Amber

Copal

Note Profile

Botanical 9 perfumes

Also Known As

almaciga resin

About

Bright, citrusy resin used in traditional incense

Scent Profile

Copal has a luminous, resinous aroma with bright citrus facets and a gentle pine-like freshness. Its scent is less dense than other resins, offering a clean, slightly sweet warmth that can develop into soft, balsamic undertones. As it evolves, it maintains a radiant clarity with subtle herbal and woody nuances.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~20h lasting

Family Amber · Musk · Leather

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Copal names no single substance

A natural extract

A real resin; we hold none. The material that would realise this note is Copal resinoid; we do not hold it, so this edge names the gap rather than asserting a reconstruction.

How the layers join

Origin

Copal is a natural resin obtained from various trees in the Burseraceae family, primarily found in Central and South America. It is traditionally harvested by making incisions in the tree bark, allowing the resin to exude and harden before collection. The raw resin is often used directly or subjected to steam distillation for essential oil extraction.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use copal mainly in the heart and base of compositions to impart a luminous, ambery character with a fresh twist. It blends well with citrus, woods, incense, and floral notes, adding complexity and lift to resinous accords. Copal is valued for its ability to evoke both ancient ritualistic atmospheres and contemporary brightness.