Opoponax (Commiphora erythraea) is a resinous resinoid with a sweet, balsamic aroma and a base note. Solvent extraction from resin, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Frankincense (Carterii), Myrrh, Sandalwood (Australian). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 3%.
Opoponax (Commiphora erythraea) is a resinous resinoid, solvent-extracted from the resin, produced in Somalia and Ethiopia. Its aroma is sweet, balsamic, sitting as a base note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Frankincense (Carterii), Myrrh, Sandalwood (Australian), Patchouli. Keep topical use at or below 3%. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Resinous |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene |
| Material type | Resinoid |
| Extraction | Solvent extraction |
| Plant part | resin |
| Origin | Somalia, Ethiopia |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 4 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 15.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 3% |
| Max facial dilution | 1.5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 years) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Opoponax smell like?
Opoponax has a sweet, balsamic aroma, classed as a resinous oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Opoponax?
For topical use, keep Opoponax at or below 3%, and 1.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Opoponax safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Opoponax. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Opoponax safe to use around children?
Opoponax is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Opoponax safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Opoponax blend well with?
Opoponax pairs well with Frankincense (Carterii), Myrrh, Sandalwood (Australian), Patchouli, Cedarwood (Atlas).