Kewra essential oil is a steam-distilled oil from the flowers of the screwpine plant (Pandanus odoratissimus), prized for its sweet, rich, intensely floral aroma with warm, fruity notes. It is used mainly in perfumery, soaps, candles, incense and skincare formulations, and in small amounts to create a calming, refreshing atmosphere. It is for external and fragrance use only, not for drinking.
If you have ever caught the heady scent of kewra water in a plate of biryani or a tray of sweets, you already know the flower. The essential oil is a concentrated version of that same fragrance, and a very little goes a long way.
What Kewra essential oil is
Kewra (also spelt kewda or keora) comes from the flowers of the Pandanus plant that grows widely along India's coastal and eastern regions. The oil sold by Azlok is extracted by steam distillation, appears clear to light yellowish, and is both oil-soluble and alcohol-soluble, which makes it flexible for many kinds of formulations.
- Botanical name: Pandanus odoratissimus
- Extraction: steam distillation
- Colour: clear to light yellowish
- Aroma: sweet, floral, warm and fruity
- Shelf life: about 2 years when stored well
Common uses
Kewra oil is a favourite with makers because its fragrance is exotic but not overpowering when used correctly.
- Perfumery: as a floral heart note in attars, roll-on perfumes and body mists.
- Soap and candle making: to give handmade bars and candles a distinctive floral scent.
- Aromatherapy: a couple of drops in a diffuser to build a soothing, uplifting mood.
- Skincare and hair care: a fragrant addition to creams, oils, mists and hair serums.
- Incense and room sprays: for a warm, traditional Indian fragrance.
Because it dissolves in both oil and alcohol, it blends easily into carrier oils, melt-and-pour soap bases, wax and alcohol-based perfume compositions.
How to use it
Essential oils are concentrated, so always dilute before applying to skin.
- For skin and hair: mix 1–2 drops into 10 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba or almond oil. Keep the total essential oil content low, generally under 1–2%.
- For a diffuser: add 3–5 drops to water as per your diffuser's instructions.
- For soap and candles: follow your base manufacturer's recommended fragrance load, adding the oil once the base has cooled slightly.
- For perfume: combine with other notes in a perfumer's alcohol base and let it mature for a few days before judging the scent.
Kewra pairs nicely with rose, sandalwood, vetiver, jasmine and citrus oils if you want to build a more layered fragrance.
Safety notes
Treat kewra oil like any concentrated essential oil.
- Always patch-test a diluted amount on your inner arm before wider use.
- Do not ingest. This essential oil is not the same as food-grade kewra water used in cooking.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and anyone with sensitive skin should consult a doctor before use.
- Use good ventilation when working with large quantities.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok offers Kewra essential oil starting at ₹399, with pack sizes ranging from 100 g up to bulk 25 kg drums, so it suits both home hobbyists and small businesses. When you buy, check that the oil is clear to light yellow and has that recognisable sweet floral aroma.
To protect the fragrance and extend the roughly two-year shelf life:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Keep the cap tightly closed to reduce oxidation.
- Use amber or dark glass bottles for smaller decanted quantities.
- Avoid storing near strong-smelling products, as concentrated oils can pick up odours.
FAQ
Is Kewra essential oil the same as kewra water used in cooking?
No. Kewra water is a heavily diluted, food-grade flavouring. This essential oil is concentrated and meant for perfumery, skincare and aromatherapy, not for eating or drinking.
How do I dilute Kewra oil for skin?
Add 1–2 drops to about 10 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba. Patch-test first and keep the concentration low, generally under 2%.
What does Kewra essential oil smell like?
It has a sweet, rich, intensely floral scent with warm, fruity undertones — the same exotic fragrance associated with the kewra flower.
Can I use it in soap and candles?
Yes. It is both oil- and alcohol-soluble, so it blends well into melt-and-pour soap bases, cold-process soap and candle wax. Follow your base's recommended fragrance load.
How long does it last?
Around two years when stored in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed and away from sunlight and heat.