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Liquidambar

Liquidambar (Liquidambar orientalis or L. styraciflua) is a tree whose bark produces a balsamic resin called storax or styrax. This resin, obtained by incising the bark, presents a warm, balsamic, slightly vanillic and smoky olfactory profile. It is used in perfumery as a base note, bringing depth and persistence to oriental and woody compositions.

Liquidambar, a balsamic resin with warm, smoky accents

Liquidambar is a genus of deciduous trees of which two species are particularly important in perfumery: Liquidambar orientalis, native to Asia Minor, and Liquidambar styraciflua, native to Central and North America. These trees produce, through incision of their bark, a balsamic resin known as storax or styrax.

Liquidambar storax presents a rich and complex olfactory profile: warm, balsamic, slightly vanillic, with smoky and resinous facets. It is obtained by incising the bark, which releases a semi-liquid resin that is subsequently purified. This raw material has been used since antiquity in incense and aromatic preparations.

In modern perfumery, liquidambar and its derivatives are incorporated into oriental compositions, balsamic woody fragrances and deep chypres. They bring warmth, persistence and a resinous complexity that enriches the base and fixes more volatile notes. Styrax is also used as a natural fixative in many formulations.

Perfumes with the Liquidambar note