the stigmas.
   
3. Drying: Once harvested, the saffron stigmas are dried to preserve their flavor, aroma, and color. The drying process is crucial to prevent the growth of mold or spoilage.
   
4. Processing: After drying, the saffron stigmas are often further processed and sometimes ground into a fine powder. The powdered saffron can be used in both culinary and perfumery applications.
   

Due to the labor-intensive nature of saffron cultivation and harvesting, as well as the fact that each flower produces only a small number of stigmas, saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world by weight. Its high cost reflects the amount of effort and time required to produce even a small quantity of saffron.
In perfumery, saffron is used as a precious and captivating ingredient to create unique scent compositions. Its ability to provide warmth, depth, and complexity makes it an attractive option for perfumers looking to craft distinctive fragrances that stand out. Keep in mind that the information I provided is based on my knowledge up until September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes since that time.

Ambergris 

Ambergris is also known as the oxidized form of the sperm whale’s by-product and can be found floating on oceans inhabited by them. This ingredient exists due to the whale not being able to ingest the hardy parts of some sea creatures in their intestines, such as the beaks of the squid. Therefore, to protect their intestines, the sperm whales secretes and layers these hardy parts with a fatty substance, eventually excreting them out. Like how rare we are able to observe and sight whales, this ingredient is expensive due to its scarcity. One small lump of it can easily cost a few thousands of dollars! Their scent profile gives off a marine-like, and oceanic sweetness produces a watery, unique and pleasant-smelling fragrance that many cannot get enough of causing also a demand in this fragrance market.

What is Ambergris: Ambergris is a waxy, greyish substance that is formed in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is thought to be a secretion produced by the whale's intestines to protect them from the sharp beaks of squid and other indigestible items they might consume. Over time, this secretion accumulates and hardens, eventually being expelled by the whale through its feces.
Formation Process: When the waxy substance is initially secreted, it's soft and dark in color. As it floats on the ocean's surface, it undergoes a natural process of oxidation and exposure to sunlight, which transforms its color to a lighter shade of grey or even a pale white. This aging process is what gives ambergris its distinctive scent and character.
Scent Profile: Ambergris is highly valued in the perfume industry for its unique scent profile. It's often described as having a marine, oceanic, and slightly musky aroma. The scent is complex and evolves over time, which makes it a valuable ingredient for perfumers looking to create sophisticated and enduring fragrances.
Use in Perfumery: Ambergris has been used in perfumery for centuries, prized for its ability to enhance and prolong the scent of fragrances. Its scent has a fixative quality, meaning it helps to stabilize and anchor other fragrance ingredients, allowing the perfume to last longer on the skin. It can also add a depth and warmth to a fragrance composition.
Scarcity and Cost: Ambergris is relatively rare, and its scarcity contributes to its high cost. It's not easy to find, as it can wash up on beaches or be found floating on the surface of the ocean. Due to increasing awareness about environmental conservation and ethical concerns regarding the sourcing of ambergris, synthetic alternatives are being developed by the fragrance industry to mimic its scent without relying on the natural substance.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: The use of natural ambergris raises ethical questions due to its origin from sperm whales, an endangered species. Regulations surrounding its use vary from country to country, with some banning its trade entirely or allowing its use only if it's sourced legally and sustainably.
In recent years, there's also been a shift toward using synthetic or alternative ingredients in perfumery due to concerns about the impact on wildlife and conservation efforts. These alternatives aim to replicate the scent of ambergris without relying on the rare and potentially controversial natural substance.

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Jasmine 

Despite how popular and common jasmine seemingly is, what you see most frequently outside is jasmine oil in its synthetic or diluted form because the actual real deal is very costly. One would need at least thousands of jasmine flowers to extract and produce a meager amount of 1ml of its essential oil. In addition, due to the fact that the fragrance is most intense at daybreak, to obtain a better-quality jasmine fragrance oil, jasmine flower picking only starts and ends from around dawn to late morning. All the labor-intensive work adds up, low production yield and time factors to pluck jasmine are what made jasmine oil so expensive. However, with research, jasmine fragrance is now made more widely available as it can now be chemically synthesized, thus making it cheaper to source.
 
Jasmine and its Production: Jasmine is a beloved flower known for its intoxicating and alluring fragrance. The flowers are primarily used to extract essential oil, which is highly valued in the perfume industry for its rich, floral scent. However, as you mentioned, the process of obtaining jasmine oil is labor-intensive and resource-consuming.
Flower Yield and Extraction: Jasmine flowers are delicate and fragile, and their fragrance is most potent during the early hours of the day. This means that the flowers need to be harvested at the right time to capture their full fragrance. The extraction process involves either steam distillation or solvent extraction to capture the aromatic compounds from the flowers. However, due to the small amount of essential oil present in each flower, a large number of flowers are required to produce a relatively small amount of oil.
Yield and Cost: The yield of jasmine essential oil is indeed very low. It takes a vast quantity of jasmine flowers to produce even a small amount of oil. Estimates suggest that it can take around 8,000 to 10,000 hand-picked jasmine blossoms to produce just 1 gram of essential oil. This rarity and low yield directly contribute to the high cost of genuine jasmine oil.
Time and Labor Intensity: The time-sensitive nature of jasmine picking, where the flowers are at their most fragrant during the early morning hours, adds to the labor and effort required. The flowers must be hand-picked carefully to preserve their quality and fragrance.
Synthetic Jasmine Fragrance: Due to the challenges in sourcing and the high cost of natural jasmine oil, the fragrance industry turned to synthetic alternatives. Advances in chemistry have made it possible to replicate the scent of jasmine using synthetic molecules. These synthetic versions aim to mimic the aroma of natural jasmine and provide perfumers with a more affordable and consistent option.
Accessibility and Availability: As you noted, the availability of synthetic jasmine fragrance has made this beloved scent more accessible to a wider range of consumers. While nothing can replace the complexity and nuances of natural jasmine, the synthetic versions provide an option for those who might not otherwise be able to afford the genuine essential oil.
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Rose 

Rose like jasmine oils can be easily found sold in the market but the unadulterated rose oil is cost a lot as well. For similar reasons as jasmine, it requires a lot of manpower to harvest a large quantity (~60,000) of rose petal to produce a product of about 30ml of rose oil; which only amount to about 2 tablespoons!
Therefore, what you may typically see widely sold on the shelves of the market are the more affordable ones and mostly contain diluted rose oil. If you are thinking of buying the pure and undiluted rose oil, 1 ml (0.03oz) of rose oil can cost up to $100.
 
The production of high-quality rose oil involves a meticulous and labor-intensive process that contributes to its relatively high cost. Let's delve deeper into the details of rose oil production and its economic implications.

1. Harvesting Rose Petals: The primary source of rose oil is the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) and the Centifolia rose (Rosa centifolia). These varieties are known for their exquisite fragrance and therapeutic properties. However, obtaining rose oil requires a massive quantity of rose petals. For instance, it takes around 60,000 roses to produce just 30 milliliters (about 1 fluid ounce) of rose oil. This remarkable number underscores the labor-intensive nature of rose oil production.
   
2. Extraction Methods: The most common methods for extracting rose oil are steam distillation and solvent extraction. Steam distillation involves passing steam through the rose petals to release their essential oils, which are then collected and condensed. Solvent extraction, on the other hand, uses a solvent to dissolve the essential oils from the petals. The solvent is subsequently removed, leaving behind the concentrated rose oil.
   
3. Concentration and Purity: Rose oil is highly concentrated, and a little goes a long way due to its intense aroma and therapeutic effects. This concentration contributes to the high price of the oil. Additionally, the purity of the oil affects its cost. Genuine, unadulterated rose oil commands a premium due to the painstaking process involved in its production and the quality of the end product.
   
4. Labor Costs: The labor-intensive process of harvesting rose petals and extracting the oil significantly impacts the cost. Gathering such a large number of petals by hand requires skilled labor, and the meticulous extraction process further requires attention and expertise.
   
5. Market Dynamics: The demand for rose oil is driven by its widespread use in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and even culinary applications. This demand, coupled with the limited supply due to the resource-intensive nature of production, contributes to the high price of genuine rose oil.
   
6. Diluted vs. Pure Oils: As you've mentioned, many commercially available rose oil products are diluted to make them more affordable for a broader range of consumers. These diluted versions might not have the same potency or aroma as pure rose oil. Therefore, individuals seeking the full benefits of rose oil often opt for pure and undiluted versions, which come at a premium.
   
7. Quality Assurance: Given the potential for adulteration or mislabeling in the essential oil market, consumers are advised to source their rose oil from reputable and transparent suppliers. Quality assurance and purity testing can provide confidence that the purchased oil is indeed genuine and unadulterated.
   

In summary, the high cost of rose oil is the result of various factors, including the labor-intensive process of harvesting petals, the large quantity required, the extraction methods, the concentration and purity of the oil, and market dynamics. While pure rose oil may come with a significant price tag, its aromatic and therapeutic qualities make it a valuable ingredient in various industries and applications.
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Orris 

Orris is obtained from the bulbs of sweet iris flowers. Despite how easy it looks to extract this fragrance it is actually excruciatingly time-consuming. The bulbs are left in a cool and dry place for about 3 - 5years to mature for the fragrance to be more concentrated as freshly plucked iris blubs are unscented. This fragrance substance that is produced is also known as irone, and more irone will be formed as more time passes, hence, intensifying the scent. The entire years long process only produces a meager amount of 2kg of Orris essential oil per 1 ton of iris bulbs. Therefore, making it a highly expensive ingredient.
 
​Orris, also known as Orris root or Iris germanica, is indeed a prized ingredient in perfumery and cosmetics due to its unique fragrance and versatility. Let's dive deeper into the details of Orris production and its associated challenges.

1. Maturation Process: As you mentioned, the process of obtaining Orris essential oil is not as straightforward as it might seem. The bulbs of the sweet iris flowers need to undergo a lengthy maturation process of about 3 to 5 years. During this time, the bulbs are stored in a cool and dry environment. This extended maturation period allows the bulbs to develop the distinct fragrance compounds that are absent in freshly plucked bulbs.
   
2. Fragrance Concentration: The fragrance compound produced in Orris is called irone. Over the years of maturation, more irone is formed, leading to an intensification of the scent. This natural transformation is a key factor in the high-quality aroma associated with Orris essential oil.
   
3. Extraction Method: The extraction of Orris essential oil involves steam distillation of the dried and matured Orris rhizomes (bulbs). The oil extracted from these rhizomes carries the concentrated fragrance of the plant.
   
4. Yield and Scarcity: The extensive maturation period and the low yield per ton of iris bulbs contribute to the scarcity and high cost of Orris essential oil. As you mentioned, the entire years-long process only yields a small amount of essential oil, around 2 kilograms per ton of iris bulbs. This scarcity, combined with the labor-intensive process and the specialized knowledge required, drives up the price of the oil.
   
5. Perfumery and Cosmetic Applications: Orris essential oil is highly valued in the fragrance industry for its powdery, floral, and woody scent. It's often used as a fixative and base note in perfumes, providing depth and longevity to fragrances. Additionally, Orris finds applications in cosmetics, soaps, and other personal care products due to its unique aroma and potential skincare benefits.
   
6. Artisanal Craftsmanship: The labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of Orris production ties into the concept of artisanal craftsmanship in the fragrance industry. Perfumers and manufacturers that prioritize quality over quantity often seek out rare and precious ingredients like Orris to create distinctive and luxurious products.
   

Orris essential oil's high cost is a result of the intricate and patient process required to develop its fragrance compounds, the limited yield per ton of iris bulbs, and its demand in the fragrance and cosmetic industries. This precious oil is a testament to the artistry and dedication involved in producing unique and high-quality fragrance ingredients.

Oud

Typically, oud fragrance ingredient is harvested from the resin of agar trees originated from Southeast Asia. However, the problem is how rare this resin ingredient is.
This resin is only formed if a certain type of mold is infested on the agar tree and the resin is judged as ready for harvesting only when the fungus is 8 to 12 years old! To add on to its rarity ranking, only 2% of wild agar trees produce this resinous fragrance ingredient, oud.
 
Factors that makes these fragrances so expensive are its scarcity level, its low yield produced, manpower and maintenance cost.
If you want to have a sniff of what these costly ingredients may smell like, you could opt to attend a perfume workshop and even create a personalized perfume containing the scent of these fragrance ingredients!
 
The links below is a perfume workshop that you can book to attend to help guide you through the perfume making process and allow you to have a full, fun and exciting learning experience!

Join Scentopia, Sentosa's latest tourist attraction wonderful orchid scent crafting, fragrance tour, bridal shower or corporate team building which includes perfume making onsite and offsite, beach activities and more. We also serve primary school learning journey, secondary students and pupil on industrial excursions. Know more about our orchids perfume bar or therapeutic orchid scents and other wellness aromas. Conatct Perfume workshop or book a scent crafting session here.