What Is Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert?
Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert is a perfumery raw material obtained from the gum of Boswellia carterii trees that grow along the rocky slopes of the Golis Mountains in Somalia and other arid regions. While frankincense has been used since antiquity, the specific “Res 50 Dipg Cert” grade emerged in the late 1970s when solvent extraction and controlled dilution in dipropylene glycol became common practice for modern fragrance production. The “50” in the name simply means the resinoid is pre-diluted to roughly half strength in a cosmetic-grade carrier, making the material easier to handle and weigh in the lab.
The manufacturing starts with a first extraction of the sun-dried gum tears using a light hydrocarbon solvent. This step yields a thick, sticky concrete rich in resin acids. After filtration and solvent removal the concrete is dissolved, washed and filtered again to produce a cleaner resinoid. Finally the resinoid is blended at a controlled ratio with dipropylene glycol and undergoes certification tests for purity and allergen specifications. Because the starting gum is plant-derived the material is classified as of natural origin even though modern solvent techniques are involved.
At room temperature the ingredient presents as a pourable, honey-colored liquid that flows more readily than raw gum yet still clings to glassware. Perfumers appreciate this format because it avoids the messy, semi-solid consistency of traditional resins. The material is found not only in fine fragrance but also in soaps, shampoos, candles and even household cleaners due to its good stability in a wide pH range.
Availability is steady thanks to annual tapping cycles and long-established supply chains, so Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert is generally viewed as a mid-priced ingredient rather than a luxury rarity. Its reliable performance and ease of use keep it on hand in most fragrance development labs around the world.
What Does Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert Smell Like?
Perfumers usually place this material in the balsamic family, the group known for warm resinous nuances that round out a composition.
Off a blotter the first impression carries a gentle citrus sparkle backed by green terpenic notes that hint at freshly crushed pine needles. Within seconds a soft peppery facet emerges giving the profile some lift without feeling sharp. As the material settles a sweet woody heart unfolds, reminiscent of sun-warmed church incense layered with whispers of myrrh and elemi. The drydown deepens into a smooth ambered balsam that feels both comforting and slightly smoky, never becoming heavy or tarry.
In traditional perfumery terms olibanum resinoid sits squarely in the base although its brighter top makes it feel present from the start. It anchors volatile notes above it while lending its own steady character for many hours.
Projection is moderate so the scent radiates an arm’s length before pulling closer to the skin. Longevity is strong; expect the material to linger on a blotter well past the eight-hour mark and to persist on fabric into the next day.
How & Where To Use Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert
This is one of those materials that behaves nicely in the lab-it pours without fuss, weighs cleanly and gives you an instant read on a blotter so you can decide quickly whether it fits the brief. Perfumers reach for it when they need the unmistakable church-incense vibe but want something rounder and warmer than the essential oil.
In a composition it usually sits in the base yet its lemony sparkle also props up the heart, letting citrus or aromatic notes glide into resinous depth more smoothly. It excels in amber, woody oriental and incense accords, often paired with labdanum, patchouli or cedar to extend the burnished warmth. When used alongside spices like pink pepper or cardamom it creates a modern twist on traditional incense themes.
You might choose this resinoid over straight frankincense oil when you need extra fixation or a richer balsamic tone without the volatility of the oil. Because it is diluted to 50 percent in dipropylene glycol it integrates easily with other oil-soluble ingredients as well as water-based bases such as shower gels where the carrier improves solubility.
Recommended dosage in fine fragrance is typically 0.2 percent to 3 percent of the total formula. In soaps, candles or detergents it can climb to around 5 percent. At trace levels the citrus-green top glints through then fades, at higher loadings the material shows its full sweet balsamic body and gives the perfume a lingering amber trail.
No special prep is needed beyond a quick shake to homogenise the resinoid and solvent. If working in alcohol bases colder than 15 °C a gentle water-bath warm-up helps keep it fluid and prevents hazing. Otherwise it is plug-and-play-just weigh, add and blend.
Safety Information
Although Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert is considered user-friendly certain precautions and considerations must be taken before you start blending.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 percent or lower solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so you can judge the odour accurately without overwhelming the nose
- Avoid direct smelling from the bottle: use a smelling strip to limit concentrated vapour exposure
- Ventilation: work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent build-up of solvent fumes
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation so discontinue use if redness or itching occurs, consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high-level exposure can be harmful even when brief low-level exposure is generally safe
In short treat the material with respect, follow basic lab hygiene and consult the latest MSDS from your supplier along with current IFRA guidelines for permitted use levels in each product category keeping an eye on updates as regulations evolve.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert keeps its full character for roughly three years after opening though many users report it still smells fine well past that mark. The key is to protect it from light heat and air.
Refrigeration is a simple way to stretch shelf life but it is not essential. A cupboard or drawer that stays below 20 °C works for most home and studio setups as long as the bottle is kept out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or hot plates.
Choose airtight bottles fitted with polycone caps for both the neat resinoid and any dilutions. These caps form a tight seal far better than dropper tops which slowly let solvent escape and oxygen creep in. Try to store the material in the smallest bottle that will hold it so the headspace stays minimal and oxidation slows down.
Give the bottle a quick shake every few months to spot any clouding or thickening that could signal age or contamination. If you refrigerate, let the bottle return to room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Label every container with the full name lot number date opened and basic hazard notes. Clear labels save time during formula work and help others in the lab handle the ingredient safely.
For disposal small leftovers can be soaked into paper towel or cat litter then placed in household waste if local rules allow. Do not pour the raw material straight down the drain because the resin fraction is sticky and may cling to pipes. A rinsed out trace in a working solution is usually acceptable but check municipal guidelines first. Dipropylene glycol is considered low in aquatic danger while the plant resin is biodegradable over time yet giving larger quantities to a licensed chemical waste handler is the safest route.
Summary
Olibanum Res 50 Dipg Cert is a ready to pour frankincense resinoid diluted to 50 % in dipropylene glycol. It opens with a citrus green sparkle then settles into sweet woody incense and smooth amber which makes it a handy bridge between bright tops and a deep balsamic base.
Perfumers love its fixing power and the way it warms up amber oriental and woody accords yet it also slips into soaps candles and even cleaning products without fuss. The material is affordable steady in supply and easy to dose so it often finds a spot on the bench when a formula needs subtle incense or extra staying power.
Keep an eye on storage and label the bottle well because air and light slowly dull the scent. Overall it is a fun versatile ingredient that rewards a wide range of trials from tiny traces for lift to bold doses for a full church incense effect.