Amyris Essential Oil — Amyris balsamifera | Payan Bertrand | West Indian Sandalwood, Haiti

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Amyris Essential Oil — Payan Bertrand's Elegant Sandalwood Alternative

Amyris — historically known as santal citron, and colloquially as West Indian Sandalwood — is a soft, creamy wood oil that frequently sits at the heart of sandalwood recreations alongside guaiacwood and cedarwood. But it should never be seen merely as a substitute: in its own right, amyris possesses a rich complexity that blends beautifully with both classical naturals and modern wood chemicals alike.

This particular oil comes from a single-origin harvest in Haiti, produced by Payan Bertrand — a house we hold in the highest esteem for naturals. Steam distilled from the wood and branches of Amyris balsamifera, it is notably more elegant and smooth than typical amyris oils on the market, several of which can present as jagged or unrefined by comparison. Owing to increasing scarcity of supply, genuine amyris of this quality has become considerably more expensive in recent years — making this a material worth securing while available.

Scent Profile

A sophisticated woody-sweet-balsamic character with genuinely creamy, sandalwood-like depth — soft and smooth rather than sharp or resinous. Subtle smoky facets weave through the composition, deepening into distinctive vanilla undertones in the drydown. Remarkably elegant and long-lasting — over 400 hours on a smelling strip — this is amyris at its most refined, moderate in strength but with excellent staying power in a blend.

Perfumery Applications

An outstanding base for sandalwood-style accords, woody-oriental compositions, and sophisticated masculine and floral-woody structures requiring tenacious elegance. Its creamy, smooth character blends particularly well with modern wood molecules and amber materials, softening and rounding sharper synthetic woods with genuine natural depth. Completely unrestricted under IFRA — it can be used generously, at up to 9% in a finished compound, without dominating the composition.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with sandalwood, guaiacwood, cedarwood, vanilla, tonka bean, labdanum, benzoin, amber materials, patchouli, vetiver, rose absolute, and soft musks.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Amyris balsamifera L.
• Common Names: Amyris / West Indian Sandalwood / Santal Citron / Yellow Sandalwood
• Botanical Family: Rutaceae
• CAS Number: 8015-65-4
• INCI Name: Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
• Manufacturer: Payan Bertrand, France
• Origin: Haiti — single origin harvest
• Plant Part: Wood and branches
• Extraction Method: Steam distillation
• Classification: Base note
• Appearance: Pale gold liquid
• Odour Family: Woody / Sweet / Balsamic / Creamy / Vanilla
• Longevity: Over 400 hours on a smelling strip
• Average Use: Up to 9% in a perfume compound
• IFRA 51: Unrestricted — 100% in finished product
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural essential oil
• Note: A superior, single-origin Payan Bertrand expression of amyris — distinct from our standard Amyris Essential Oil

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Always dilute with a suitable carrier oil before applying to skin. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Consult a qualified professional before use if pregnant or nursing. Perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.