Olibanum Absolute Oil is a concentrated, solvent-extracted aromatic from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, better known as frankincense absolute. It is used mainly in perfumery, natural skincare, scented candles and meditation blends, thanks to its warm, woody-spicy scent and long-lasting fixative quality. Because it is a highly concentrated absolute, a little goes a long way and it should always be diluted before use on skin.
What is Olibanum Absolute Oil?
Frankincense has been valued across India and the Middle East for centuries, both for its fragrance and for ritual use. The absolute is produced by extracting the aromatic compounds from Boswellia resin using solvents, which gives a richer, more rounded scent than a steam-distilled essential oil. Azlok's Olibanum Absolute is a colourless to pale-yellow liquid with a woody, gently spicy odour, drawn from Boswellia grown in India.
A few quick specifications worth knowing: botanical name Boswellia serrata, CAS number 8016-36-2, specific gravity around 0.8775 at 20°C, and a shelf life of roughly two years when stored well. It is soluble in alcohols and fixed (carrier) oils, and only slightly soluble in water.
Common uses
- Perfumery: As a base note and natural fixative, it adds depth and helps other notes last longer in attars, roll-ons and alcohol-based perfumes.
- Candles and home fragrance: A grounding, resinous scent for scented candles, reed diffusers and room sprays.
- Skincare formulations: Added in small amounts to face oils, balms and serums; its aroma and reputed cleansing properties make it a popular choice for mature or blemish-prone skin.
- Meditation and spiritual practice: Many people diffuse it during meditation or prayer for its calming, centring scent.
- Soaps and deodorants: Used to fragrance handmade soaps and natural deodorant bases.
How to use it
Because this is an absolute, treat it as a concentrated fragrance ingredient rather than something to apply neat.
- For skin: Dilute to about 1–2% in a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut. That works out to roughly 6–12 drops per 30 ml of carrier.
- For perfumery: Dissolve in perfumer's alcohol or blend into a carrier as a base note, typically 2–10% of the fragrance, and let the blend mature for a few days.
- For candles: Follow your wax manufacturer's recommended fragrance load, usually 6–10% by weight, and test a small batch first.
- For diffusing: A few drops in a diffuser or oil warmer is plenty for a room.
It blends beautifully with Ylang Ylang, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Clary Sage and Rosemary absolutes, as well as most carrier oils. Start with small trial batches and adjust to taste.
Safety notes
Please handle this oil with respect. It is flammable, with a flash point around 40°C, so keep it away from open flames and heat while working. A few sensible precautions:
- Always dilute before applying to skin and do a 24-hour patch test on the inner forearm first.
- Do not ingest. This is a fragrance and cosmetic-grade ingredient, not a food or medicine.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Work in a ventilated space and store away from direct sunlight and heat.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a medical condition, consult a qualified practitioner before use.
- We do not claim it treats or cures any illness; enjoy it for its aroma and cosmetic role.
Buying and storage
Azlok offers Olibanum Absolute Oil starting at ₹399, with pack sizes ranging from 50 gm and 100 gm for hobbyists up to 500 gm, 1 kg and bulk 5–20 kg options for small businesses and manufacturers. Choose a smaller size if you are testing formulations and a larger one once you have a recipe you trust.
To protect the scent and extend its two-year shelf life, keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Amber glass is ideal. Wipe the neck after pouring so the cap seals cleanly, and label your dilutions with the date you made them.
FAQ
Is Olibanum Absolute the same as frankincense oil?
They come from the same Boswellia resin. "Olibanum absolute" is the solvent-extracted version, which is richer and often used in perfumery, while frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled. The scent profiles differ slightly.
Can I apply Olibanum Absolute Oil directly to my skin?
No. Always dilute it in a carrier oil to about 1–2% first, and patch-test before regular use. Applying an absolute neat can irritate the skin.
What does it smell like?
Warm, woody and gently spicy, with a resinous depth. It works well as a base note and helps other fragrances last longer.
How long does it last once opened?
Roughly two years when stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed. Avoid heat and sunlight, which degrade the aroma.
Which oils blend well with it?
Ylang Ylang, Wild Orange, Peppermint, Clary Sage and Rosemary absolutes, plus most carrier oils, all pair nicely with Olibanum Absolute.