All about Olibanum, AKA Frankincense

Olibanum is at the center of Devil's Garden, a fragrance that took us over two years to develop. We wanted something that perfectly highlighted the rich, smokey, resinous nature of this ingredient. If we spent that kind of time getting it right in a fragrance, we feel like we should also share some more information about it as a raw material and why our particular source of Olibanum is special.

What is it?

Olibanum, also known as Frankincense, is an ancient aromatic resin that has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, incense, and perfumery. This versatile and captivating ingredient offers a unique olfactory profile that adds depth and character to various perfumes and colognes.

The Origins of Olibanum:

Olibanum is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. These trees we source from are native to the regions of Somalia and Ethiopia, where they start producing resin at about eight to 10 years old. The resin is collected through a process called tapping, which is done two to three times a year. The final taps produce the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpenes.

Our process doesn't end here, we take it further with a process called Pyrogenization. Pyrogenization is a process in which a very specific high temperature is applied to resinoids, concretes, or essential oils, like Olibanum. During this heating process, new perfectly monitored compounds are created to yield intense leathery and animalic notes. It is like a burning process without any flame. The pyrogenization process reduces top-notes, enhances impact in the dry-down by concentrating compounds, and creates new, pyrogenized, smoky facets. This results in a new panel of wider and more intense notes than those of the original extracts, while retaining and enhancing the main characteristics of the initial note.

The Fragrance:

Olibanum offers a sweet, woody, and balsamic undertone with a green, citrusy, peppery, slightly smokey, and resinous profile. The scent is sensual and rich, typically associated with woody fragrances. 

If you're looking for a fragrance with a sense of mystery, warmth, and assertiveness, Olibanum is a fantastic fragrance note for you. And, if you're looking for a great Olibanum scent, check out Devil's Garden.