Understanding Incense Notes in Perfumes

In the world of perfumes, "incense notes" don't point to a single ingredient. Instead, they capture the aroma created by burning a blend of aromatic materials.

Origins of Incense Notes

The selection of these "various aromatic materials" is rooted in ancient incense-burning traditions. Historically, all major ancient civilizations recorded using incense for religious ceremonies, warding off evil, and aiding meditation. For instance, the ancient Greeks imported aromatic tree resins from Arabia and Somalia for their rituals.

Materials Used in Incense

Almost all plant parts, including flowers, grasses, woods, and roots, can be burned. However, ancient people realized that different plant parts require specific processing methods to maximize their fragrance. The most aromatic materials for incense are resins—substances secreted by trees and shrubs to seal wounds. Common resins include frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, and labdanum, with complementary materials like sandalwood, agarwood, and cedarwood. Other incense ingredients include spices (mainly seeds), roots, herbs, leaves, and flowers.

Incense Notes in Modern Perfumes

In perfumes, "incense notes" replicate the scent of these burning materials.