What Is Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute?
Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute is a naturally derived perfume material obtained from the twigs of the everlasting plant cultivated around Grasse in southern France. Although the everlasting shrub has been used in folk remedies for centuries, perfumers began isolating its absolute in the late 1940s when solvent extraction technology became widely available in the region. The modern “IG Grasse” version carries a protected geographic indication that certifies both its origin and the traditional know-how behind its production.
Manufacture begins with a primary wash of freshly harvested or carefully dried twigs using a volatile solvent. The resulting solid, called a concrete or resinoid, is then subjected to a second purification that removes waxes and pigments to produce the final absolute. The liquid that emerges is clear to golden brown, pours easily at room temperature and shows a pleasant viscosity that makes it simple to dose.
This material is prized in fine fragrance formulation yet is also stable enough for everyday personal care and home products. Because its harvest is seasonal and the double extraction is labor intensive it tends to sit in the mid-to-upper price tier among naturals. Even so, most fragrance houses keep a small supply on hand thanks to the unique depth it lends to blends.
What Does Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute Smell Like?
Perfumers place Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute squarely in the gourmand family. Off a blotter its opening suggests fenugreek seeds lightly sautéed in butter followed by a mellow nuttiness reminiscent of toasted hazelnut. As it settles you might notice a trace of maple syrup, a wisp of pipe tobacco and a comforting warmth that recalls sun-dried straw.
The scent profile lives mainly in the middle-to-base part of a composition. It does not deliver an effervescent top note sparkle; instead it anchors a heart accord then lingers well into the drydown where its soft ambery sweetness continues to glow. Projection is moderate, offering a cozy aura rather than a room-filling blast, while longevity is impressive with detectable traces often lasting a full day on skin or longer in wax and fabric.
How & Where To Use Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute
This is one of those materials that feels friendly the moment you open the bottle; it pours without fuss and settles quickly into a blend, so most perfumers consider it a pleasure to handle.
In a formula it shines as a warm gourmand support note that drifts between the heart and base. Reach for it when you want to add a subtle tobacco twist to a chypre accord, a maple-like glow to an ambery theme or a nutty accent to a modern gourmand. It slots nicely beside immortelle, labdanum, tonka, cedar, honey facets and even a whiff of smoky vetiver, deepening them without stealing the show.
Typical use levels sit anywhere from a whisper trace of 0.1 % up to around 3 % in fine fragrance, with some niche projects pushing 5 % for a richer pipe-tobacco effect. At lower doses its fenugreek roast comes through first, adding an almost toasted cereal nuance. As concentration rises the syrupy, ambery warmth steps forward and the material behaves more like an edible floral resin, so dialing the level lets you steer the final mood.
Applications extend well beyond perfume. It anchors candle bases, enriches shower gels and elevates artisanal soaps thanks to good stability in alkaline environments. It can muddy an otherwise fresh or aquatic style, so it is usually avoided in light colognes or crisp citrus splashes.
No elaborate prep is required but pre-diluting at 10 % in ethanol, triethyl citrate or DPG helps with precision weighing and speeds solubility. If it arrives thick after cold transport a short warm-water bath brings it back to a smooth pour.
Safety Information
Working with Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute is straightforward yet a few practical precautions keep the lab environment safe.
- Always dilute before evaluation: Prepare a 10 % or weaker solution for smelling on a blotter to avoid nasal overload.
- No bottle sniffing: Do not inhale directly from the container as the neat material can irritate mucous membranes.
- Ventilation: Blend and weigh in a well-ventilated workspace or under a fume hood to disperse vapors.
- Personal protective gear: Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so accidental splashes do not contact skin or eyes.
- Health considerations: Some aroma chemicals can trigger irritation or sensitization. Brief exposure to low levels is generally safe but high or prolonged exposure may pose risks. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always read the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and check back for updates, and follow current IFRA guidelines to confirm allowable limits in each product category.
Storage And Disposal
Unopened in its original container Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute stays fresh for roughly three to four years. Once you start dipping into the bottle aim to use it within two years for best quality.
Store the material in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A fridge set at 4 °C adds an extra safety margin and can stretch life toward the five-year mark, just let the bottle warm to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from condensing inside.
Choose bottles with polycone caps for both neat stock and dilutions. These liners form a tight seal that keeps out air and stops aromas from leaking. Dropper tops look handy but rarely close well so they invite oxidation and mess.
Keep containers as full as you can. Transferring leftovers to a smaller bottle reduces headspace, slows down oxygen contact and helps the scent stay true.
Label every vessel with the ingredient name, batch or date opened and any safety icons such as flammable liquid. Clear marking prevents mix-ups later in the lab.
When it is time to part ways with old material do not pour it down the sink. Small amounts can be soaked into cat litter or another inert absorbent then sealed in a bag for household hazardous waste collection. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal service. While plant-based, the absolute breaks down only slowly in waterlogged systems so responsible disposal protects waterways.
Summary
Everlasting Ig Grasse Absolute is a golden liquid extracted from the twigs of the everlasting plant grown around Grasse. Its scent lands in the gourmand family with buttery fenugreek, toasted nut and a soft maple-tobacco warmth that lingers for hours.
Perfumers love it for the way it deepens chypres, ambers and modern dessert-style accords without stealing the spotlight. A few drops bring cozy depth to soap, candles and shampoos too, making it one of those fun materials that roam far beyond fine fragrance.
It is not the cheapest natural and its distinct flavor can edge a blend toward the sweet side, so plan your dosage and pairing notes with care. Treat it well in storage, label it clearly and you will have a reliable workhorse that earns its shelf space in any creative studio.