Cistus

Cistus essential oil, also called rock rose, is steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of Cistus ladanifer, in the Cistaceae family. Its aroma is fresh, balsamic and woody, herbaceous and slightly spicy or floral. It is a base note that natural perfumers use as a fixative. People choose it for perfume, meditation and grounding blends, pairing it with sandalwood, cedarwood, black pepper, clove, rose or geranium. The main safety point is freshness: Tisserand and Young advise against using oxidised cistus oil, as it can then sensitise skin. No maximum skin level has been published, though normal dilution still applies. An absolute is also made, so check the label for the steam-distilled oil.