What does the word incense mean?
Incense is an aromatic substance derived from certain trees that is burned to produce a fragrant smoke. The name "incense" originates from the Latin "incensum," which literally means "that which is burned." This substance was used in religious rituals to purify the air and create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and prayer.
In the beginning…
The history of incense dates back to ancient times, when it was considered a precious and sacred substance. Used in the religious rituals of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, incense was also highly valued for its therapeutic properties.
During the Middle Ages, the silk and spice trade routes brought incense to Europe, where it became a highly sought-after luxury item. Perfumers and alchemists of the time began using incense to create sophisticated fragrances reserved for a wealthy elite.
Over the centuries, incense has become a symbol of spirituality and meditation in different cultures around the world.
In the modern perfume industry, incense is considered a noble and sophisticated ingredient, which brings a mystical and spiritual note to olfactory compositions.
The cultivation of incense
Frankincense cultivation is a complex process that begins with planting the frankincense trees. The main species used are Boswellia sacra (olibanum) and Boswellia serrata. These trees thrive in hot, dry climates with well-drained soil. The seeds or cuttings are planted in special nurseries and carefully tended until they reach a suitable size for transplanting into the fields. Once in the fields, the frankincense trees are spaced to allow for optimal growth.
Growing frankincense requires constant attention, as the trees require proper care to thrive. This includes regular irrigation, protection from pests and diseases, and pruning branches to promote healthy growth. Frankincense is harvested by cutting into the tree bark, which causes the release of resin. This resin is the precious raw material used in making incense.
After harvesting, the frankincense resin is dried and processed into various forms, such as grains, sticks, or cones, according to local preferences and traditions. Some incense can also be blended with other natural ingredients to create specific fragrances.
The different types of incense
There are several species of trees used to produce incense. Here are some of the main species:
• Boswellia sacra (Frankincense): This is one of the best-known and most valuable species of frankincense. It is mainly cultivated in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Oman and Yemen. Frankincense is renowned for its sweet, resinous, and woody odor, and is therefore frequently used in perfumery.
• Boswellia serrata: This species is native to India and parts of Africa. It is also known as Indian frankincense or Indian olibanum. Boswellia serrata frankincense has a more intense and spicy odor than olibanum.
• Boswellia carterii: This species is native to Somalia and is often called Somali frankincense or Somali olibanum. It produces a high-quality resin with a rich, balsamic fragrance.
• Boswellia frereana: This species is grown primarily in Ethiopia and is known as Ethiopian frankincense. It is distinguished by its sweet, lemony aroma.
• Boswellia papyrifera: Native to the Red Sea region, this species is commonly called Eritrean frankincense or Eritrean olibanum. Its aroma is slightly fruity and sweet.
These different species of incense exhibit variations in their fragrance, color, and quality, making them unique and valued in various cultures and traditions around the world.
What did you know about incense in perfumery?
Frankincense is widely used in perfumery to bring a mystical and captivating dimension to olfactory compositions. In base notes, it adds depth and richness to fragrances. Its complex aromatic profile, characterized by woody, resinous, and balsamic notes, lends a warm and meditative ambiance to fragrances. Frankincense is often used in oriental and woody fragrances, where it creates an atmosphere of sophistication and mystery.
There are many possibilities for olfactory combinations with incense. Here are a few examples:
• Woody accord: Incense blends perfectly with woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar or patchouli, creating a warm and meditative atmosphere.
• Spicy Accord: Spices such as cinnamon, pepper or cardamom add a vibrant and energizing touch to the incense, giving it extra depth and intensity.
• Amber accord: The rich and enveloping amber notes blend harmoniously with the incense, creating a sensual and captivating atmosphere.
• Floral accord: Delicate flowers such as rose, jasmine or lily of the valley can soften the powerful presence of incense, adding subtlety and floral harmony to the composition.
• Leather accord: Incense can be combined with leather notes, creating an intriguing contrast between the resinous warmth of incense and the sensual texture of leather.
These olfactory accords allow perfumers to play with contrasts, balances and nuances, creating unique and captivating compositions where incense plays a central role, offering a mystical and captivating dimension to the whole.
Good to know!
Frankincense has been known for thousands of years for its healing and spiritual properties and its calming effect on the mind and body. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and promote restful sleep. Additionally, frankincense is also valued for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for improving respiratory health and relieving joint pain. It's no surprise that it's found in many scented candles and home fragrances.
The legendary incense fragrances
With the development of niche perfumery, more and more perfumers are offering fragrances that feature incense, such as:
• Guerlain 's Absolus D'Orient collection : These eaux de parfum showcase the noble raw material of incense. Inspired by the richness of this fascinating region, Guerlain perfumers have created elegant and captivating fragrances that alternately combine incense with notes of leather, oud, and rose.
• L'orpheline de Lutens Eau de Parfum: It is inspired by ashy, woody and sweet notes from White Musk. It is part of a very vegetal and aromatic universe with its touches of mint and incense. These notes are also counterbalanced by floral scents of Angelica and Carnation. All to give a sensual result!
• Memori Encens Lumière by Kenzo is an eau de parfum for men. This fragrance is a cabin with mystical scents; that of worn leather and the silk of kimonos, majestic robes impregnated with the incense sachets that geishas slip into the hollow of their sleeves to perfume themselves.
• Comme des Garçons Incense Avignon Eau de Toilette is a captivating fragrance that captures the mysterious and spiritual essence of incense. With its blend of frankincense, cedarwood, vetiver, and balsamic notes, "Avignon" creates an intense and meditative atmosphere. The scent of incense offers a mystical and soothing dimension, perfectly suited to those who appreciate rich and spiritual fragrances.
Incense is also present as a base note to add depth, for example:
• Black Orchid by Tom Ford , Eau de Parfum for Women: Launched in 2006, Black Orchid is a women's fragrance containing Omani frankincense. It is an exotic blend of floral and woody notes, with a hint of sweet vanilla.
• Acqua di gio profumo by Armani : This eau de parfum for men reveals a surprising virility made of both freshness and depth. The top notes give a fresh and marine start to the fragrance which is then prolonged by geranium. This freshness is then balanced by a woody base of patchouli and incense.
Incense X Good Perfumer
Discover the mystical and captivating essence of Bon Parfumeur incense perfumes for men and women, two fragrances that celebrate the olfactory richness of this sacred note and transport you to a world of sophistication and sensory escape:
• In a woody register, we find eau de parfum 603. A lemony opening refreshed by the aromatic facets of cypress, the fragrance continues with notes of leather which blend with incense for a mystical effect. Cashmere wood and tonka bean give a warmer and more sensual dimension to the trail.
• Immerse yourself in the scent of a Parisian barbershop with 702 Eau de Parfum ! The first sparkling, lemony notes of elemi give way to incense. The woody-aromatic heart opens with a trio of lavender, cedar, and cashmere wood. The vanilla-musky base brings a rounded power to this creation!
“A man who forgives his enemy by doing him good is like incense that perfumes the fire that consumes it.” - popular proverb
