Elemi resinoid

Lemon peel, dill, a light pepper, fresh resin. The resinoid keeps a lemony top over a warm, slightly sweet resin base that outlasts the oil.

Elemi has no dedicated standard in the IFRA 51 index. Limonene is a main constituent; limonene is under an IFRA specification on peroxide value and is a labelled allergen in the EU above threshold.

Elemicin is present in small amounts. Store dark, sealed and cool to limit terpene oxidation.

Canarium luzonicum is a large tree native to the Philippines. Harvesters cut the trunk; a soft ivory oleoresin flows and slowly thickens. The Philippines is practically the only source of commercial elemi, known as Manila elemi.

A resinoid is a solvent extract of a dried resin or gum resin. After solvent removal it keeps both the volatile fraction and the non-volatile resin. It is therefore thick, dark, slow to evaporate and works as a fixative.

Because elemi is soft and terpene-rich, its resinoid is lighter than most. It keeps a fresh lemony top while slowing the evaporation of citrus in a formula.

In perfumery elemi resinoid is used in colognes, fougères, incense accords and bright woods. The soft resin was formerly also used in varnishes and printing inks.

Elemol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, adds a light woody base. Limonene and α-phellandrene ratios vary by lot, so the supplier's certificate of analysis matters.

Elemi resinoid is usually pale yellow and viscous, easier to pour than most resinoids. In a formula it links a citrus top to a spicy or floral heart and adds brightness that lasts. It also suits olibanum, rosemary and lavender in light incense accords. Aged material can thicken and lose its lemon note, so it should be smelled before use.