Costus Root Oil
Part of our Oils range, manufactured and exported by Arizone International LLP.
Costus Root Oil is a rich, warm, woody and animalic essential oil obtained from the dried roots of Saussurea costus (also known as Saussurea lappa), a tall herb of the Himalayas. It has a distinctive scent often described as musky, earthy, violet-like and reminiscent of fur or hair, and it has been prized for centuries in Indian and Asian perfumery and incense.
Arizone International supplies Costus Root Oil and costus-based compounds for perfumers, attar makers, incense manufacturers and speciality fragrance brands, subject to CITES and regulatory compliance.
About Costus (Kuth)
Costus grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas, including Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In India it is known as kuth or kustha, and it has been an important ingredient in Ayurveda, Unani medicine and Tibetan and Chinese traditional medicine. Its roots have also been burned as incense and used to protect woollen clothes and shawls from moths. Costus root was exported from India to Rome and China in ancient times.
Because of overharvesting, wild costus is now endangered and is listed in CITES Appendix I, which strictly controls its international trade. Cultivated costus is grown in some Himalayan areas, and trade must be carefully documented.
Aroma and Composition
- Costunolide and Dehydrocostus LactoneSesquiterpene lactones that are characteristic of costus.
- Costol, Costic Acid and Related CompoundsContributing to the woody, animalic scent.
- AplotaxeneA hydrocarbon found in the oil.
The scent is powerful, woody, musky and slightly fatty or animalic, and it is used in tiny amounts to add warmth and a skin-like, sensual quality to perfumes.
Applications
- Traditional attars and oriental perfumes
- Incense and dhoop
- Fine perfumery, in very small amounts, where permitted
- Traditional preparations, subject to local regulations
Important Regulatory and Safety Note
Costus root oil is a strong skin sensitiser. Because of this, IFRA prohibits the use of untreated costus root oil, absolute and concrete as fragrance ingredients, and the EU also restricts it in cosmetics. Only specially treated or permitted costus materials, or costus-type compounds made with safe aroma chemicals, should be used in consumer products. In addition, any natural costus material must comply with CITES rules and local wildlife and forest regulations. Not for internal use. Keep out of reach of children.
Costus Alternatives
For most modern perfumery uses, we recommend compliant costus-type reconstructions, which give a similar warm, animalic effect without the sensitisation risk.
Quality Parameters
- Source, cultivation proof and CITES documentation
- Gas chromatography profile
- Specific gravity and refractive index
- Aroma evaluation
Packaging and Storage
Supplied in small aluminium or amber glass bottles. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Buyers and Formulators
For modern perfumes and cosmetics, we recommend compliant costus-type reconstructions, since untreated costus root oil is prohibited by IFRA. Traditional attar makers who need the natural material must keep CITES and origin papers on file.
Why Choose Arizone International?
We are an India-based supplier and exporter of essential oils and fragrance materials, located in Daman near Gujarat. We only supply costus materials with the required documentation and can offer compliant alternatives.
Share your application and destination so we can advise on a compliant Costus Root Oil option.
Specifications
- Category
- Oils
- Physical Form
- Liquid – steam-distilled essential oil
- Grade Options
- Restricted – IFRA-compliant grades or reconstructions only; not for food
- Packaging
- Aluminium bottles (1–5 kg), HDPE cans (5–25 kg) and lacquered steel drums (up to 180 kg); samples in amber glass
- Country of Origin
- India (Himalaya)
- Shelf Life
- 36 months in original sealed packing
- Storage Conditions
- Tightly closed, full containers in a cool (below 25°C), dark place away from heat and flames
Applications
- Traditional attars and oriental perfumes
- Incense and dhoop
- Fine perfumery, in very small amounts, where permitted
- Traditional preparations, subject to local regulations
Compliance
Kuth, or kustha, is the Indian name for costus root, Saussurea costus, a tall herb of the Himalayas used in Ayurveda, incense and perfumery.
Yes. Wild costus is listed in CITES Appendix I, and IFRA prohibits untreated costus root oil in fragrances because it is a strong skin sensitiser.
Yes. Compliant costus-type compounds give a similar warm, animalic effect and are safer for use in modern perfumes and cosmetics.
We share a GC-MS report and COA for Costus Root Oil, which show its main components and help confirm purity.
Yes. Samples of Costus Root Oil are available on request, which helps your team evaluate it before a larger order.
We export Costus Root Oil from India to buyers in the USA, the UK, the EU, the Middle East, Australia and 40+ other countries. Orders ship by sea or air on EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms, with a certificate of analysis and a certificate of origin.
What Buyers Say About Costus Root Oil
Feedback from importers, manufacturers and brands who have ordered this product from us.
No reviews yet
Be the first to review Costus Root Oil. Your feedback helps other importers and brands choose the right supplier.
