**CAS Number:** 8016-26-0 **Synonyms:** Cistus ladaniferus **IFRA Limit:** **Hierarchy:** Base Note **Fragrance Family:** [Amber] **Sub Families:** [Spicy], [Resin], [Woody], [Incense], [Balsamic] ## More Info: **Where I Purchased This From:** https://fraterworks.com/products/labdanum-absolute-super-premium **Cost per Gram(AUD):** $5 ## Description: **Labdanum Absolute** is a richly resinous, balsamic ingredient revered in perfumery for its deep, warm, and ambery character. Derived from the sticky exudate of the Cistus ladaniferus shrub, Labdanum Absolute has been used for centuries, weaving its ancient, golden warmth through everything from incense to high-end fragrances. Olfactorily, **Labdanum Absolute** is a complex, multifaceted note. It opens with a sweet, slightly leathery warmth and evolves into a lush, ambery base. There’s a subtle interplay of rich, honeyed balsamic notes, earthy undertones, and hints of smoky resin that give it an unparalleled depth. This robust character makes it a perfect fixative and base note, ideal for grounding and rounding out a wide range of compositions. One of the most appealing aspects of **Labdanum Absolute** is its adaptability. Its warm, resinous quality works seamlessly across fragrance families, from rich oriental blends to woody chypres and even modern gourmand creations. In amber accords, it lends an earthy opulence; in leather compositions, it smooths and enriches; in incense-themed perfumes, it creates an intoxicating sense of mystery and depth. Technically, **Labdanum Absolute** is known for its exceptional fixative properties. Its weighty, tenacious base note allows it to anchor more volatile top notes, extending the lifespan of a fragrance and imparting a lasting warmth. It blends effortlessly with a range of ingredients — from vanilla and tonka to patchouli and oakmoss — adding a cohesive, resinous undertone to any creation. However, **Labdanum Absolute** is not without its challenges. Due to its intense profile, it requires careful balancing to avoid overwhelming more delicate notes in a blend. Additionally, as a natural extract, its profile can vary slightly from batch to batch, adding both complexity and an artisanal quality to its use. For those who’ve worked with **Labdanum Absolute**, it’s clear why it has remained a cornerstone of perfumery for centuries. Its rich, ambery warmth and grounding effect have made it indispensable in countless fragrances, ensuring that each composition has an earthy, resinous soul at its heart. Despite evolving trends and shifting tastes, **Labdanum Absolute** continues to be a testament to the enduring allure of natural, resinous beauty. ## Analysis: Percentage: 10% | Time | Thoughts | Strength | Tenacity | | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | -------- | | 1 min | Thick, rich resinous amber scent with deep spicy and incense-like undertones | 7 | 6 | | 5 min | It's giving off a woody, church-like aroma | 7 | 6 | | 10 min | No noticeable changes | 7 | 6 | | 15 min | No noticeable changes, slightly weaker | 6 | 5 | | 30 min | No changes | 6 | 5 | | 1 hour | Still smells the same, though the scent has weakened a bit | 5 | 4 | | 2 hours | No changes, still a solid spicy amber with hints of incense | 5 | 4 | | 4 hours | Still has that sticky balsamic vibe, no significant shift in intensity | 5 | 4 | | 6 hours | Starting to fade slightly, but still holding onto that warm, spicy amber and incense profile | 4 | 3 | | 12 hours | No big changes, just getting weaker overall | 3 | 3 | | 1 day | Very faint now, just occasional whiffs of amber left | 1 | 1 | ## Final Thoughts I love working with labdanum. It’s such a versatile material that brings a rich, spicy complexity to the base of a formula. However, I’ve found it works best in smaller doses, typically around 1–10%. This is partly because it’s thick and tricky to handle in larger amounts, but also because of how potent it is. If you’re not careful, it can easily overpower the entire blend and throw off the balance of the composition. Still, there’s no denying that when used right, it smells absolutely amazing: deep, resinous, and wonderfully complex.