Ambrette Seed Oil—also known as Abelmoschus Moschatus Seed Oil—is a rare botanical oil derived from the seeds of the ambrette plant, a tropical hibiscus native to India. Known for its rich, warm, musky aroma, it's often used in high-end perfume, but it also holds impactful skincare benefits.

What is Ambrette Seed Oil?

Ambrette seed oil is either cold-pressed or solvent-extracted from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant. You’ll often hear it referred to as musk mallow oil, because it was historically used as a plant-based substitute for animal musk. Ambrette seed oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, phytosterols, and natural antioxidants to bring deep nourishment, antioxidant support, and calming benefits to the skin.

How is Ambrette Seed Oil used in skincare?

• Found in facial oils, anti-aging serums, luxury creams, and aromatherapeutic blends
• Used for its emollient, soothing, and barrier-restoring properties
• Common in clean beauty and niche natural formulations for its sensual scent and skin-nourishing effects

What are the benefits of Ambrette Seed Oil for your complexion and skin microbiome?

Ambrette Seed Oil (Abelmoschus moschatus) can be beneficial for your skin microbiome, especially when used as part of a balanced skincare routine. Be sure to use it in a diluted form or as part of a formulated facial oil. Pro tip: Pair with prebiotic or probiotic ingredients if you're building a microbiome-friendly routine, and avoid using it with strong antibacterials or high-level exfoliants in the same routine.

Ambrette Seed Oil is microbiome-safe and even microbiome-supportive thanks to its barrier-strengthening, anti-inflammatory, and non-disruptive nature. It’s a great option if you want a skin-nourishing oil that helps your natural flora flourish. Here’s why ambrette seed oil is beneficial to your skin health:

• Deep Nourishment & Moisture Retention: Ambrette seed oil is high in essential fatty acids (especially linoleic and oleic acids), which help restore skin's lipid barrier, lock in moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth. A strong barrier means your skin’s good bacteria can thrive and fend off invaders (like pathogens or pollutants).
• Antioxidant Protection: Ambrette seed oil contains natural tocopherols (vitamin E) and phytosterols that fight free radicals. This helps shield the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. Inflammation and oxidative stress can throw your microbiome out of whack—ambrette oil helps calm and protect instead.
• Non-Comedogenic & Lightweight: It absorbs well and doesn’t clog pores (in moderation), which keeps the skin's environment clean without stripping it. That’s crucial, because over-cleansing or overly drying ingredients are known microbiome disruptors.
• Soothes & Calms the Skin: Known for its nanti-inflammatory effects, ambrette seed oil can help reduce redness, irritation, and reactivity, especially in sensitive or dry skin.
• Improves Skin Texture & Radiance: Ambrette seed oil supports skin repair and cell regeneration. It helps fade dullness, refine texture, and leave skin with a radiant glow.
• Non-Disruptive & Gentle: Ambrette seed oil is not antimicrobial in a harsh or aggressive way, so it won't disturb your skin’s natural flora. This makes it suitable for daily use in microbiome-conscious routines.