Fragrance Oils: Descriptions and Accords

Here is a glossary of lesser-known scented oils used in classes, with their descriptions and accords.

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GALBANUM

Extracted from the resin of a plant of the genus Ferula , native to Iran and the Middle East. Its fragrance is an intense green, almost sharp. Resinous, a little balsamic, earthy, with a note of fresh roots. May recall crushed grass, green leaves, fresh sap.

Pairs well with :

• Flowers (jasmine, rose, neroli)
• Woods (vetiver, cedar, sandalwood)
• Citrus fruits (bergamot, petitgrain, lemon)

Use : chypre, green, aromatic fragrances, sometimes in orientals as a contrast. Accentuates plant freshness, creates complexity, gives a recognizable olfactory signature.

Effect : evokes raw nature, wild plants, a slightly mystical freshness

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OPOPONAX

Aromatic resin from the Commiphora erythraea tree, native to the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia). Warm, soft, resinous, amber, slightly sweet scent, with animal and sometimes leathery notes. It evokes incense, warm earth, and an enveloping warmth.

Pairs well with :

• Warm and resinous notes (incense, amber, myrrh, vanilla)
• Flowers (rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang)
• Certain woods (cedar, sandalwood, vetiver)
• Citrus fruits for contrast (bergamot, orange, tangerine)

Use: It is a powerful base note, which brings hold and roundness to a perfume.

Effect : mysterious, deep, sensual, a little vintage (used in several classic perfumes)