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Lichen

Q: Is Lichen natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Extraction data not independently verified for this specific material..

WOODS AND MOSSES / earthy · woody · musky

Lichen

Category	WOODS AND MOSSES
Subcategory	earthy · woody · musky
Origin
Volatility	Base Note
Botanical	Evernia prunastri (oakmoss) / Pseudevernia furfuracea (tree moss)
Appearance	Pale yellow to dark amber liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Morocco
Pyramid	Base

A botanical note used in perfumery for its particular aromatic character. Part of the natural perfumer's palette.

Scent
Terroir & Origins
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

The olfactory character of lichen is subtle and particular, contributing atmosphere and specificity to compositions rather than dominating them. Detailed sensory profiling requires evaluation in composition context.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Initial aromatic impression, characteristic note

After a few hours

Developing complexity

After a few days

Subtle residual trace

Terroir & Maturity

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Lichen is a botanical ingredient referenced in perfumery for its aromatic properties. The material contributes a particular olfactory character that has found use in niche and artisanal fragrance compositions.

Detailed technical information about this specific ingredient's chemistry and terroir requires further verification. What is known is that it belongs to the broader family of natural aromatic materials that perfumers draw upon to create complex, multi-dimensional compositions.

In practice, many of these lesser-known botanicals function as modifiers and character notes rather than as primary structural ingredients -- they add specificity and authenticity to compositions without necessarily being the dominant scent.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

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Related: Alder · Alpha Humulene · Amaranth · Amberever · Amburana Bark · Antillone · Apple Tree

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Lesser-known botanicals like lichen represent the vast diversity of aromatic plants that exists beyond the 50-100 ingredients that dominate commercial perfumery.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Extraction data not independently verified for this specific material.

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular Formula	Complex mixture; key components: Atranol, Chloroatranol, Evernic acid
CAS Number	90028-67-4
Botanical Name	Evernia prunastri (oakmoss) / Pseudevernia furfuracea (tree moss)
IFRA Status	Restricted. Lichen extracts (oakmoss, tree moss) are restricted due to atranol and chloroatranol content. IFRA limits concentration in finished products.
Synonyms	MOSS LICHEN · TREE LICHEN
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Appearance	Pale yellow to dark amber liquid

In Perfumery

Lichen functions as a modifier in niche compositions, adding botanical specificity and naturalistic character. Its role is supportive rather than structural.