Elemi

Elemi is a gum resin. It is the product of a tree of the canarium luzonicum family, which also includes myrrh and incense. Elemi gum mainly originates from the Philippines, south of Manila. This is why this gum is also called “Manila elemi”. The gum is very pliable and has a bright white color. It only turns brown on contact with air. When burned, elemi gum produces a lemony, woody scent reminiscent of fennel or olibanum. Elemi is an Arabic name meaning “above and below”.

Elemi, a beautiful fresh touch

Elemi gum is used by perfume creators for the beautiful fresh and refreshing touch it brings. Mainly incorporated into top notes, which it enhances, elemi gum is found in oriental, fougère and woody fragrances. This is the case with L’instant de Guerlain pour homme, by Guerlain, which places elemi in the top notes, alongside pepper and bergamot. In the heart notes, a floral note is found with jasmine petals. Then, in the base, patchouli is paired with hibiscus seed. All this gives a great fragrance, woody and radiant, with a seductive side. This fragrance is said to have been designed like a travel journal… A whole program to discover! The elemi touch is often found in fragrances evoking dreams of travel, mysterious places to discover, and leaves behind elegantly fresh sillages...

Elemi, quality pairings

The freshness of elemi gum blends very well with floral and woody fragrances. However, it is also found paired with more oriental fragrances, as in Eau des Merveilles by Hermès. Here, elemi is found in the base notes, paired with lemon and amber-tinged bitter orange. In the heart notes, ambergris is discovered. In the top notes, Peru balsam is accompanied by oak, vetiver and Atlas cedar. Here, the woody-amber notes are particularly highlighted. This feminine fragrance contains no floral note and stirs unease with a few masculine effects, notably the sweet-salty resonance of ambergris. Eau des Merveilles will carry you off into an unknown, very distant world… An unforgettable journey. Another particularly successful blend is that of elemi with aquatic notes, in Bazar pour homme by Christian Lacroix. Here, elemi is a heart note, accompanied by cedarwood. In the top notes, watery fruit notes can be detected... Its sillage leaves behind notes that are, at first, sparkling, then airy and finally, woody... Passion and imagination then intertwine in a very masculine fragrance.

Elemi is a gum resin that has existed for a very long time. As an energizing oil, elemi is used to harmonize the mind. In perfumery, elemi gum offers a lemony, woody, even peppery scent. Creators like to use it in compositions because it brings refreshing notes, often as a top note. Paired with other fragrances, elemi offers very surprising pairings, yet of real beauty.