opoponax gum

Opoponax gum is a natural resin obtained from the Commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens Engle tree. It is known by several synonyms, including sweet myrrh, perfumed bdellium, and bisabol-myrrh gum. The resin exudes as a balsamic-tasting and smelling substance characterized by a warm, sweet, and aromatic balsamic odor profile. Classified under the chemical type of natural balsamic resins, opoponax gum is widely used in flavor and fragrance formulations. The molecular and chemical information related to opoponax gum can be accessed through controlled-vocabulary sources such as PubChem. The resin is traditionally harvested as a gum exudate from the bark of its native species, predominantly found in arid and semi-arid regions.

Opoponax gum naturally occurs as a resinous exudate from Commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens Engle. This resin has historical and contemporary applications as a flavor and fragrance agent due to its distinctive balsamic aroma. Its use spans fine perfumery, personal care products, and flavoring where a sweet, warm, and balsamic note is desired. Regulatory frameworks, such as IFRA (Global), govern its use to ensure safe application limits in consumer products. The material’s characteristic balsamic odor and flavor make it suitable for incorporation in complex fragrance blends and flavor formulations to impart depth and richness.

Opoponax gum exhibits solubility in water estimated at approximately 11,380 mg/L at 25 °C, indicating moderate water solubility for a resinous substance. Its balsamic odor and flavor profiles are integral to its sensory impact in formulations. The resin’s physical form facilitates its incorporation into various matrices, while its chemical stability supports its use across diverse product types. The resin does not have significant hazard classifications under OSHA HCS and presents minimal identified toxicity based on available data. Such properties render opoponax gum a stable and versatile ingredient for flavor and fragrance uses, aligned with regulatory safety assessments.

FDA Listing of Food Additive Status:	View
Wikipedia:	View
FAO:	OLIBANUM (FRANKINCENSE), MYRRH AND OPOPANAX RESINS AND OILS

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
IFRA Critical Effect:
Dermal sensitization
	View the IFRA Standard
View IFRA Standards Library for complete information.
Please review Amendment 49 IFRA documentation for complete information.
IFRA RESTRICTION LIMITS IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT (%):
Category 1: Products applied to the lips
0.077 %
Category 2: Products applied to the axillae
0.023 %
Category 3: Products applied to the face/body using fingertips
0.46 %
Category 4: Products related to fine fragrance
0.43 %
	Category 5: Products applied to the face and body using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
Category 5A: Body lotion products applied to the body using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.11 %
Category 5B: Face moisturizer products applied to the face using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.11 %
Category 5C: Hand cream products applied to the hands using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.11 %
Category 5D: Baby Creams, baby Oils and baby talc
0.11 %
Category 6: Products with oral and lip exposure
0.25 %
	Category 7: Products applied to the hair with some hand contact
Category 7A: Rinse-off products applied to the hair with some hand contact
0.88 %
Category 7B: Leave-on products applied to the hair with some hand contact
0.88 %
Category 8: Products with significant anogenital exposure
0.045 %
Category 9: Products with body and hand exposure, primarily rinse off
0.84 %
	Category 10: Household care products with mostly hand contact
Category 10A: Household care excluding aerosol products (excluding aerosol/spray products)
3.00 %
Category 10B: Household aerosol/spray products
3.00 %
	Category 11: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate
Category 11A: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate without UV exposure
1.70 %
Category 11B: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate with potential UV exposure
1.70 %
Category 12: Products not intended for direct skin contact, minimal or insignificant transfer to skin
No Restriction
	Notes:
IFRA FLAVOR REQUIREMENTS:
Due to the possible ingestion of small amounts of fragrance ingredients from their use in products in Categories 1 and 6, materials must not only comply with IFRA Standards but must also be recognized as safe as a flavoring ingredient as defined by the IOFI Code of Practice (www.iofi.org). For more details see chapter 1 of the Guidance for the use of IFRA Standards.

Safety references

EPI System: View

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens engle gum

Chemidplus:0009000786