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Olibanum

Olibanum is a substance produced from the resin of a group of trees, the boswellia, of the Burseraceae family. Boswellia breaks down into 3 main varieties, more commonly known as Somalia Tears. Olibanum has been known since antiquity. Before the presence of incense, it was olibanum that was referred to as incense. The Romans used to burn olibanum on altars to honor their gods. Today, olibanum is widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and also in perfumery.

The different properties of olibanum

Olibanum gives off something sun-kissed, surely because it is considered an incense that is both universal and luminous. Olibanum has truly very woody fragrances, with a mineral tonality and a spicy one. Its scent is well known, and used to relax the body and calm the mind. It also purifies the atmosphere and rids it of negative energies. This is why olibanum is still used as incense. In perfumery, this gum is used, extracted by incision from trees cultivated in East Africa and the Middle East. Olibanum is thus obtained through the exudation of the tree. The resin is collected then steam-distilled to yield olibanum essence. This essence can also be obtained through extraction with volatile solvents. In niche perfumery, olibanum is highly sought after, as it offers woody, aromatic, balsamic, spicy, and also lemony tonalities.

Olibanum and its association with olfactory families

Olibanum belongs to the Woody olfactory family, highly prized and sought after for its tonalities that are at once soft, warm and enveloping. This is why olibanum is naturally found in oriental fragrances, as in Allure Sensuelle by Chanel. Here, olibanum sits in the base note, alongside patchouli, vanilla and amber. It is also found in a very famous floral-oriental, that of Yves Saint Laurent, with Belle d’Opium. Also in another iconic Yves Saint Laurent fragrance, Kouros, a spicy-oriental. Olibanum is of course also found at the heart of woody fragrances, as in Amor Amor pour Homme Tentation by Cacharel. Here, olibanum is positioned as a base note alongside amber and cedarwood. It is also found in another woody fragrance, Boss Orange Men by Hugo Boss. Olibanum can also surprise by appearing in floral perfumes, as in Attraction le Parfum (floral-woody) by Lancôme. Also within citrus-aromatic fragrances such as CK One Summer 2011 by Calvin Klein.

Olibanum is a resin used in the same way as incense, employed during numerous religious rites. Because olibanum gives off woody, warm and enveloping scents, it is used in perfumery. It blends with many fragrances and has become part of some of the greatest perfumes.

Perfumes with the Olibanum note