What Is Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert?
Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert is a perfume raw material obtained from the gum of Boswellia trees, most commonly Boswellia carterii that thrives in the rocky slopes of northern Somalia. The “Res 80” part of the name refers to a technical grade resinoid that contains roughly eighty percent aromatic resin after processing. Although the gum itself has been prized since antiquity, this solvent-extracted resinoid grade first appeared in perfumery palettes during the early 1950s as commercial extraction technology became more reliable, with 1954 often cited as its inaugural production year.
To manufacture it, freshly tapped gum tears are shipped to an extraction facility where they are macerated in a volatile solvent. Filtration and gentle evaporation remove the solvent and leave behind a thick, pourable concentrate rich in the heavier fragrance molecules. Because the only starting material is plant gum and no synthetic building blocks are added, the resinoid is considered natural.
At room temperature the ingredient presents as a viscous amber-brown liquid that flows more readily when gently warmed. It is less sticky than raw frankincense resin, yet denser than most essential oils. Perfumers value this material for its robust odor profile and its ability to act as a fixative, so it is a familiar sight in fine fragrance labs as well as in functional products like soaps and candles. Cost sits in the mid range: not as pricey as rare floral absolutes yet more dear than many bulk aroma chemicals, making it accessible for both niche and large-scale formulations.
What Does Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert Smell Like?
This material falls into the balsamic family, the group known for warm resinous tones that add body and depth to a formula. Off a blotter the first impression is gently sweet and woody, quickly joined by a cool green note that hints at pine needles and crushed leaves. Within seconds a citrus sparkle reminiscent of lemon rind emerges, edged with a mild peppery bite that keeps the sweetness in check. As the blotter dries, the profile turns increasingly resinous and ambery, revealing a smooth church-incense facet that many people find meditative.
In the classic perfume pyramid top notes evaporate fastest, middle notes form the heart and base notes linger the longest. Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert sits squarely in the base zone, though its lighter terpenic touches allow it to bridge into the heart of a composition. You will rarely smell it in the opening burst of a finished perfume, yet hours later it still hums quietly, binding brighter ingredients together.
Projection is moderate: it radiates a soft halo rather than a loud plume, making it ideal for blends that aim for intimacy rather than drama. Longevity is strong, with traces remaining detectable on a blotter or skin for eight hours or more, a direct result of the heavy molecules that give the resinoid its fixing power.
How & Where To Use Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert
Is this a nice material to handle? Definitely. It pours without fuss, warms up quickly and cleans off glassware more easily than sticky raw resins. The scent stays faithful during blending so what you smell on the strip is almost exactly what you get in the finished perfume.
Perfumers reach for it when they need a soft yet persistent incense note that also ties other elements together. It slots neatly into amber accords, oriental bases, modern fougères and even fresh citrus blends where a whisper of church smoke adds sophistication. Compared with the brighter essential oil, the resinoid feels deeper and sweeter so it is the better choice when warmth and fixative power are priorities.
Typical usage runs from traces to about 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it imparts a gentle green sparkle and helps soften sharp top notes. Between 1 and 3 percent the balsamic heart becomes obvious and the whole composition feels rounder. Push it close to 5 percent and the profile turns openly resinous with a pronounced ambery glow, great for incense-forward perfumes but too heavy for light colognes.
The material shines in fine fragrance, soap and candle work where its tenacity survives heat and alkaline conditions. It behaves less impressively in high-dosage laundry softeners because it can mute fresh fruity notes, so a lighter hand is advised there.
No elaborate prep is required. If the liquid thickens in cool weather, stand the container in a warm water bath for a few minutes and stir before measuring. Pre-diluting to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol makes weighing and skin testing easier.
Safely Information
A few straightforward precautions keep work with this resinoid safe and comfortable.
- Always dilute before evaluation: Prepare a 10 percent or lower solution in a suitable carrier to avoid overwhelming vapors
- Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle: Use a blotter or scent strip to assess the odor instead of inhaling concentrated fumes
- Work in a well ventilated space: Good airflow prevents buildup of vapors that could irritate lungs or eyes
- Wear basic protective gear: Nitrile gloves and safety glasses keep accidental splashes off skin and eyes
- Mind possible health effects: Like many aroma materials it can cause irritation or allergic response in sensitive individuals. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding and limit prolonged exposure to high concentrations
Always review the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and follow any updates. Combine that information with current IFRA guidelines to set safe use levels for every project.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions the unopened resinoid stays fresh for around three to five years before its smell starts to thin out. Once the bottle is opened aim to use it within two years for best quality.
Cool stable temps help a lot. A spot in the fridge works well but a cupboard that stays below 20 °C and out of direct sun is usually enough. Avoid leaving it near radiators or bright windows where heat speeds up oxidation.
Oxygen is the real enemy. Fill bottles to the shoulder whenever possible and move leftovers to smaller glass so there is less empty headspace. Choose screw caps with polycone liners for both neat material and dilutions. They seal tighter than droppers which often let air creep in.
If the liquid thickens from cold just warm the bottle in lukewarm water and roll it gently. Do not microwave or place it on direct heat.
Label every container with the name Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert the date it was poured and the main hazard pictograms so you can grab the right data fast.
Small amounts of unwanted resinoid can go in the regular trash once mixed into an absorbent material like sand or cat litter and sealed in a bag. Do not pour it down the sink. Larger volumes should be handed to a local chemical waste center. The resin breaks down slowly in the environment so controlled disposal keeps waterways clear.
Summary
Olibanum Res 80 Tec Cert is a natural resinoid from frankincense gum that arrives as a thick amber liquid. It smells sweet woody and warmly balsamic with hints of citrus green sap and gentle pepper. In a perfume it behaves as a fixative that tucks incense and amber notes deep into the base while smoothing the whole blend.
The material is a pleasure to handle pours cleanly and fits into amber orientals fresh woods and even citrus colognes. No wonder it keeps a steady spot in both artisan and big house palettes.
Cost sits in the middle range stability is good when stored cool and the scent is specific enough to feel special yet versatile enough to play with many accords. Tread lightly in very airy formulas or laundry care where its heft can dull sparkle otherwise enjoy the creative room it gives.