Glossary
An absolute is a concentrated aromatic extract often produced with solvent extraction, especially for delicate flowers, resins, or materials that do not easily yield essential oil through steam distillation.
What Absolute Means
Absolutes are used in aromatherapy and natural perfumery, but they are not the same as steam-distilled essential oils. The extraction process usually involves a solvent stage and produces a rich, concentrated aromatic material with a scent profile that may be closer to the original plant material than some distilled oils.
Why It Matters
Absolutes can be beautiful and intense, but they need careful use. They may contain trace solvent residues within accepted standards, and their skin safety depends on the material, concentration, product type, and user. They should be diluted for topical use like other concentrated aromatic materials.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Rose absolute and jasmine absolute are common perfumery materials. They are often used in very small amounts because their aroma is rich, persistent, and expensive compared with many common essential oils.