What Is Opoponax Rde Super?
Opoponax Rde Super is an aroma chemical derived from the gum of the Commiphora tree, better known to many as sweet myrrh. The finished material is supplied as an absolute, which means it has gone through a two-step solvent extraction that first produces a heavy resin and then a refined liquid. DSM-Firmenich markets this specific grade, but similar products may be offered by other suppliers under different trade names.
At room temperature the ingredient presents as a pourable, syrupy liquid with a deep amber hue that hints at its rich character. It pours easily yet clings to glassware, a reminder of the resinous origins. In a perfume lab it is classed as a balsamic material and is often stocked alongside benzoin and labdanum.
The material is popular in both fine fragrance and household applications because it combines warmth with staying power. It is especially valued in amber, oriental and spicy compositions where it acts as a natural-feeling fixative. Most suppliers recommend using the batch within two to three years if stored correctly, though many perfumers find it holds its odor strength for even longer.
Cost-wise Opoponax Rde Super sits in the middle of the range: not as cheap as synthetic vanillin yet far less costly than rare natural resins. This balance of price, performance and versatility keeps it in steady demand.
Opoponax Rde Super’s Scent Description
Perfumers file this ingredient under the balsamic family, a group known for cozy, sweetly resinous notes. Off a standard smelling strip, the first impression is a smooth, honeyed sweetness followed by earthy facets reminiscent of damp forest floor. Soon a faint note of spiced liqueur appears, bringing to mind aged rum with a hint of dried fruit. A soft mushroom nuance adds depth without turning musty, while a gentle smokiness lingers in the background.
Within the classic top-middle-base structure this material sits firmly in the base. It rises slowly, supporting rather than dominating the opening of a perfume. Because of its tenacity it helps anchor more volatile notes and gives the whole composition a longer life on skin.
Projection is moderate, meaning it radiates a comfortable aura without filling an entire room. Longevity is one of its strengths: traces can still be detected on a blotter after several days and on fabric after a wash cycle. These traits make it a go-to choice when a perfumer needs warmth that lasts without becoming overwhelming.
How & Where To Use Opoponax Rde Super
Perfumers pull Opoponax Rde Super from the shelf when they need a smooth bridge between sweet top notes and darker resins. It excels in amber and oriental bases, pairing effortlessly with benzoin, vanilla or labdanum to amplify warmth without turning the blend tarry. A single drop can also lend earthy sweetness to woods, gourmand accords and modern fougères, rounding hard edges and adding depth.
Typical concentration runs anywhere from a trace level of 0.1 percent for a subtle balsamic veil up to about 5 percent in a resin-forward base. At the low end it whispers honey and spice, letting brighter materials shine. Push it past 3 percent and the liqueur-like richness becomes obvious while a soft fungal facet comes forward, useful in niche compositions but risky in mass-market work. Over-use can flatten the top notes and give a muddy finish so small trials are advised.
The ingredient is liquid yet quite viscous, so most labs pre-dilute it to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier weighing and faster blending. A brief warm-water bath loosens the syrup and prevents air bubbles during pipetting. Because it carries strong color, avoid direct addition to clear fine-mists or reed diffusers unless the final shade is acceptable. In soaps and detergents its hue usually disappears once dispersed.
Outside fine fragrance the material performs well in candles, shampoos and softeners, adding longevity where heat or rinse-off would normally strip lighter notes. It is less successful in very fresh citrus colognes or aquatic body sprays; in those formats trace amounts are safer to avoid an incongruent earthy backdrop.
Safety Information
Always dilute Opoponax Rde Super before evaluating it. Avoid sniffing straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space so vapor build-up stays low. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
As with many aroma chemicals prolonged contact can lead to irritation or an allergic response in sensitive individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before handling the material. Short encounters with low concentrations are considered low risk yet extended exposure or high-strength spills can stress the respiratory system and skin.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight or strong oxidizers. Dispose of waste solution according to local regulations never down household drains.
For the most accurate and current information review the supplier’s material safety data sheet before each project and follow any updates. Adherence to the latest IFRA guidelines ensures that finished formulas remain within accepted exposure limits and protects both the creator and the end user.
How To Store & Dispose of Opoponax Rde Super
Store unopened bottles in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators or sunny windows. Refrigeration is optional but can give you a few extra months of freshness if space allows. Always let chilled stock reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from condensing inside the bottle.
Air is the main enemy of resinous materials. Choose bottles that you can keep almost full so the headspace stays small. When decanting into working solutions use screw tops with polycone inserts, which seal tightly and slow oxidation. Dropper bottles look handy yet rarely close well enough for long term storage.
Label every container with the full ingredient name, batch number, date and any hazard codes. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups during busy sessions and helps others handle the material safely if you are not around.
Dispose of unwanted concentrates or rinses through a licensed chemical waste service. Even though the base gum is of plant origin the finished absolute contains solvent residues and is not classed as readily biodegradable. Never pour it down household sinks as it can foul plumbing and waterways. Blot small spills with inert absorbent pads then place the waste in a sealed bag for collection.
Summary
Opoponax Rde Super is a liquid absolute from the sweet myrrh gum that delivers a warm honeyed balsamic aroma with earthy spice and a whisper of liqueur. It sits deep in the base of a perfume where it fixes lighter notes and extends wear.
Perfumers value it for building amber, oriental and gourmand themes and for rounding sharp woods or aromatics. Its mid-range price and broad stability keep it on many formula sheets though its deep color and mushroom facet require thoughtful dosing.
The ingredient remains stable for two to three years when stored well but slow oxidation will darken the scent over time. Cost is moderate compared with rare naturals yet higher than simple synthetics so most creators weigh performance against budget.
Commercial houses can purchase directly from DSM-Firmenich or their distributors. Hobbyists and small brands often source repacked quantities from specialty resellers or from generic equivalents listed as opoponax absolute. Whichever route you choose check the paperwork and batch quality before blending.