**CAS Number:** 8016-36-2 **Synonyms:** boswellia carteri birdw. oil, frankincense EO **IFRA Limit:** None **Hierarchy:** Middle **Fragrance Family:** [[Terpenic]] **Sub Families:** [[Fresh]], [[Woody]], [[Aromatic]] ## More Info: **Where I Purchased This From:** https://evocativeperfumes.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=334 **Cost per Gram(AUD):** $1.5 ## Description: Olibanum essential oil, better known as frankincense oil, is a cornerstone of perfumery and one of the oldest aromatic materials in human history. Distilled from the resin of Boswellia trees, it carries a rich olfactory profile that blends the sacred with the sensual. Its unique composition is characterized by a complex interplay of citrusy, resinous, balsamic, and slightly woody facets, making it an incredibly versatile and evocative material. At its core, olibanum EO exudes a clean, bright citrus opening, often likened to lemon or orange peel, which gives way to a warm, resinous heart. The balsamic sweetness is both meditative and grounding, often evoking a sense of calm and spirituality. Beneath this lies a subtle woody, slightly smoky dry-down that adds depth and dimension. It’s this multifaceted nature that allows olibanum to shine in compositions ranging from crisp citruses to rich orientals. From a technical perspective, olibanum EO contains a variety of terpenes and sesquiterpenes, including alpha-pinene, limonene, and incensole acetate. These components contribute not only to its scent profile but also to its fixative properties, allowing it to anchor volatile top notes and extend their longevity. Its resinous quality makes it an excellent partner for ambery, woody, and spicy notes, while its citrus facet can enhance fresher compositions. Olibanum EO also plays a unique role in creating atmosphere. Its association with ancient rituals and sacred spaces brings an ethereal, almost mystical quality to fragrances. When used sparingly, it can lend a subtle air of sophistication and tranquility; at higher concentrations, it can evoke the smoky richness of burning incense. In practice, olibanum works exceptionally well in woody and spicy compositions, pairing beautifully with materials like myrrh, cedarwood, patchouli, and amber. However, it’s also surprisingly effective in modern, clean fragrances when paired with citrus, green, or herbal notes. I’ve found it especially rewarding when combined with materials like bergamot, vetiver, or even floral notes like rose, which it can elevate with a radiant, resinous glow. Whether you’re crafting a meditative incense accord or adding subtle complexity to a bright, fresh fragrance, olibanum EO is a material that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. Its timeless character ensures that it will always have a place in the perfumer’s palette. ## Analysis: Percentage: 100% | Time | Thoughts | Strength | Tenacity | | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | -------- | | 1 min | Very fresh and bright, with a lemony smell, slightly woody, green, terpenic/pine, and peppery. | 6 | 6 | | 5 min | No changes, remains fresh and lemony with woody and green undertones. | 6 | 6 | | 10 min | Less lemony, transitioning into a more woody, fresh, and spicy scent. | 5 | 5 | | 15 min | No changes, still woody and spicy with fresh elements. | 5 | 5 | | 30 min | The lemon note is nearly gone, transitioning into a fresh spicy and woody scent with a noticeable terpenic/pine characteristic. | 4 | 4 | | 1 hour | Much softer now, with a clean, soapy vibe beginning to appear. | 3 | 3 | | 2 hours | Even softer, now just a faint, clean woody smell. | 2 | 2 | | 4 hours | Very soft, a subtle woody spice still detectable. | 1 | 1 | | 6 hours | Gone completely, can’t detect any scent. | 0 | 0 | | 12 hours | Nothing | 0 | 0 | | 1 day | Nothing | 0 | 0 | ## Final Thoughts Olibanum EO is a fascinating material with an array of facets: woody, fresh, aromatic, citrusy, spicy, and green. Its complex character evolves rapidly, offering a dynamic sensory experience throughout its short lifespan. Despite its fleeting nature, I found each phase of its development to be thoroughly enjoyable. This material could work beautifully as an accent in a fresh, woody formula, enhancing citrus notes in the opening while adding diversity to the mid and base notes during the dry-down. The fresh, woody-spicy quality makes it especially well-suited for a fougère-style composition, lending complexity and elegance to the blend.