Voltar

Opoponax

opoponax resin in a wooden bowl

Commiphora erythraea
Also known as: Sweet Myrrh

Description:
Opoponax is an aromatic gum resin derived from the Commiphora erythraea tree, native to parts of East Africa and the Middle East. Deeply resinous, rich, and sweet, it exudes a warm, animalic, and slightly smoky scent profile. The resin is reddish-brown and sticky, with strong fixative properties, making it a staple in oriental, balsamic, and mossy-woody perfume accords.

Forms of Use in Natural Perfumery:

  • Opoponax Resinoid:
    Extracted via solvent methods; used as a fixative to deepen and anchor blends.
    Aroma: Intense, balsamic, animalic, sweet-resinous.

  • Opoponax Essential Oil:
    Steam-distilled; a more accessible form for perfumers without the equipment to prepare resinoid.
    Note: Quality can vary; ensure the oil is truly from Commiphora erythraea and not substituted or diluted.

Note Family: Balsamic, Resinous, Woody, Oriental
Texture: Thick, syrupy, sticky, dense
Emotion: Mystical, grounding, sensual, introspective
Analogy: Ancient temple incense, warm animal skin, sunbaked forest floor

Blends Well With:

  • Citrus: Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Lemon

  • Floral: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang

  • Spices: Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom

  • Woods: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli

  • Resins: Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin

  • Herbal: Lavender, Sage, Thyme

These combinations yield deep, sensual fragrances with a warm, smoky, and meditative core.

Extraction Method:

  • Solvent extraction (resinoid)

  • Steam distillation (essential oil)

Unique Characteristics:

  • Often confused with Myrrh, but opoponax is sweeter, smokier, and more animalic, whereas myrrh leans fresher and sharper

  • Used sparingly due to its potent, dominating character

  • Revered in both perfumery and ritual incense traditions

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