Myrrh oil

Chemotypes :

Commiphora Jacq. groups nearly 200 species.
In perfumery, we use two of them :
- Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. : Myrrh resinoid / Myrrh oil / Myrrh SFE / Myrrh absolute, mainly cultivated in the East-North of Africa
- Commiphora kataf (Forssk.) Engl. : Opoponax oil / Opoponax resinoid / Opoponax SFE / Opoponax absolute / Opoponax extract

Extraction process :

Somalia is the main producer of myrrh, as its dry and warm savannas are favourable to the cultivation of this tree.
The exsudation of the resin takes place naturally or by an incision on the tree. The resin becomes red and solidifies when in contact with air, forming the "myrrh tears". These tears are collected with a blade and freed from their impurities. Then, they are exported to Europe where they are extracted.
An essential oil such as a resinoid can be obtained. The essential oil results from the steam distillation, under high pressure, of the odorous compounds of the resin. Entering a condensor, vapors are liquefied and the oil is settled over myrrh water in a florentine flask. Myrrh Resinoid results from the extraction of the resin using alcohol under cold temperature, to extract the olfactive compounds only.
It is also possible to obtain a supercritical CO₂ extract of myrrh with a superior olfactory quality.
The resinoid may be bleached by distillation.

From the same botanical variety

Myrrh absolute

Myrrh SFE

Myrrh resinoid

Uses in perfumery :

Myrrh EO is used to provide a natural effect in lavender accords for example, and for a mushroom effect. This effect tends to dominate when overdosed.

Stability :

The terpenes identified in this raw material can polymerize when they are oxidized

Other comments :

In the past, myrrh was used for the gods. In churches, this gum was burned to create a fumigation for the divine. It was also used to clean houses and clothes.

Myrrh oil has a much more mushroom note than Myrrh Resinoid. This last material is more used for its leather and sweet-licorice aspect.
In the past, myrrh was used for the gods. In churches, this gum was burned to create a fumigation for the divine. It was also used to clean houses and clothes.

Allergens :

This ingredient does not contain any allergen.

Signal word :

Warning

Hazard pictograms :

Precautionary statements :

IFRA 51^th :

This ingredient is not restricted for the 51th amendment