VETIVER HEART HAITI
Botanical name : Vetiveria zizanoides L.
PART OF THE PLANT
Roots
PROCESS
Process Steam distillation
Molecular distillation
FORM
Heart of vetiver oil
Origin : Haiti
ORIGIN
Though it is a woody note, vetiver is, in fact, drawn from the roots of a perennial grass native to southern India, introduced to the Tropics of both hemispheres where its intricate, deep root system anchors soil against landslides. It has been used for its therapeutic properties in ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
In Haiti, today’s leading global producer, it has been grown since the 1930s. The rich essence of the tropical root is so complex that it became a star of masculine perfumery in the 20th century, giving its name to over 100 compositions.
SOURCING
The vetiver oil produced for YSL is sustainably sourced in Haiti, which grows 60% of the world’s production. A cooperative has been created by our partner around three villages: Massey, Faucault, and Bazelais.
The cooperative is engaged in programs to limit soil erosion and boost the productivity of the steam distillation process. A washhouse has also been built thanks to this program, to improve the living conditions of the farmers.
HARVEST
Once planted, vetiver grows its roots up to a depth of 1 meter, before it can be harvested after 12 months. Since it is very hardy, it requires no chemical fertilizer, and droughts actually augment the concentration of oil in the roots.
In Haiti, the harvest is carried out during the dry season, from November to April, in the morning, then from 4 p.m. to sundown to avoid the worst of the heat. The task is arduous, as the tangled roots must be dug out manually, cleaned of earth and compacted into bales.
PROCESS
To obtain 1 kg of essential oil, 150 kg of roots are needed. The plant material is steam-distilled locally for 24 hours. The essence produced for YSL Beauty is then treated again in Switzerland through molecular distillation.
The high-tech process allows perfumers to eliminate the less desirable aspects of the oil, such as its earthy notes, yielding a precious, custom-made material with fresh and sparkling grapefruit facets and a woody drydown: Vetiver Heart Haiti.