In short
Labdanum resinoid is the solvent extract of the rockrose gum, Cistus ladanifer. It is ambery and leathery, smokier and more tobacco-like than the absolute.
What Labdanum Resinoid smells like
dsm-firmenich lists its Spanish labdanum resinoid as ambery, woody, resinous, balsamic and leathery, more intense and longer-lasting than other cistus profiles, with a leathery dry-down and animalic notes. Givaudan describes its Spanish resinoid as warm and structured, leathery, woody and amber with a light aromatic, artemisia note, and says it has more smoky and tobacco notes than the absolute.
- Leading note
- Amber
- Clear facets
- Leathery, balsamic
- Supporting facets
- Smoky, animalic
- Faint facets
- Tobacco
- Character
- Warm, tenacious, rich
What makes Labdanum Resinoid distinctive
The darker, smokier side of labdanum: tobacco and leather beside the amber.
How Labdanum Resinoid is used
Used as the backbone of amber accords and as a fixative in leather, chypre and oriental bases.
Typical role: fixative (slow to evaporate; helps a blend last and holds lighter notes); backbone (used in large proportions as a structural material of an accord).
How Labdanum Resinoid differs from similar materials
- Labdanum Absolute
- Givaudan describes its labdanum resinoid as having more smoky and tobacco notes than the absolute. (compared directly by a cited source)
An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Shares its CAS number with labdanum absolute, so none is given here.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Resinoid
- Origin
- Natural
- Odour family
- Amber / Leather
- Note position
- Base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Viscous liquid
- Botanical source
- Cistus ladanifer L.
No CAS number is shown: suppliers use different identifiers for this material, and none could be confirmed as its own.
Safety and compliance
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Labdanum Absolute
Absolute · Amber / Leather — amber, balsamic, leathery, animalic
-
Vanillin
Aroma chemical · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, creamy
-
Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
Resinoid · Amber / Gourmand — vanillic, balsamic, sweet, warm
Labdanum Resinoid is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Cistus Absolute.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 39 published formulas
Labdanum Resinoid is an ingredient in 26 perfume formulas, 12 accords and 1 base in the Formula & Accord Library.
Community formulas
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Labdanum Resinoid
Is Labdanum Resinoid natural or synthetic?
Labdanum Resinoid is natural. It is a solvent extract of a natural resin, balsam or gum.
Which published formulas use Labdanum Resinoid?
Labdanum Resinoid is used in 39 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Agar Lantern, Amber Accord and Anise Ink. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- dsm-firmenich — Labdanum resinoid (PE 953642) — manufacturer's description.
- Givaudan — Labdanum Resinoid Spain — manufacturer's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 24 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.