Ravensara

NaturalWOODS & MOSSESwoody · aromatic · warm

HeartPyramid

3/5Strength

12hTenacity

1Origins

Specimen

Cryptocarya agathophylla (syn. Ravensara aromatica)

Definition

Camphorous-green, slightly anise-sweet, distinctly Madagascan. Ravensara oil smells like eucalyptus crossed with anise — fresh, medicinal, bright.

WOODY CITRUS SPICY SWEET BALSAMIC WARM FRESH CAMPHORACEOUS

Ravensara, Ravensara oil, Madagascar aromatic wood

Type: Ingredient
Olfactive family: Woods
Subfamily: Aromatic woods
Cluster: Earthy woods
Source: wood
Chemical class: complex natural (essential oil)

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Tenacity on blotter

12hours

1 h6 h24 h3 d7 d400 h

Producing countries

Madagascar

Scent

Camphorous-green, anise-sweet, bright and clean. Less harsh than eucalyptus, less sweet than tarragon (which also contains methyl chavicol). A distinctly Madagascan brightness — something tropical-fresh that European aromatics don't deliver.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

The Full Story

Ravensara (Ravensara aromatic a) is a tree endemic to Madagascar in the Lauraceae family. The essential oil, steam-distilled from leaves, has a particular profile: camphorous-green, with a slight anise-like sweetness and a bright, clean freshness.

The oil is dominated by methyl chavicol (estragole), limonene, and sabinene. The estragole content gives the anise-sweet quality that distinguishes ravensara from eucalyptus. There is also a particular 'Madagascan' quality — a certain brightness and clarity.

Often confused with ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora grown in Madagascar, which is 1,8-cineole dominant), ravensara proper is methyl chavicol dominant. The two are different species with different chemistries.

In perfumery, ravensara functions in aromatic, herbal, and fresh compositions. The combination of camphor, anise, and clean green in a single oil provides complexity that single-note synthetics lack.

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Related: Alder · Alpha Humulene · Amaranth · Amberever · Amburana Bark · Antillone · Apple Tree · Ravintsara

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Steam distillation of leaves of Ravensara aromatica. Production exclusively in Madagascar. Yield approximately 1-2%. Important: not the same as ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora ct. cineole).

Formula: Complex mixture; major component: methyl chavicol / estragole (C₁₀H₁₂O, ~85-90%)
CAS: 91770-56-8
Botanical: Cryptocarya agathophylla (syn. Ravensara aromatica)
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Lasting power: 6–12 hours
Synonyms: Ravensara, Ravensara oil, Madagascar aromatic wood

IFRA status

Restricted

Restricted (contains estragole and safrole)

Physical properties

Refractive index: 1.495-1.510

In Perfumery

Natural aromatic material from Madagascar. Methyl chavicol dominant profile with camphor-green freshness. Functions in aromatic, herbal, and fresh compositions. Distinct from ravintsara (different plant, different chemistry). Works alongside citrus, herbal, and green notes.

Role in the formula

01modifier

02backbone

03signature note

04lifting agent

05blender

06volume builder

Available as

essential oil