Fragrant Series - Resins and Balsams

We are officially in fall and winter season, which means we are starting to crave stronger, more meditative notes in fragrances. This leads as to the protagonists of the new series of blog posts we are planning to dedicate some time to - resins and balsams. What are they, how are they made and how are they used in perfumery and beyond? This post is the first in a series that will explore the diverse world of balsams, resins, and incense used in perfumery. Each ingredient has its own story, aroma, and place in the complex art of scent creation. From the sacred smoke of frankincense to the sweet warmth of benzoin, these natural treasures offer endless inspiration for the perfumer and fragrance lover alike.

Resins have been prized for thousands of years for their aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual qualities. They have been used in religious ceremonies, offerings, and even embalming practices in ancient cultures such as those of Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East. Today, they remain central to many traditional practices around the world.

Resins are created by trees as a response to damage i.e., sealing wounds in the bark and protecting the tree from insects and pathogens. Over time, these sticky exudates harden into resins that can be harvested, distilled, or burned as incense. Their scent is typically deep, rich, and earthy, ranging from sweet and smoky to spicy and balsamic.

In perfumery, resins provide base notes that give depth and longevity to a fragrance. They are often used in oriental and woody perfumes, where their grounding, smoky, and sweet qualities lend complexity and warmth.

Popular resins include:

• Frankincense: Sacred and woody, sometimes also peppery or citrusy, often associated with spirituality.

• Myrrh: Sweet, smoky, and slightly medicinal, used in both incense and perfumery.

• Benzoin: Balsamic, vanilla-like, and comforting, it adds warmth and sweetness to blends.

• Labdanum: Deep, leathery, and amber-like, essential in creating ambery accords.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the individual resins and their unique characteristics, revealing how they continue to shape the perfumes we love today! Let us know in the comments which resin you want us to cover first. What are some of your favorite fragrances featuring a prominent resin or incense note?