Definition

Olibanum is the air-dried resin harvested by making incisions in the bark of Boswellia trees, primarily Boswellia sacra (Oman, Yemen) and Boswellia carterii (Somalia, Ethiopia). The gum-resin exudes as pale yellow or greenish tears that harden on exposure to air. Its scent profile is dry, slightly citrusy when fresh, with deep woody and incense facets.

In perfumery the material is used either as a resinoid (alcohol extraction), an absolute, or as a steam-distilled essential oil. The essential oil—also called olibanum oil or frankincense oil—contains alpha-pinene and limonene as dominant volatiles, which deliver the characteristic fresh-citrus opening before the resinous dry-down develops.

Also called: Frankincense • Encens • Olibano • Boswellia resin

Extraction and forms

Three main commercial forms exist:

  • Steam-distilled essential oil: volatile, citrus-incense profile; used in top and heart notes.
  • Resinoid: solvent-extracted from dry tears; richer, darker, suited to base notes and fixation.
  • CO2 extract: closest to the raw resin; preferred by natural perfumers for its rounded incense character.

Boswellia populations in Somalia and Oman face pressure from over-tapping. Several niche houses have adopted traceability sourcing programs to address sustainability concerns.

Role in niche perfumery

Olibanum appears across oud-incense compositions, orientals, and soliflores with a spiritual dimension. Serge Lutens’ Encens et Lavande, Comme des Garçons’ Incense Series, and multiple Acqua di Parma incense releases use it as a structural base material. It blends naturally with labdanum, myrrh, sandalwood, and benzoin in oriental accords.

In functional perfumery, olibanum resinoid acts as a fixative that extends the life of volatile top notes. Its IFRA status is unrestricted in most categories at normal use levels.

Sources

Published 30 May 2026 · Updated 30 May 2026 · Last fact check: 30 May 2026 · Osmetheca · Editorial team