Craft & science

Extraction methods explained

From botanical material to a perfumer’s palette

The olfactory idea

Extraction changes what a botanical material can contribute to a fragrance. Different methods capture different parts of its aromatic character, which is why an oil and an absolute from the same plant may not smell identical.

Understanding the craft

Distillation, expression and solvent-based extraction are important approaches. The right process depends on the material and the intended result; no single method is ideal for every flower, peel, leaf or root.

Explore it for yourself

When reading an ingredient entry, distinguish the plant from the supplied perfumery material. A botanical name alone cannot tell you the extraction method or the complete smell profile.

Further reading: IFF Ingredients Compendium · Givaudan natural ingredient expertise. These resources offer broader technical context; they are not endorsements of CYDIVA.