Galbanum: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical source: Gum resin obtained from Ferula galbaniflua and related species (in the Apiaceae family).

• Extraction: Collected as a resin and then distilled into essential oil or processed into a resinoid.

• Long history in perfumery and incense, prized for its piercing green freshness and resinous depth.

2. Aroma Character

• Intensely green, bitter, sharp, resinous, earthy, balsamic, with a piney undertone.

• Opens with a raw, penetrating green note → often described as “snapped green stems” or “crushed leaves.”

• Dries down into a resinous, woody, balsamic base.

👉 Overall impression: a powerful, naturalistic green-resin note that evokes wild plants, forests, and earth.

3. Chemical Composition

• Monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene) → fresh, terpenic brightness.

• Sesquiterpenes → earthy-woody depth.

• Resin acids & sulfur compounds → bitter-green sharpness.

• Galbanol (key alcohol) → intensely green and resinous.

4. Perfume Applications

• A classic green note, used sparingly because of its sharp intensity.

• Applications:

  • Green chypres & florals → crisp leafy bite.

  • Incense and resinous blends → balsamic depth.

  • Aromatic-woody → natural forest nuance.

• Blends well with:

  • Florals (hyacinth, iris, jasmine, rose) → adds “green petal” contrast.

  • Citrus (bergamot, lemon) → sharp green-fresh lift.

  • Resins (frankincense, myrrh, labdanum) → mystical green resins.

  • Woods (pine, cedar, oakmoss, vetiver) → earthy forest depth.

• Perfume examples:

  • Chanel No. 19 → iconic green-floral iris + galbanum.

  • Balmain – Vent Vert → benchmark green fragrance, galbanum overdose.

  • Hermès – Bel Ami → leather with galbanum green edge.

  • Amouage – Epic Man → incense + galbanum green resin.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Symbol of renewal, nature’s raw energy, vitality, and mystery.

• Mood associations:

  • Wild & untamed → evokes dense forests and herbs.

  • Bold & assertive → sharp green “bite” that demands attention.

  • Mystical & ancient → used in temple incense and rituals.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Galbanum is a bold, green-resin note with raw leafy sharpness and balsamic depth, a cornerstone of green chypres and naturalistic perfumes.