Opoponax
A sweet, balsamic resin with a warm, honeyed quality. Opoponax is softer and more approachable than myrrh, with a gentle, incense-like warmth.
Fragrance Pyramid
Olfactive Character
Sweet, honeyed, and warmly balsamic. Opoponax is gentler than myrrh and less dark than labdanum. It has a comforting, almost edible sweetness that makes it approachable in gourmand and amber compositions.
Origin & Harvest
Harvested from Commiphora guidottii and related species in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The resin is collected similarly to myrrh, from incisions in the bark. Steam distillation or solvent extraction produces the oil or absolute.
Key Molecules
Trans-beta-ocimene provides a fresh, herbaceous lift. Bisabolene adds sweetness. The sesquiterpene profile differs from myrrh, giving opoponax its softer, sweeter character.
Safety & Regulation
May cause sensitisation in balsam-sensitive individuals. IFRA compliant at standard use levels. Lower sensitisation risk than some other resinous materials.
In Perfumery
Found in Shalimar by Guerlain and Myrrhe et Delires by Annick Goutal. Pairs with vanilla, benzoin, and sandalwood. In KIDA KYO, opoponax adds gentle, honeyed resinous warmth.
History
Used in incense and medicine since antiquity. The name comes from the Greek 'opos' (juice) and 'panax' (all-healing). Less well known than myrrh or frankincense but equally ancient in its use.
