Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a herbaceous essential oil with a sweet, licorice aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from seed, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Fennel (Bitter), Cardamom, Blood Orange. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2.4%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Ether |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | seed |
| Origin | Turkey, Egypt, Spain |
| Blending factor | 2 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8007-70-3 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2.4% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
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Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Anise essential oil smell like?
Anise has a sweet, licorice aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Anise?
For topical use, keep Anise at or below 2.4%, and 1% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Anise safe to use during pregnancy?
Anise is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Anise safe to use around children?
Anise is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Anise safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Anise blend well with?
Anise pairs well with Fennel (Bitter), Cardamom, Blood Orange, Coriander Seed, Lavender.