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%.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a woody essential oil, steam-distilled from the root, produced in Haiti and Indonesia. Its aroma is deep, earthy, sitting as a base note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Cedarwood (Atlas), Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Patchouli. Keep topical use at or below 10% — everyday blends are usually 1-3%. Always patch-test first.
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 | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 years) |
| 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.
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Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Neuropathic Pain →
- Earthy Woods →
- Deep Ground →
- Vetiver Heavy →
- Simple Calm →
- Calm Balance →
- Deep Calm Massage →
- Ocean Spa Trail →
- Study Trail →
- Golden Study Breeze →
- Spiced Citrus Cocoon →
- Amber Temple Glow →
- Stillness Sanctuary →
- 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 →
Compare Vetiver with
Frequently asked questions
What does Vetiver 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?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Vetiver. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Vetiver safe to use around children?
Vetiver is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 years old). 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).