GET TO KNOW YOUR OILS
Kewra Flower (Pandanus)
Pandanus odoratissimus
Chemotype: 2-phenyl ethyl methyl ether-rich floral ether type
- PLANT PART
- flowers
- EXTRACTION
- hydro distillation
- AROMA NOTE
- mid
LEARN AS YOU COMPARE
What’s inside this oil?
Constituents are the natural chemicals that give an oil its character. See the main ones, learn what they do, and explore differences between batches.
Meet the main constituents, then select one to see what makes it interesting.
FOLLOW YOUR SENSES
Aroma & character
A closer look at this oil's scent, strength, and staying power.
- Aroma intensity
- 88 / 100
- Note layer
- mid
- Approximate tenacity
- 3–8 hours
If you like this scent, explore
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY
Using it thoughtfully
Read the full safety context before bringing this oil into your routine.
- Cited dermal maximum · leave-on
- 8%
- Phototoxicity
- Not flagged in this profile
- Oxidation risk
- medium
A cited maximum is a limit, not a suggested dilution. Missing restrictions do not establish safety.
No phototoxic restriction was identified in the reviewed kewra sources.
Contraindications & cautions
- minorHermitage describes this as an incredibly potent aromatic best evaluated at 1% to 5% dilution; a separate dilution chart lists Pandanus fascicularis/odoratissimus kewda at 8% maximum dermal use.
Explore measured chemistry from supplier batches
A supplier report describes a particular sample. Open this workspace to investigate measured constituents and their original documents.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT
Inside the oil
An oil's character comes from its natural chemical composition. Explore each constituent to understand the connections.
About this composition
Hermitage Oils identifies this Indian material as a flower oil produced by hydro distillation and states that 2-phenylethyl methyl ether is present at 79% according to the GC-MS. A directly readable peer-reviewed kewda composition paper for hydrodistilled staminate inflorescences from India reports the same constituent as the dominant natural marker, together with terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, and 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol. The literature also documents market adulteration and strong variability, so the published values below should be read as a natural hydrodistilled reference profile rather than a substitute for the Hermitage batch assay.
| Constituent | Typical amount | Reported range | Chemical family | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Phenyl ethyl methyl ether | 79% | 79–79% | aromatic ether | View sourceKewra Essential Oil (Pandanus) from hermitageoils.com https://hermitageoils.com/product/kewra-essential-oil-pandanus/ ("key constituent being 2-phenylethyl-methyl ether is present here at 79% according to the GC-MS") |
| Terpinen-4-ol | 18.6% | 18.6–18.6% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil composition of `kewda' (Pandanus odoratissimus) from India https://staff.cimap.res.in/publicationfiles/flavour_fragr._j._19_434.pdf (abstract and Table 1, Terpinen-4-ol 18.6% in hydrodistilled natural oil) |
| alpha-Terpineol | 8.3% | 8.3–8.3% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceEssential oil composition of `kewda' (Pandanus odoratissimus) from India https://staff.cimap.res.in/publicationfiles/flavour_fragr._j._19_434.pdf (abstract and Table 1, alpha-Terpineol 8.3% in hydrodistilled natural oil) |
| 2-Phenyl ethyl alcohol | 7.5% | 7.5–7.5% | aromatic alcohol | View sourceEssential oil composition of `kewda' (Pandanus odoratissimus) from India https://staff.cimap.res.in/publicationfiles/flavour_fragr._j._19_434.pdf (abstract and Table 1, 2-Phenyl ethyl alcohol 7.5% in hydrodistilled natural oil) |
Profile source: Kewra Essential Oil (Pandanus) from hermitageoils.com; Essential oil composition of `kewda' (Pandanus odoratissimus) from India; Dilution Information - vizu organics · https://hermitageoils.com/product/kewra-essential-oil-pandanus/ ; https://staff.cimap.res.in/publicationfiles/flavour_fragr._j._19_434.pdf ; https://www.vizu.co/dilution-information
A TRADITION OF BOTANICAL CURIOSITY
Traditional & reported uses
These uses reflect the profile's reported traditions and literature. They are not established treatment recommendations.
- traditionally used in South Asian perfumery and attar-making for its distinctive sweet, green-floral note
- reported to be used in celebratory and ceremonial scenting traditions in South Asian culture
- used in diffuser blends for uplifting, exotic floral atmosphere
- traditionally associated with romantic and sensual aromatic rituals
- used in cosmetic and culinary-adjacent fragrance blends for its unique floral-fruity facet
- shares the traditional aphrodisiac reputation attributed to many rich white/green floral extracts
For aromatherapy and wellness use only — not medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating scores blend craft, harmony and safety, not medical efficacy. Read the safety framework.
What we're still learning · 2 data gaps
Good decisions start with knowing what is — and isn't — in the evidence.
- The 8% maximum dermal figure located for kewra is from a public dilution chart rather than a primary toxicology monograph or producer SDS with a numeric skin limit.
- No directly readable public source in this pass supplied an instrument-derived 0-100 odor-intensity scale for kewra; the intensity value is normalized from Hermitage's potency and longevity description.