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Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ Extract (Hierochloe odorata)
Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ Extract (Hierochloe odorata)
CO₂-extracted botanical wax from sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) with a warm, sweet, and gently balsamic, with soft notes of freshly cut hay, sun-dried grass...
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Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ Extract is an exceptionally rare and evocative botanical wax obtained from the aromatic grass Hierochloe Odorata, commonly known as Sweetgrass. Extracted using advanced supercritical CO₂ technology, this wax preserves the full aromatic, lipidic, and ceremonial character of the plant without the use of solvents or excessive heat. The result is a pure, full-spectrum botanical wax that embodies the soul of sweetgrass in a concentrated, stable, and highly versatile form.
Sweetgrass has been revered for centuries by Indigenous cultures of North America and Northern Europe as a sacred plant, traditionally braided, burned, or infused to invite peace, purification, and positive energy. Its aroma—often described as sweet, vanilla-like, grassy, and hay-toned—is largely attributed to naturally occurring coumarins, which are beautifully preserved through CO₂ extraction. Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ captures this profile with remarkable fidelity, offering formulators and perfumers a deeply symbolic and sensorial ingredient.
Specifications of Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ Extract
Botanical Name: Hierochloe odorata
Family Name: Poaceae
Common Name: Sweetgrass
INCI: Hierochloe Odorata Wax
Extraction Method: Supercritical CO₂ (wax fraction)
Parts Used: Grass
Note: Base. Fixative in perfumery
Scent: Warm, sweet, and gently balsamic, with soft notes of freshly cut hay, sun-dried grass, vanilla-like sweetness, and subtle almond nuances
Appearance: Solid Wax
Country of Origin: Bulgaria
Recommended usage levels: Recommended usage levels vary between 0.5–10% depending on the desired intensity and texture.
Melting Point: 55–65°C / 131-149° F
Solubility: Soluble in oils, alcohol, and butters; insoluble in water
Aromatic Profile
The aroma of Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ is warm, sweet, and gently balsamic, with soft notes of freshly cut hay, sun-dried grass, vanilla-like sweetness, and subtle almond nuances. There is an underlying earthiness that grounds the sweetness, giving the wax a calming, meditative, and comforting character. Unlike sharp grassy essential oils, this wax expresses a rounded, smooth, and long-lasting aroma, making it especially valuable as a base or heart note in natural fragrance compositions.
In perfumery, Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ functions as:
- A natural fixative
- A warm gourmand–herbal bridge note
- A grounding base that enhances longevity
- A softening agent for sharp or resinous accords
It blends harmoniously with vanilla, tonka bean, hay absolute, sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, cacao, tobacco leaf, frankincense, and soft florals, creating compositions that feel intimate, nostalgic, and spiritually resonant.
Applications
Uses in Skincare & Body Care
Beyond its aromatic value, Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ offers excellent functional benefits in skincare formulations. Its waxy matrix is rich in long-chain lipids and plant-derived compounds that contribute to skin protection, moisture retention, and sensory elegance. When applied to the skin, it creates a soft, velvety barrier that helps protect against dryness while imparting a subtle, comforting scent.
It is ideally suited for:
- Ritual body balms
- Hand and cuticle salves
- Solid perfumes
- Lip balms
- Meditation or grounding salves
- After-bath body treatments
The aroma of sweetgrass is traditionally associated with emotional balance, calmness, and a sense of safety, making this wax particularly suitable for wellness, ritual, and ceremonial skincare products.
Applications in Natural Perfumery & Aromatic Arts
In natural perfumery, Sweetgrass Wax CO₂ is a highly expressive material that offers both aromatic depth and symbolic meaning. Its gentle sweetness and grassy warmth make it an excellent component in:
- Botanical perfumes
- Solid perfume bases
- Natural incense pastes
- Aromatic balms and anointing oils
- Artisan candles and wax-based aromatics
Because of its waxy nature, it also enhances the physical structure of solid fragrances while contributing a soft, lingering scent that evolves beautifully over time.
Saftey
- Non-toxic and non-sensitizing; safe for topical use.
- Store in a cool, dark environment to prevent oxidation.
- Melts easily in a double boiler; avoid direct flame heating.
- Shelf life: 3 years when stored properly.
- For external use only.
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The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products.