Opopanax Absolute — Commiphora erythraea | Sweet Myrrh | H Reynaud Fils, France

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Opopanax Absolute — Sweet Myrrh, The Forgotten Treasure of the Balsamic Palette

Opopanax is one of perfumery's best-kept secrets — a resinous absolute of extraordinary character that sits alongside frankincense and myrrh in the ancient aromatic tradition yet is far less known than either, despite possessing qualities that arguably surpass both in terms of sweetness, depth, and versatility. Harvested from the stems and branches of Commiphora erythraea — a small thorny tree native to the arid landscapes of East Africa and the Arabian peninsula — the gum resin is solvent extracted by H Reynaud Fils, established 1898, to yield an absolute of reddish-brown colour and remarkable complexity.

Its common name — Sweet Myrrh — gives the best first indication of its character: this is myrrh's sweeter, warmer, more balsamic cousin, sharing the resinous-spicy depth of the myrrh family while adding a distinctive sweetness, a subtly animalic warmth, and woody root-like facets that give opopanax absolute a complexity few other resins can match. Arctander himself placed it among the most interesting and underused materials in fine fragrance.

Scent Profile

Sweetly aromatic, warm, and deeply balsamic from the first moment — the characteristic opopanax opening is rich and resinous with a distinctive spiciness and a concentrated sweetness that distinguishes it immediately from myrrh or frankincense. As it develops, woody and root-like facets emerge alongside faint celery-lovage undertones — an unusual and distinctive green-herbal note that adds unexpected complexity. The drydown reveals a quietly animalic warmth and a musky depth that makes opopanax an outstanding fixative of considerable tenacity.

Perfumery Applications

Opopanax absolute is one of the great fixatives of natural perfumery — its combination of resinous sweetness, animalic warmth, and extraordinary tenacity makes it invaluable in oriental, balsamic, and amber structures. In incense-style structures it adds a sweeter, more animalic dimension than frankincense; in leather accords its subtly animalic drydown deepens and naturalises the character with remarkable effect. Use at low to moderate concentrations — its sweet-balsamic character will dominate a composition if overdosed.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with labdanum, benzoin, frankincense, myrrh, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, bergamot, neroli, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, rose absolute, jasmine, violet, and cistus. The classic amber trio of labdanum, benzoin, and opopanax is a natural starting point.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Commiphora erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl.
• Common Names: Opopanax / Sweet Myrrh / Bisabol Myrrh
• Botanical Family: Burseraceae
• Supplier: H Reynaud Fils, established 1898, France
• Origin: East Africa (gum resin); processed in France
• Harvest Period: April to September
• Plant Part: Gum resin from stems and branches
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction of the gum resin (absolute)
• Classification: Base note — excellent fixative
• Appearance: Mobile liquid — supplied in DPG carrier for ease of handling, standard industry practice
• Odour Family: Balsamic / Resinous / Sweet / Spicy / Animalic
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.