Costus Root Absolute Oil - Saussurea costus

Saussurea costus · Warm Earthy Root (CITES / Restricted)

Costus Root Absolute is a warm, earthy, woody-animalic material solvent extracted from the roots of Saussurea costus (kuth), from Himachal Pradesh, India. This costus absolute is a rich, tenacious base note — but it is a CITES-protected species and a known skin sensitiser, so it is offered strictly for responsible, professional use.

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Saussurea costus

• Botanical Synonym: Saussurea lappa

• Common Name: Costus, kuth

• Family: Asteraceae

• Source: Roots

• Origin: Himachal Pradesh, India

• Processing Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)

• Colour / Consistency: Viscous, brownish-yellow liquid

Aroma Profile

Costus root has a warm, earthy, woody scent with a soft animalic-orris facet — a rich, tenacious base note.

Blends beautifully with: Costus pairs with earthy, wood and floral materials, including Vetiver, Patchouli, Rose, Violet, Oakmoss, and Sandalwood.

Kuth (Saussurea costus)

Costus, or kuth (Saussurea costus), is a Himalayan root long valued in traditional practice and perfumery for its warm, earthy, tenacious character. It is now a CITES Appendix I species and heavily protected, so only responsibly and legally sourced material should be used.

Harvesting & Extraction

Costus root absolute is produced by solvent extraction of the roots. Because the species is protected, responsible and legal sourcing is essential.

Common Uses

Across perfumery, wellness and traditional practice, this oil is valued for:

• Fine perfumery — a warm, earthy base note and natural fixative, used within strict limits.

• Natural fragrance — a rich, animalic-earthy note for niche compositions.

• Chypre / oriental accords — a tenacious base, used sparingly by professionals.

• Traditional context — a root with a long Himalayan history.

Related Oils You May Like

For more deep, earthy, rooty materials, explore related absolutes: Angelica Root Absolute, Vetiver Absolute, Oakmoss Absolute, and our pure floral absolutes.

Caution: Costus root is a recognised strong skin sensitiser and is restricted in fragrance use (IFRA), so use only within strict limits and patch test carefully. It is also a CITES Appendix I species, so ensure responsible, legal sourcing. Avoid during pregnancy. Absolutes are highly concentrated and contain trace extraction solvent, so always dilute well before use, patch test, and use externally only. Not for internal use. Keep out of reach of children.

Technical Analysis

Key Constituents

Typical Composition · Qualitative

Costus is rich in costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone (the sensitising constituents) with costus acid. Typical qualitative constituents below; batch values vary.

Safety Summary

• Hazards: Strong skin sensitiser (sesquiterpene lactones); IFRA-restricted.

• Contraindications: Strict limits; responsible/legal sourcing (CITES I); avoid pregnancy.

Technical Notes

• Regulatory — Saussurea costus is CITES Appendix I and costus is a restricted sensitiser; source and use responsibly.

• Batch documentation — Specification and batch documentation available on request.

Technical Disclaimer: The composition indicated above is qualitative and typical for this botanical; it does not constitute a Certificate of Analysis. For regulatory or formulation decisions, always refer to the batch-specific CoA supplied with your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is costus root absolute?
It is a warm, earthy, woody material solvent extracted from the roots of Saussurea costus (kuth), from Himachal Pradesh, India.

Is costus restricted?
Yes — Saussurea costus is a CITES Appendix I protected species, and costus is also a recognised skin sensitiser restricted in fragrance use, so responsible sourcing and strict limits apply.

What does it smell like?
Warm, earthy and woody with a soft animalic-orris facet.

What is it used for?
Fine perfumery (as a base and fixative) within strict professional limits.