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Cistus

Cistus incanus, also known as pink rock rose, is a wild-growing shrub native to the rocky hillsides and garrigue landscapes of the Mediterranean. It is closely related to Cistus ladanifer, the source of labdanum resin, and shares many of its warm, resinous qualities. The plant's leaves and stems yield an essential oil and CO2 extract with a rich, herbal-resinous character layered with honeyed sweetness, a faint earthiness, and gentle labdanum-like warmth. Traditional communities around the Mediterranean have used it for centuries in folk medicine, incense, and as a culinary herb. In perfumery, cistus incanus is prized as a naturalistic bridge between green herbal notes and warm, oriental resins. Its profile blends seamlessly with labdanum, benzoin, and other balsamic materials, making it a valuable component in oriental and chypre-style compositions. It also adds an interesting wild, sun-baked Mediterranean character to woody or mossy structures, evoking the scent of dry hillsides warmed by the summer sun. Perfumers use it both as a supporting modifier and as a distinctive mid-note capable of adding genuine naturalistic complexity. At Fragrenza, cistus incanus contributes its warm, Mediterranean soul to several of our fragrance dupes, helping us faithfully recreate the textured depth of inspiring designer and niche originals. Explore our Cistus Incanus collection to find scents that carry this beautifully complex botanical note, all available at prices accessible to every fragrance lover.

Often paired with these notes

Patchouli91 Bergamot68 Sandalwood64 Musk61 Vanilla58 Frankincense56 Amber40 Vetiver38 Cedarwood37 Rose34 leather32 Oud29

Fragrances featuring this note

Often paired with these notes

Fragrances featuring this note

As top note

1 Million Parfum

Clinique Aromatics in White Eau de Parfum

Black XS L'Excès Eau de Toilette for Him

Esprit Infini

Indian Venus

Le Mystérieux

Les Signatures Hechter - Malt Cuiré

Omen

Suite Royale

Watan

Aram

Imperial

As heart note

Double Dare Guess Eau de Parfum

Allure

Andalusian Soul

Atman Xaman EAU DE PARFUM

Atman Xaman EAU DE TOILETTE

Beso Canalla

Black Avaritia

Cashmere

Chypré Extraordinaire

Citron Noir Black Lemon

Extrait de Musique - Violon Basse 16

Alizarin Penhaligon's Eau de Parfum

As base note

Habit Rouge Guerlain Eau de Parfum

Illusion Captive 1898 Lalique Eau de Parfum

Izia La Nuit

1955

Abuser

Ankh Sun Amon

Black Suede Intense

CH Men Insignia

Damask

-E- 4

No.4

Blu Mediterraneo Cedro di Taormina Acqua Di Parma Eau de Toilette