Understanding Ruh vs. Absolute: What's the Difference?
“Base-free ruh, solvent-extracted absolutes, and steam-distilled oils — a clear guide for perfumers.”
When sourcing premium Indian botanical extracts, understanding the distinction between a Ruh, an Absolute, and an Essential Oil is essential for accurate formulation.
What is a Ruh? 'Ruh' translates to 'Soul' in Arabic. A Ruh is a 100% pure, unblended hydro-distilled extract without any base oil carrier (such as Sandalwood or DPG). Examples include Ruh Gulab (Rose Otto) and Ruh Khus (Wild Vetiver).
What is an Absolute? Delicate flowers like Jasmine Grandiflorum or Tuberose (Rajnigandha) cannot withstand steam heat without destroying their delicate aroma. Absolutes are extracted using food-grade solvent extraction, yielding a concentrated, highly true-to-flower wax concrete that is subsequently washed with ethanol.
Choosing the Right Extract: For fine perfumery, skin care, and ritual use, Ruhs offer unmatched therapeutic purity. For complex candle formulations or fine alcohol perfumes, Absolutes provide intense projection and floral fidelity.
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