Animalic

Costus

Note Profile

Natural 30 perfumes

About

A root from Saussurea costus - warm, animalic, hair-like and slightly earthy-sweaty. A classical chypre ingredient.

Scent Profile

Costus has a distinctive animalic scent, often described as warm, oily, and reminiscent of unwashed hair or skin, with earthy and slightly musky undertones. It can also present subtle woody and leathery nuances as it dries down. The note is persistent and imparts a sensual, lived-in quality to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthmedium

EnvelopeBase · ~316h lasting

Origin

Costus is derived from the dried roots of Saussurea costus, a plant native to the Himalayan region. The essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the powdered root, though its use is now restricted in some regions due to allergenic compounds.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use costus primarily in the heart or base of animalic, chypre, and oriental fragrances to add depth and a human-like warmth. It blends well with oakmoss, patchouli, labdanum, and floral notes, providing a bridge between earthy and floral elements. Due to regulatory restrictions, it is often replaced by synthetic analogues in modern formulas.