Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a woody essential oil with a deep, earthy aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from root, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Cedarwood (Atlas), Lavender, Bergamot (FCF). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Woody |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | root |
| Origin | Haiti, Indonesia, India |
| Blending factor | 1 |
| Volatility index | 5 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 48.0 |
| CAS number | 8016-96-4 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — Traditional grounding agent; Vetiveria zizanioides ethnobotanical review.
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.
Get the right drops-per-bottle with the drops & dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Neuropathic Pain →
- Earthy Woods →
- Deep Ground →
- Vetiver Heavy →
- Simple Sedative →
- Calm Balance →
- Deep Sleep Massage →
- Ocean Spa Trail →
- Study Trail →
- Golden Study Breeze →
- Fortify Cocoon →
- Amber Temple Glow →
- Stillness Shield →
- Temple Shield →
- Forest Temple Wave →
- Ocean Stillness Wave →
- Moonlit Temple Workshop →
- Electric Stillness Horizon →
- Soft Stillness Harbor →
- Zen Workshop →
- Velvet Zen Lullaby →
- Stillness Focus →
- Ease Wave →
- Velvet Muse Sanctuary →
Frequently asked questions
What does Vetiver essential oil smell like?
Vetiver has a deep, earthy aroma, classed as a woody oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Vetiver?
For topical use, keep Vetiver at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Vetiver safe to use during pregnancy?
Vetiver is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Vetiver safe to use around children?
Vetiver is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Vetiver safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Vetiver blend well with?
Vetiver pairs well with Cedarwood (Atlas), Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Patchouli, Sandalwood (Australian).