Cistus

Cistus is a small shrub of the Cistaceae family. It grows mainly around the garrigue, therefore in Mediterranean regions. Cistus needs warmth to thrive. Its name comes from the Greek “kisté”, which means capsules, because of the shape of its fruit. During the months of April, May and June, this small shrub is adorned with numerous white or pink flowers. The distinctive feature of this plant is that it is covered with a film of resin. The latter serves to protect the plant and to prevent it from becoming dehydrated. This resin is called labdanum.

Cistus, a plant adored by perfumers

It must be said that cistus is one of the rare shrubs to offer such a scent. A very ambery fragrance, and above all one highly sought after by perfumers. Ambery, woody but also tenacious, this is what characterizes this small tree. In perfumery, it is labdanum that is used. The latter is highly prized for its accords of herbs, wood and resin. A multitude of facets that often lend compositions an animalic note, powerful and warm. This is why it is essentially found positioned as a base note. Cistus labdanum is also used as a fixative, as it wonderfully anchors the lightest volatile notes, such as citrus notes. The use of cistus in perfumery dates back around 3,000 years. Since then, cistus has continued to win over the hearts of perfumers and is found today in some of the greatest feminine and masculine perfumes.

The pairing of cistus with the various olfactory families

Thanks to its very distinctive amber scent, cistus is often incorporated into oriental perfumes. This is the case for Absolu by Rochas. Positioned as a base note, cistus is accompanied by benzoin, which gives a very ambery sillage. The heart is a blend of luminous, spicy flowers. Absolu is a perfume with extreme fragrances for free, sensual and assertive women. Cistus is also found in chypre perfumes, as its warm note pairs particularly well with white musk, sandalwood or patchouli. This is the case for Eau du Soir by Sisley, where cistus is indeed found as a base note, accompanied by amber, patchouli and white musk. Eau du Soir offers great olfactory richness, contrasting citrus notes, floral accords and an animalically ambery base. A refined, elegant and above all timeless perfume.

A small Mediterranean shrub, cistus has been used in perfumery for a very long time. It is mainly its resin that is used. The latter offers ambery, musky, warm and powerful fragrances. Present essentially as a base note, cistus is also an excellent fixative. It is found in great oriental, woody and chypre perfumes. An essential ingredient in the perfumery world today.