Tropical Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum v. basilicum – HBV

Tropical Basil – Full Description & Information

Origin & Tradition. Tropical basil belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is grown in warm climates (India, Egypt, Vietnam, Madagascar). In traditional uses, the whole plant is prized as a herb; the essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops/aerial parts, has a marked aniseed and spicy signature, very different from the mild linalool chemotypes.

Botanical & Olfactory Description. Annual herbaceous plant, 30–60 cm, opposite glossy green leaves, white to pinkish inflorescences. The essential oil expresses an aniseed top note (estragole), an aromatic-spicy heart, and a sweet herbaceous base. It is used in controlled touches to structure “aniseed/green” accords and energize woody/citrus compositions.

Use in creation. In room fragrances and in rinsable bases (soap making), it brings aromatic clarity and an aniseed tension. It blends well with distilled citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit), light woods (cedar), coriander seed, bay leaf, and lemon verbena.

Technical information & usage verification

• Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum var. basilicum (chemotype “methyl chavicol”)
• Parts used: flowering tops / aerial parts
• Extraction method: steam distillation
• INCI (English): Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil
• CAS (current ref.): 8015-73-4, 84775-71-3 (major component: estragole 140-67-0)
• Usual origin: India, Egypt, Vietnam, Madagascar
• Olfactory profile: aniseed, aromatic, spicy, herbaceous (head → heart)
• Use categories: Cosmetics & home fragrances — non-food
• Usage verification:
  • Food: No — not intended for ingestion.
  • Cosmetic: yes — professional use, formulate according to current standards (IFRA/allergens) and the support.
  • Ambient diffusion: yes — prefer short diffusions in a ventilated room.
• Customs code (SH/HS): 3301.29.90 (other essential oils)

Destinations & types of use

Crafts: candles, room sprays, scented pebbles/ceramics, scented papers.
Industry: room fragrances, scented detergents, rinse-off bases (soaps, shower gels).
Wellness/non-medical health: only scented atmospheres (no health claims).

Chord ideas & examples (to test and validate)

100g candle — fragrance load 2–4%: Tropical basil 0.2–0.6g + Orange dist. 0.6–1.0g + Cedar 0.2–0.4g (48h cure).
Spray 100 ml — Total EO 0.8–1.5%: Tropical basil 0.1–0.3% + Dist. grapefruit 0.3–0.6% + Coriander seed 0.2–0.3% (ripening 24–48 h).
Soap 1 kg — HE 0.5–1.0%: Tropical basil 0.1–0.2% + Bay leaf 0.15–0.30% + Lemon dist. 0.2–0.4%.

Formulation tips

Start with the lowest dosages, with estragole being dominant. Stabilize with a light wood (cedar) or coriander seed. Avoid competition with very strong aniseed notes (tarragon/anise) to maintain the clarity of the accord.

Precautions for use

Product reserved for professionals. Do not ingest. Do not apply neat. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children and animals. May contain dermocaustic/irritant compounds depending on the batch (estragole): always dilute, perform tests on a case-by-case basis, respect IFRA/allergens. Store away from heat and light, bottle tightly closed.

Documentation (professionals)

Possible supply: SDS, COA, TDS, IFRA/allergen declaration (if applicable), various certificates — on request.

Liability clauses

Information is for guidance only, with no guarantee of completeness. It does not replace your regulatory compliance obligations or your final support suitability tests. HBV Huiles et Beurres Végétaux, Aroma Centre and Labos-PBE decline all responsibility in the event of non-compliant use or for food purposes. Product intended for professional use (cosmetics & atmosphere).

Useful links (internal)

• Aroma Center FAQ
• Aroma Center Blog
• Aroma Center Blogger

External links (institutions & standards)

• IFRA — Standards
• EU — Cosmetics Framework
• ECHA — Substance information