ELEMI ESSENTIAL OIL
A fresh, citrusy and lightly spicy resin oil with soft balsamic and peppery undertones.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Canarium luzonicum
Family: Burseraceae
Origin: Philippines
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the gum resin
Note: Top to Middle
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh, lemony, lightly spicy, balsamic and peppery
About This Essential Oil
Elemi Essential Oil is steam distilled from the aromatic resin of Canarium luzonicum, a member of the same botanical family as Frankincense and Myrrh. Its fragrance opens with bright lemon-like freshness before revealing lightly spicy, peppery and balsamic notes. Elemi is especially useful for connecting citrus top notes with deeper woody and resinous materials.
Key Benefits
• Provides a fresh citrus-resin aroma
• Adds brightness and depth to diffuser blends
• Bridges citrus, woody and resinous fragrance notes
• Popular in natural perfumery and aromatic body-care products
• Creates a clean and revitalising aromatic impression
• A versatile top-to-middle note for balanced compositions
History
Elemi resin has been collected in the Philippines for centuries and traded for its aromatic and practical qualities. Resins from Canarium species have been used in incense, scented preparations, varnishes and traditional balms. Elemi later became a valued European perfumery material, appreciated for its fresh lemon-resin character and its ability to connect bright top notes with longer-lasting base materials.
Main Chemical Components
Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh
• Citrusy
• Lightly spicy
• Softly balsamic
• Slightly peppery
• Bright top-to-middle note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds brightness to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Connects citrus top notes with woody and resinous bases
• Provides freshness and complexity in natural perfumery
• Suitable for carefully formulated body-care products
• Complements incense-inspired and contemplative aromatic blends
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as bright, clean and refreshing
• Opens with lemon-like freshness and gentle spice
• Develops a soft resinous warmth as the aroma settles
• Useful for adding lift to heavy woody compositions
• Individual responses to aromas vary
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood and Sweet Orange.
Health & Safety
• For external use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical application.
• Perform a patch test before first use and discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Oxidised oil may increase the likelihood of skin sensitisation; store tightly closed and discard if the aroma changes noticeably.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Seek qualified advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, or when managing a medical condition.
• Use diffusers intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Store securely below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat.
