Frankincense

Frankincense (Olibanum): Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

  • Botanical source: Resin from trees of the genus Boswellia (main species: Boswellia sacra, B. carterii, B. serrata).

  • Extraction: The tree bark is tapped, and resin β€œtears” are collected; distilled into frankincense essential oil or resinoid.

  • History: Used for millennia in rituals, incense, and sacred perfumes, valued for its mystical, meditative aura.

2. Aroma Character

  • Bright, resinous, citrusy, balsamic, woody, slightly spicy, and smoky-incense-like.

  • Complex balance of fresh lemony top notes with a deep resinous-balsamic heart and base.

  • Depending on quality/origin:

    • Fresh-distilled oil β†’ lemony, terpenic, green.

    • Resinous extracts β†’ deeper, balsamic, ambered, incense-like.

πŸ‘‰ Overall impression: a sacred, glowing resin note that feels both fresh and mystical.

3. Chemical Composition

  • Monoterpenes (Ξ±-pinene, limonene, phellandrene) β†’ fresh, citrus-terpenic lift.

  • Incensole acetate β†’ warm, resinous, incense-like depth.

  • Boswellic acids (in resin, not volatile oil) β†’ balsamic, grounding richness.

  • Octyl acetate, verbenone β†’ fruity-green nuances.

4. Perfume Applications

  • Used across the fragrance pyramid:

    • Top note β†’ lemony brightness.

    • Heart β†’ resinous, incense-like glow.

    • Base β†’ balsamic depth and longevity.

  • Applications:

    • Incense perfumes β†’ spiritual, meditative compositions.

    • Oriental/amber fragrances β†’ resinous depth.

    • Woods & aromatics β†’ adds resin-citrus lift.

    • Modern niche perfumes β†’ dry smoky-resinous structures.

  • Blends well with:

    • Citrus (bergamot, lemon, orange).

    • Spices (cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon).

    • Woods (cedar, sandalwood, oud).

    • Florals (rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang).

    • Resins (myrrh, benzoin, labdanum).

  • Perfume examples:

    • Amouage – Jubilation XXV β†’ frankincense + blackberry + myrrh.

    • Comme des GarΓ§ons – Avignon β†’ church incense atmosphere.

    • Serge Lutens – La Myrrhe β†’ aldehydes, myrrh, frankincense glow.

    • Tom Ford – Sahara Noir β†’ resin-heavy frankincense showcase.

5. Mood & Symbolism

  • Symbol of spirituality, purification, meditation, and transcendence.

  • Evokes:

    • Sacred rituals β†’ churches, temples, burning incense.

    • Mysticism β†’ otherworldly, meditative aura.

    • Balance β†’ fresh yet resinous duality.

Quick Summary Table

Attribute Profile
Origin Resin of Boswellia trees (sacra, carterii, serrata)
Aroma Fresh citrusy, resinous, balsamic, incense-like
Chemistry Ξ±-pinene, limonene, incensole acetate, boswellic acids
Perfume Role Top–base spectrum; resinous, sacred, glowing depth
Mood Spiritual, meditative, mystical, purifying

In essence: Frankincense is a sacred resin note that bridges bright citrus freshness with deep balsamic incense warmth, a cornerstone in perfumery for ritualistic, mystical, and resinous creations.


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