The True Cost of a Drop: A Guide to Artisan Distillation for Natural Perfumers

The True Cost of a Drop: A Guide to Artisan Distillation for Natural Perfumers

Why Every Drop Deserves Respect

When we speak about essential oils, especially in the world of natural perfumery, it’s easy to focus on the end result — the fragrance, the notes, the beauty. But what about the journey? What does it truly take to create just 5ml of essential oil?

This page is here to lift the veil.
Not to discourage, but to deepen appreciation.

Whether you’re an artisan perfumer, a student at the start of your journey, or someone considering setting up your own still — this guide offers a realistic view of the physical, environmental, and emotional labour that goes into the process.

Drawing from sources like Perfume and Flavour Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander, as well as the writings of Jeanne Rose and others in the field of botanical distillation, we’ve compiled real data — alongside insights and practical experience — to help paint a fuller picture.

What follows is not just a table — it’s a testimony to time, land, skill, and intention.

Essential Oils Distillation Overview

Name Category Bulk to 5ml Bulk Weight (kg) Bulk Visual Land Use (m²) Harvesting (hrs) Distillation (hrs) Cost to Distill (€) Distillation Issues
Frankincense Resin 1000g 1.0 1 small wheelbarrow 5 2 6 25 Sticky residue; requires separate still or deep cleaning
Myrrh Resin 1200g 1.2 1 small wheelbarrow 6 2.5 6 30 Highly sticky; contaminates still, hard to clean
Benzoin Resin 900g 0.9 ¾ wheelbarrow 4 2 5 22 Clogs condenser; resinous deposits
Rose (Damask) Floral 2000g 2.0 2 wheelbarrows 10 5 4 60 Delicate material; low yield; time-sensitive
Lavender Floral 500g 0.5 ½ wheelbarrow 3 1.5 2.5 12 Minimal issues; fairly easy to clean
Jasmine (Sambac) Floral 2500g 2.5 2.5 wheelbarrows 12 6 5 70 Must be distilled fresh; spoilage risk; high labour cost
Sandalwood Wood 800g 1.5 1.5 wheelbarrows 15 4 24 80 Long distillation; resinous wood causes residue
Cedarwood (Atlas) Wood 600g 1.2 1.2 wheelbarrows 6 3 10 30 Moderate residue; longer distillation times
Palo Santo Wood 1000g 1.5 1.5 wheelbarrows 8 4 14 45 Contains waxy compounds; post-distillation cleaning needed
Vetiver Grass 1200g 1.8 1.8 wheelbarrows 10 4 16 40 Root material; earthy residue; requires soaking
Lemongrass Grass 400g 0.7 0.7 wheelbarrows 3 2 3 10 Citral oxidizes; regular cleaning required
Citronella Grass 450g 0.8 0.8 wheelbarrows 3 2 3 10 Similar to lemongrass; mild residue

Figures are illustrative estimates based on artisan distillation practices. Yield, labour, and cost may vary by cultivar, climate, and method.Wheelbarrow comparisons are based on visual estimates from field experience, not standardised agricultural containers. Actual volume will vary based on moisture content, cut size, and plant part. Informed by classic sources like Perfume and Flavour Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander and the writings of Jeanne Rose — alongside our own hands-on experience — this guide reflects the kind of material demands, time, and care that distillation truly entails.

Closing Reflections: The Hidden Cost of Beauty

As natural perfumers, we’re not just blending oils — we’re handling time, land, labour, and legacy. Behind every precious drop is a story of sunrise harvests, heavy wheelbarrows, muddy boots, cracked stills, and hours of watching steam rise. Some materials will clog your pipes. Others will exhaust your body. Some will break your heart with how little they yield after everything you’ve given them.

This isn’t to put anyone off — quite the opposite.

It’s to say: if you’re drawn to distillation, let it be with full awareness and full heart. Let it be a commitment to the plant, not just the bottle. Let it be a deep bow to the work — whether you’re doing it yourself or buying oils from someone who is.

The data above is only part of the picture. The rest? You feel it in your hands, your back, your breath, your skin.

Let’s make perfumery sacred again — not just luxurious.

✨ Ready to Go Deeper?

Whether you’re dreaming of your own copper still or simply want to understand materials more intimately, we’ve created learning spaces to support your journey:

May your next drop be full of soul.