Herbal

Rue

Note Profile

Botanical

About

Rue is the essential oil of Ruta graveolens, a herb native to the Mediterranean. It is steam distilled from the leaves. Because the oil is potent and can be toxic, its use is limited. It smells sharp and intensely green, bitter and herbal, with a medicinal, camphoraceous tone and a peppery touch. It is used in trace amounts as an accent in green and fougere blends.

Scent Profile

Rue has a sharp, intensely green aroma with bitter, herbaceous facets and a slightly medicinal, camphoraceous undertone. Its scent can also evoke hints of crushed leaves and peppery nuances, developing a dry, almost resinous edge as it settles. The overall impression is pungent and distinctive, contributing a bold greenness to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~4.5h lasting

Family Green & Aromatic

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Rue oil

A natural extract

CAS 8014-29-7

The note names the material - Rue oil.

Restricted: An IFRA Standard limits how much of this a perfumer can use the limit applies to the perfumer, not the wearer

These are facts about the substance, not about any perfume with this note.

Why that matters

A perfume that names Rue can use a different extract, a reformulated version, or a synthetic reconstruction. It can also hold less than the amount that requires a declaration. We cannot tell which applies. These rows cover only the substances we hold a link for.

How the layers join

Origin

Rue is derived from the leaves of Ruta graveolens, a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. The essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves. Due to its potency and potential toxicity, its use is limited and carefully controlled in perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use rue primarily as a specialty accent in green, aromatic, or fougère fragrances, often in trace amounts. It is usually placed in the heart or top of a composition to impart a vivid, herbal sharpness and to enhance naturalistic accords. Rue blends well with other green notes, citrus, and certain spices, but must be balanced to avoid overpowering other ingredients.