Davana essential oil is a steam-distilled oil from the leaves and flowering buds of Artemisia pallens, prized for its sweet, fruity, herbaceous aroma. Indian makers use it mainly in perfumery, natural skincare and aromatherapy blends, where a small amount adds warmth and depth. It is for external use only and should always be diluted before it touches the skin.
What is Davana essential oil?
Davana is a fragrant herb native to India, and its oil (also called Artemisia pallens herb oil) is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering buds. The result is a thin, light-yellow to yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet-fruity scent that many people find deepens and mellows as it dries down on the skin. This shifting, layered aroma is exactly why perfumers value it so highly.
Key technical details for makers: botanical name Artemisia pallens, CAS No 8016-03-3, FEMA #2359, specific gravity around 0.917, refractive index 1.493, and solubility in alcohol. It blends readily with most carrier oils.
Common uses
- Perfumery and fragrance: A classic base and heart note that adds fruity warmth to alcohol-based perfumes and attars.
- Aromatherapy: A few drops in a diffuser create a calming, comforting atmosphere.
- Natural skincare: Its skin-balancing character makes it a popular addition to facial oils, balms and serums, always in tiny proportions.
- Candle and soap making: Used sparingly to scent cold-process soaps, wax melts and candles.
- Blending: Davana pairs beautifully with ylang ylang, sweet orange, bergamot, black pepper and neroli.
How to use Davana essential oil
Because Davana is potent and richly aromatic, less is genuinely more. Follow these simple approaches:
- For the skin: Dilute to roughly 1% or lower in a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut. That is about 1 drop per 5 ml of carrier for facial use.
- For diffusion: Add 2 to 4 drops to your diffuser, on its own or blended with citrus oils, and adjust to taste.
- For perfume: Because it is soluble in alcohol, it works well in DIY perfume bases; start with a small percentage and let the blend mature.
- For soap and candles: Add at the recommended fragrance load for your recipe, keeping in mind its strong throw.
Safety and precautions
Treat Davana with the same care as any concentrated essential oil.
- Meant for external use only — do not ingest.
- Always dilute before topical application; never apply neat to skin.
- Do a patch test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
- Avoid direct sunlight on treated skin.
- Keep out of reach of children and away from eyes.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok stocks Davana essential oil from India in sizes ranging from 10 Gm up to 1 KG, so both hobbyists and small businesses can buy the right quantity. Prices start at ₹649. When buying, check that the oil lists the botanical name Artemisia pallens and that documentation such as a COA and MSDS is available.
To protect the aroma and quality:
- Store in a tightly closed amber or dark glass bottle.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat.
- Replace caps promptly to limit oxidation.
- Use within the roughly two-year shelf life for the best scent.
FAQ
What does Davana essential oil smell like?
It has a sweet, fruity and herbaceous aroma that many describe as warm and slightly winey. The scent changes character as it settles on the skin, which is why perfumers value it.
Can I apply Davana oil directly to my skin?
No. Always dilute it in a carrier oil to about 1% or less, and do a patch test first. Neat application can cause irritation.
Which oils blend well with Davana?
It blends beautifully with ylang ylang, sweet orange, bergamot, black pepper and neroli, and works with all common carrier oils.
How is Davana essential oil extracted?
It is produced by steam distillation of the flowering buds of the Artemisia pallens plant, grown in India.
How long does Davana essential oil last?
Stored correctly in a dark, tightly sealed bottle away from heat and light, it keeps well for around two years.