Amyris (Haiti)

Amyris (Haiti) is a soft, woody note admired for its gentle warmth, smooth texture, and subtle, balsamic luminosity. Derived from the wood of Amyris balsamifera, a small tropical tree native to Haiti and the Caribbean, this note is sometimes referred to as “West Indian sandalwood”—though it is botanically unrelated. In perfumery, Haitian Amyris exudes a mild, glowing woodiness with nuances of amber, soft smoke, light resin, and a hint of vanilla-like sweetness. Less creamy than sandalwood and less dry than cedar, Amyris provides a polished, meditative wood tone that gently supports florals, ambers, or aromatic compositions without dominating them.

History & Composition: Traditionally used in torches and incense due to its high oil content and slow, fragrant burn, Amyris oil is now extracted via steam distillation of the heartwood, yielding a subtle, resinous essential oil. In modern perfumery, especially from ethical Haitian sources, Amyris is prized for its sustainability, affordability, and its ability to serve as a sandalwood softener or extender. It blends beautifully with incense, tonka bean, lavender, citrus, and musks, adding a quiet glow and roundness—like the soft amber light of dusk over wood grain.