Olibanum Absolute, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, is a natural absolute known for its rich, warm, and balsamic character. It is often used in perfumery to impart depth and complexity, frequently found in oriental and woody compositions. The resin is steam distilled to produce the absolute, which captures the essence of the raw material while providing a more concentrated fragrance profile. Olibanum Absolute typically sits in the base or heart of a formula, where its resinous qualities can enhance the longevity and richness of the scent. It is valued for its ability to blend well with other ingredients, particularly spices, florals, and other resins. In terms of safety and regulatory considerations, Olibanum is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics, but as with many natural materials, it may contain allergens that should be noted in formulations. It is advisable to consult the latest IFRA guidelines and safety data sheets to ensure compliance with any restrictions or recommendations regarding its use. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
A rich, dense frankincense absolute with a fresh terpenic-citrus top that opens into a deep balsamic, resinous heart. Compared to the essential oil it is more tenacious, waxy and darker — smoky-woody with a lightly peppery, church-incense character and a faintly sweet amber drydown.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, page 288.
Olibanum Absolute is a solid, but somewhat plastic mass of pale amber color, particularly pale when cold processed.
Alcohol will dissolve from 65% to 85% by weight of the crude olibanum.
It has a fresh-balsamic, yet dry and resinous, slightly green odor with a typical, fruity-green topnote and great tenacity.
The absolute is used as a fixative with its distinct lemony-green, dry, fresh-balsamic note as a special effect. In combination with spice oils, particularly with a high grade cinnamon bark oil, olibanum absolute creates quite surprising odor complexes.
Products offered under this name are usually prepared directly from Olibanum by alcohol extraction. A true Absolute should be prepared by extraction of the olibanum resinoid with ethyl alcohol, chilling, filtering and evaporating of the extract.