Buchu (Bucco), essential oil (Agathosma betulina) – HBV HE

Buchu (Bucco) – Full Description & Information

Origin & tradition. Native to the Fynbos of South Africa, buchu (A. betulina) is a rutaceae with fragrant leaves, historically used locally as an aromatic plant. The essential oil, obtained from the leaves , is distinguished by a unique olfactory signature used in perfumery and technical flavorings (blackcurrant/green leaf) – here, non-food use .

Botanical description. Low shrub of the South African maquis (Rutaceae). Opposite leaves, dotted with oil glands. The harvesting of the leaves is followed by steam distillation , giving an oil with a strong personality.

Olfactory profile & construction. Green and aromatic attack, blackcurrant-leaf heart with a catty/sulfurous nuance, minty-camphor base. Very useful for signing blackcurrant accords , greening florals (rose, geranium), and energizing citrus (grapefruit) or herbaceous (basil) fruits. To be used in trace amounts at low dosages.

Technical information & usage verification

• Botanical name: Agathosma betulina (syn. Barosma betulina )
• Part used: leaves
• Extraction method: steam distillation
• INCI (English): Agathosma Betulina Leaf Oil (older references: Barosma Betulina Leaf Oil )
• CAS (usual) : 68650-46-4 (possible supplier references vary for different buchu species)
• Usual origin: South Africa
• Olfactory profile: green, blackcurrant/leaf, catty, minty-camphor, slight sulfurous nuance (heart note → head)
• Use categories: Cosmetics & home fragrances — non-food
• Usage verification:
  • Food: No — not intended for ingestion.
  • Cosmetic: yes — professional use; take into account IFRA/allergen restrictions (presence of potentially sensitizing compounds, e.g. pulegone depending on batch). Carry out carrier suitability and stability/color/odor tests.
  • Ambient diffusion: yes — favor short diffusions in ventilated rooms.
• Customs code (HS/HS): 3301.29.90 (other essential oils)
• Synonyms: Buchu oil, Bucco oil, Barosma oil
• Translations (5 max): EN Buchu — ES Buchú — DE Buchu — IT Buchu — TR Buchu yağı

Destinations & types of use

Crafts: candles, room sprays/mists, scented papers/ceramics, clay pebbles.
Industry: blackcurrant/green leaf accords, fresh/aromatic bases, scented detergents, rinse-off care products (soaps/shower gels).
Wellness (non-medical): scented atmospheres (no health claims).

Agreements & examples (to be tested and validated)

Candle 100 g — fragrance load 2–5%: Buchu 0.05–0.20 g + Grapefruit dist. 0.60–1.00 g + Geranium 0.10–0.30 g (cure ≥ 48 h).
→ See the product on Aroma Centre

Spray 100 ml — Total EO 0.6–1.2%: Buchu 0.02–0.10% + Blackcurrant (aromatic base or technical absolute, if used within the authorized framework) + Orange dist. 0.30–0.60% (ripening 24–48 h).
→ See the product on Aroma Centre

Soap 1 kg — HE 0.3–0.6%: Buchu 0.02–0.08% + Lavender 0.15–0.30% + Lemon dist. 0.10–0.20%.
→ See the product on Aroma Centre

Formulation tips

Highlighting material: Work in traces (0.02–0.10% in the concentrate depending on applications), then adjust. Superb with distilled citrus (grapefruit, lemon), herbs (basil, coriander seed) and certain florals (geranium) for a modern blackcurrant-leaf effect. Always validate IFRA/allergen compliance and stability (odor/color) on support.

Precautions & Compliance

For professional use only. 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/pets. Follow IFRA category restrictions and allergen labeling. Keep tightly closed, away from heat and light.

Documentation (professionals)

MSDS, COA, TDS, IFRA/Allergen Declaration (if applicable) and other certificates — provided upon request.

Liability clauses

Information is for guidance only, with no guarantee of completeness. It does not replace your regulatory obligations or your suitability tests for the final support. 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 & customs code

• IFRA — Standards (category restrictions)
• ECHA — Substances & Allergens
• European Union — Cosmetics Framework
• WCO/OMD — HS Nomenclature
• HS Code: 3301.29.90