Resinous

39 perfumes

About

Resinous accords are reminiscent of natural tree resins and gums, offering a deep, warm, and often slightly sweet or piney scent profile. They are commonly built around notes like frankincense, myrrh, labdanum, and benzoin, imparting an enveloping, mysterious, and sometimes church-like or meditative atmosphere to fragrances. This accord is frequently used in oriental, woody, and amber compositions to add depth and richness.

Scent Profile

Resinous accords evoke the scent of natural tree resins and gums, characterized by a deep, warm, and slightly sweet or balsamic aroma. They often feature nuances of pine, incense, and amber, with a rich, enveloping quality that can be both smooth and slightly smoky. The overall impression is dense and meditative, sometimes reminiscent of church incense or ancient rituals.

Citrus 4%

Floral 1%

Fruity 0%

Green 2%

Sweet 20%

Warm 33%

Woody 19%

Earthy 24%

Animalic 6%

Fresh 6%

Signature Notes

Notes most distinctively associated with Resinous fragrances.

Labdanum 392

Myrrh 149

Opoponax 60

Incense 434

Frankincense 227

Resin 59

Benzoin 474

Elemi 116

Common Notes

Notes most frequently found in Resinous fragrances.

Labdanum 392

Myrrh 149

Styrax 84

Opoponax 60

Cistus Incanus 7

Incense 434

Palo Santo 19

Frankincense 227

Resin 59

Benzoin 474

Elemi 116

Fir Resin 71

History

Resinous accords have ancient origins, with resins like frankincense and myrrh used in perfumery, religious ceremonies, and embalming since antiquity. These materials were among the earliest traded perfume ingredients, valued for their preservative and aromatic properties. The resinous accord became a hallmark of oriental and amber fragrances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as perfumers sought to recreate the opulence of exotic resins in modern compositions.

In Perfumery

Perfumers use resinous accords to add depth, warmth, and longevity to fragrances, often forming the base or heart of a composition. They are commonly paired with woody, spicy, or floral notes such as sandalwood, patchouli, clove, and orange blossom to create complexity and balance. Resinous accords are especially prominent in oriental, amber, and woody fragrance families, where they provide a rich, lasting foundation.