Opopanax - Wild EO

Commiphora erythraea (Ehrenb.) Engl. var. glabrescens (synonym of Commiphora gorinii Chiov.)

(3)

The aroma of Opopanax essential oil, with its pleasantly balsamic sesquiterpenes, is another oil akin to Frankincense and Myrrh. It is reputedly the main species of ‘myrrh’ of ancient times, used in incense and perfume.[1] 

Size

Selected size SKU:678-015 - Opopanax - Wild 15 ml (1/2 oz)

Sample 1 ml (1/30 oz)
$3.00
5 ml (1/6 oz)
$14.50
15 ml (1/2 oz)
$22.00
30 ml (1 oz)
$34.25
59.14 ml (2 oz)
$54.00
118.29 ml (4 oz)
$95.00
236.58 ml (8 oz)
$171.00
473.17 ml (16 oz)
$310.00
1 kg (2 1/5 lb)
$637.25
$3.00
Details
Solubility & Blending Suggestions
Suggested Resources
Safety Considerations
Certificates of Analysis (COA)
Documentation

Product Overview

The aroma of Opopanax essential oil, with its pleasantly balsamic sesquiterpenes, is another oil akin to Frankincense and Myrrh. It is reputedly the main species of ‘myrrh’ of ancient times, used in incense and perfume.[1] Ours has a sweetly aromatic, spicy, warm, fresh, deep balsamic aroma with woody, root-like, slight animalic, and faint celery / lovage undertones. Quite an array of olfactory input!

Commiphora glabrescens is a tree botanically related to C. myrrha that yields Myrrh essential oil, a product similar in aroma and appearance to Opopanax essential oil.[2] As the oleo-gum resin of C. glabrescens dries, it takes the form of reddish-yellow 'tears' containing 5-10 percent essential oil, about 50 percent gum, and 22 percent odorless resin, the component responsible for this oil's fixative properties.[3] About 5 kilos of resin is required to yield one kilo of Opopanax essential oil.[4]

Both Williams[5] and Arctander[6] specifically point out that the aroma of Opopanax essential oil typically differs from that of Myrrh: Opopanax has a spicy, "somewhat broth-like" or "vegetable soup-like, slightly animal-sweet odor" and "is obviously richer in deep-balsamic sesquiterpene-type notes, while Myrrh essential oil has a light, fresh topnote and comparatively little dry out note."[7] In perfumery and aromatic creations, it can lend a musky and subtly animalic character.

1 Rhind, Jennifer Peace. Aromatherapeutic Blending - Essential Oils in Synergy, 2016, p. 267.

2 Williams, David G. Perfumes of Yesterday, 2004, p. 259.

3 Ibid.

4 Naturals Compendium, International Flavors and Fragrances, 2009, p. 106.

5 Williams, David G. Perfumes of Yesterday, 2004, p. 259.

6 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, pp. 470-2.

7 Ibid.

Blends Well With

4.7

3 Reviews

66.7%
2
33.3%
1
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0

Customer Reviews

Perfect!

Rating

This always reminds me of the smell of new toys at Christmas! LOL, your notes are like new plastic.

Review by Juan 10/3/2020

Walnuts and myrrh

Rating

To me this smells a lot like a combination of walnuts and myrrh, with maybe traces of linseed oil. I love it! It's pretty unique amongst the collection of naturals that I have. I can see this doing some very interesting things in compositions.

Review by Amy 6/18/2018

Beautiful complexity

Rating

This is one of the finest opopanax oils I’ve ever come across! It is drier and airier than others I have sampled, which gives it a uniquely sophisticated and complex scent profile. I usually work very delicately with opopanax for fear of it overwhelming all other ingredients. This particular offering is one I feel confident to use freely. It is strong, but not overpowering. It is a little sweet, a little spicy, a little resinous, a little vegetal, and completely beautiful. Perfectly unisex, I could see this essential oil being invaluable in both floral and woody perfumes alike. When used correctly, it gives your blends an aquatic “edge” like nothing else! Worth every penny.

Review by J 6/16/2017

You need to be logged in to submit a review
logo

2025-04-04

Rose Oils: The Ultimate Guide

The captivating scent of Rose has enchanted people for millennia, earning its place as one of the most cherished aromas. Known as the "Queen of Flowers," the Rose produces over 300 chemical compounds that contribute to its rich, warm, and sweet floral aroma.

logo

2025-03-28

Strawberry Seed Oil – Organic: A Revitalizing Treat for Your Skin

A silky feel with a subtle aroma of sweet-fruity freshness? Count us in! While nature offers an abundance of skin-nourishing carrier oils, get ready to fall in love with a new squeeze. Our phenomenal Strawberry Seed Oil is cold-pressed, unrefined...

logo

2025-03-21

Tropical Aromas: Paradise is a Few Drops Away…

Imagine a serene beach at sunset, the gentle rustle of palm leaves, warm waves lapping the shore, and cool fruity drinks tantalizing your tongue. Tropical aromas can take us there in an instant – a burst of the warm and exotic, transporting our senses to a faraway paradise.