Costus Oil
Costus Oil is a rare essential oil derived from the steam-distilled roots of Saussurea costus (also known as Saussurea lappa), a Himalayan herb long valued in traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine. The oil has a deep amber to brown color and a rich, earthy, woody, and musky aroma. It is well-known in perfumery as a natural fixative and is widely used in spiritual rituals, incense making, high-end fragrances, and therapeutic blends.
Due to its grounding scent and potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and calming properties, Costus Oil is incorporated into personal care, topical formulations, and aromatherapy. It is a powerful aromatic oil that must be used in moderation and diluted due to its strong sensitizing compounds.
Costus Oil
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Used in perfumes, colognes, and oil-based fragrances for its musky, warm base note.
- Included in beard oils, grooming products, and solid perfumes for its earthy profile.
- Applied in massage oils for grounding and aromatic richness.
- Blended into artisan soaps, deodorants, and hair oils for deep fragrance.
- Pharmaceuticals and Traditional Medicine
- Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for respiratory support and skin conditions.
- Included in balms and ointments for muscle relief and inflammation.
- Employed in herbal preparations for digestive and immunity support.
- Aromatherapy & Wellness
- Diffused for grounding, calming, and meditative benefits.
- Blended into stress-relief and chakra-balancing oils.
- Used in spiritual and energetic cleansing rituals.
- Fragrance and Perfumery
- Extensively used as a base note and fixative in oriental and chypre perfumes.
- Enhances longevity and depth in fragrance blends with vetiver, sandalwood, or patchouli.
- Adds musky and smoky complexity to natural perfume compositions.
Secondary Uses
- Household and Artisan Products
- Added to incense blends for its sacred, spiritual aroma.
- Used in scented candles and potpourri for a deep, resinous base note.
- Incorporated in handmade perfume balms and body butters.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Botanical Name: Saussurea costus / Saussurea lappa
- Common/Trade Name: Costus Oil
- INCI Name: Saussurea Lappa Root Oil
- CAS Number: 8023-88-9
- HS Code: 3301.29
- Synonyms: Kuth Oil, Costus Root Essential Oil
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid essential oil
- Color & Odor: Deep amber to brown; earthy, woody, musky aroma
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol and carrier oils
- Refractive Index: 1.490 – 1.520
- Specific Gravity: 0.930 – 1.000
- Main Components: Costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, sesquiterpene lactones
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: May cause skin sensitization; dermal allergen
- Toxicity: Must be diluted before use; avoid during pregnancy
- Exposure Limits: Use within IFRA-recommended limits
- Allergen Information: Contains sesquiterpene lactones, known sensitizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dark, well-sealed container
- Container Type: Amber glass bottles or stainless steel drums
- Shelf Life: 24–36 months with proper storage
- Handling Precautions: Use gloves and dilute before skin application
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Must comply with IFRA restrictions for use in cosmetics
- Produced in GMP-certified and ethical sourcing facilities
- Not approved for food use
- Source plant may require CITES certification in some jurisdictions
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under standard conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low when diluted; not recommended for aquatic release
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected under controlled use
- Sustainability: Plant is endangered in wild; ethical cultivation essential
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and goggles for concentrated handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use only diluted; perform patch test before use
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek help if symptoms persist
- Skin Contact: Rinse with water and soap; discontinue use if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water for 15 minutes
- Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention; do not induce vomiting
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Flammable oil
- Extinguishing Media: CO₂, foam, dry chemical powder
- Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Aromatic smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders