What Is Lavandin Abs Type Nat?
Lavandin Abs Type Nat is a specialty ingredient created to capture the true character of lavandin, the high-yield hybrid of fine and spike lavender. It first appeared in perfumery catalogs during the late 1930s when solvent extraction technology made it possible to go beyond traditional steam distillation. Today it is produced by extracting the stems and flowers with food-grade solvents, then carefully washing and concentrating the extract to obtain a pure absolute. Finally, the absolute is blended with a handful of natural isolates and proprietary captive materials to balance its profile, resulting in a finished liquid that meets strict “natural” labeling criteria.
At room temperature the material is a clear to pale amber liquid that pours easily, making it simple to dose in both laboratory and factory environments. Because lavandin crops deliver far more raw material per hectare than fine lavender, this absolute is readily available season after season. That reliable supply keeps the cost comfortably in the mid-range, placing it within reach for fine fragrance houses as well as large-volume makers of personal and home care products.
The ingredient is used across shampoos, soaps, candles, detergents and, of course, fine perfumes. Its popularity stems from the way it bridges the gap between the sweet floral nuance of lavender and the crisp green character sought after in modern aromatic accords.
What Does Lavandin Abs Type Nat Smell Like?
Perfumers slot Lavandin Abs Type Nat into the herbal family. On a blotter it opens with an unmistakably fresh burst that recalls crushed lavender spikes in a sunny field. Within seconds a brisk camphor nuance appears, adding lift and a subtle cooling effect. As the blotter dries the scent becomes rounder and slightly woody, while a gentle coumarin-like sweetness softens the edges. Compared with lavandin essential oil the absolute feels closer to the living flower, less sharp, fuller and a touch more hay-like.
In the classical top-middle-base structure this material sits in the middle zone. It has enough brightness to contribute to a fragrance’s opening moments, yet its heart remains present for several hours, acting as a bridge into woody or mossy bases. Projection is moderate, giving a comfortable aura without overwhelming nearby noses. Longevity on skin typically falls in the six-hour range, longer in products such as soap or fabric softener where it can cling to surfaces and reappear when warmed or wetted.
How & Where To Use Lavandin Abs Type Nat
Most perfumers agree this is a friendly material that behaves well on the blotter and in the beaker. It blends without drama, does not crystallise or gum up glassware and offers a satisfyingly quick way to add authentic herbal lift to a formula.
Its sweet yet camphoraceous character makes it ideal for building modern fougère and chypre hearts, where you want the recognisable lavender cue but with extra green bite. It can stand alone as the main lavender note in cost-sensitive briefs, or it can reinforce a fine lavender oil when budget allows, stretching the natural profile without flattening it.
At low dosages, around 0.05-0.2 %, it lends a gentle leafy freshness that brightens citrus tops. Between 0.5-1 % the material becomes more noticeable, adding a cool aromatic ribbon through mint, rosemary or pine accords. Push it toward 3-5 % and the camphor facet comes forward, useful in bar soaps, shower gels and household cleaners where a stronger hygienic vibe is desirable. Above that level the note can turn medicinal, so most fine fragrances stay under 2 %.
Because the absolute contains coumarin-like sweetness it dovetails beautifully with tonka, oakmoss, patchouli and vetiver bases, smoothing transitions from heart to dry-down. It also pairs with smoky resins such as labdanum to give a country-herbal twist to incense styles. Perfumers reach for it over straight lavandin essential oil when they need longer staying power, less sharpness or tighter cost control.
No special prep is needed beyond a standard 10 % ethanol or triethyl citrate solution for accurate weighing. The liquid is already free-flowing, and its colour is pale enough not to stain most finished products.
Safety Information
Like any concentrated fragrance ingredient Lavandin Abs Type Nat demands basic lab caution.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % or lower solution so your nose and skin encounter a safer concentration
- Never smell directly from the bottle: quick, undiluted sniffs can overwhelm the olfactory receptors and irritate mucous membranes
- Work in a well-ventilated space: good air flow prevents buildup of vapors that could lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort
- Wear gloves and eye protection: even natural materials can cause redness or stinging if splashed on skin or in eyes
- Health considerations: some users may experience irritation or allergic response; pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before handling; prolonged exposure to high concentrations can be harmful even though brief contact at low levels is generally safe
Always review the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and follow IFRA guidelines for permitted use levels in each product category. Regulations and recommended limits change, so make a habit of checking the documentation each time you order or reformulate.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions Lavandin Abs Type Nat typically retains its full aroma profile for about two years past the production date, sometimes longer if untouched and unopened. After that point the top notes can start to flatten as oxidation creeps in.
Extending shelf life is straightforward. Refrigeration is helpful but not required; a cool cupboard under 20 °C protected from sunlight and strong heat sources usually does the job. Sudden temperature swings are more damaging than steady coolness, so avoid storing the bottle next to a window or radiator.
For working dilutions switch the screw cap to a polycone insert. The conical liner forms a tight seal that keeps volatiles in and humid air out. Skip dropper bottles that vent with every squeeze because they invite oxidation. In the same spirit top up partial bottles with inert gas or decant into a smaller container so the headspace remains minimal.
Label every bottle clearly with the ingredient name, strength, date and any hazard phrases from the SDS. Legible labels prevent accidental misuse and make end of life decisions easier.
Disposal is uncomplicated yet should be thoughtful. Small quantities can be mixed with an absorbent such as kitty litter then sealed in a sturdy bag before going to municipal waste, provided local regulations allow. Larger volumes should be handed to a licensed disposal service that handles non hazardous plant derived organics. The material is readily biodegradable but can still stress aquatic systems if poured directly down the drain, so avoid that route.
Summary
Lavandin Abs Type Nat is a naturally derived absolute tweaked with isolates to mirror the comforting smell of blooming lavandin fields. It lands somewhere between fine lavender and clean herbal greens, offering fresh camphor lift plus a sweet woody undertone.
Perfumers love it because it plugs straight into fougères, chypres, soap accords and anything needing an authentic lavender vibe without the sharpness of the essential oil. It plays nicely with oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, resins and even bright citrus tops, which makes it a fun and versatile tool on the bench.
Prices stay friendly thanks to high yielding crops in Provence, and the liquid form is stable enough for most finished goods. Just mind light and air, keep the bottle capped tight and you will enjoy a dependable herbal note that bridges creative gaps across fine fragrance and functional products alike.