Resin

Opoponax

Note Profile

Botanical 306 perfumes

Also Known As

Opoponax Absolute

About

Sweet myrrh, balsamic

Scent Profile

Opoponax has a warm, sweet balsamic scent with pronounced resinous and honeyed undertones, often described as softer and rounder than myrrh. Its aroma includes subtle notes of spice, earth, and a gentle smokiness that deepens as it dries down. The scent evolves to reveal a lingering, slightly powdery finish.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~30h lasting

Family Amber · Musk · Leather

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

What this is made of

Opoponax oil

A natural extract

CAS 8021-36-1

Opoponax oil (IFRA NCS), Commiphora - sweet myrrh.

Restricted: An IFRA Standard limits how much of this a perfumer can use the limit applies to the perfumer, not the wearer

These are facts about the substance, not about any perfume with this note.

Why that matters

A perfume that names Opoponax can use a different extract, a reformulated version, or a synthetic reconstruction. It can also hold less than the amount that requires a declaration. We cannot tell which applies. These rows cover only the substances we hold a link for.

How the layers join

Origin

Opoponax is derived from the gum resin of Commiphora erythraea and related species, native to regions in East Africa and the Middle East. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the sap to exude and harden before it is collected and steam distilled or solvent extracted.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use opoponax primarily as a base note to impart depth, warmth, and fixative qualities to oriental, amber, and chypre compositions. It blends well with other resins, woods, spices, and floral notes, enhancing complexity and longevity in the fragrance structure.