Labdanum Scent [ 02 ]

Labdanum is the sticky resin at the heart of amber, warm, balsamic and faintly leathery, with an amber-honey richness. When you smell something described as "amber" in a fragrance, you are almost always smelling labdanum, sweetened with vanilla and rounded with balsams.

6ml Pricing

At Abel we're on a journey of constant improvement. From our environmental footprint, to the performance of our products and the joy they bring. Our 6mL mini size has gone through an evolution and will be relaunching in October in a new form.

This is your final chance to purchase our current 6mL fragrances - individuals and sets - at the existing price.

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Miami Split
  • NEW
Miami Split
NOTES
TOP
Green banana, burnt caramel
HEART
White oud (boya agarwood)
Base
Trio of labdanum
MOOD

Warhol-esque banana meets rebellious labdanum white-oud. An unexpected harmony of pop art colour and edgy dark intensity that challenges conventional fragrance expectations.

Miami Split
EAU DE PARFUM
Miami split
An edgy white oud
$220 USD
6mL 6mL
50mL 50mL
TOP
Green banana, burnt caramel
HEART
White oud (boya agarwood)
Base
Trio of labdanum
MOOD

Warhol-esque banana meets rebellious labdanum white-oud. An unexpected harmony of pop art colour and edgy dark intensity that challenges conventional fragrance expectations.

More info
Cobalt Amber
Cobalt Amber
NOTES
TOP
Pink pepper, juniper berry
HEART
Cacao, peru balsam, sandalwood
Base
Tonka, amber, leather
MOOD

Silky smooth, golden amber. Creamy vanilla dripping with crushed juniper and pink peppercorn. A modern-day muse.

Cobalt Amber
EAU DE PARFUM
Cobalt amber
A sweet sultry amber
$220 USD
6mL 6mL
50mL 50mL
TOP
Pink pepper, juniper berry
HEART
Cacao, peru balsam, sandalwood
Base
Tonka, amber, leather
MOOD

Silky smooth, golden amber. Creamy vanilla dripping with crushed juniper and pink peppercorn. A modern-day muse.

More info

Where does labdanum come from?

Labdanum is a resin that exudes from the leaves of the cistus, or rockrose, a low Mediterranean shrub that grows wild in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Morocco. The plant developed its sticky resin to protect itself from heat and dry winds. Traditionally it was collected by combing the wool of goats that had grazed among the shrubs; today it is harvested with cloths and combs.

Extracted into an absolute, cistus labdanum becomes one of perfumery's oldest and most useful natural materials, with records of its use going back thousands of years. It is the warm, resinous backbone of the amber accord, and Abel uses it from 100% natural sources: Miami Split rests on a trio of labdanum layered for depth, and Cobalt Amber uses cistus labdanum absolute at the heart of its warm amber. It pairs naturally with vanilla, benzoin, oud and rose.

When to wear labdanum

Labdanum is a base note with strong longevity, anchoring a fragrance for many hours and adding a warmth and resinous depth that lingers on skin and clothes. It is the note that makes a scent feel golden and enveloping.

That amber warmth suits cooler months and the evening, for occasions where you want depth and presence, and it layers beautifully under sweeter or spicier notes. In Miami Split it holds the whole composition together for hours, while in Cobalt Amber it gives the amber its sultry, glowing heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does labdanum smell like?

Labdanum is warm, balsamic, resinous and faintly leathery, with an amber-honey richness. It is the closest natural ingredient to the smell most people call "amber".

What is labdanum made from?

Labdanum is a sticky resin that exudes from the leaves of the cistus, or rockrose, shrub. It is traditionally collected in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and cistus labdanum absolute is the perfumery-grade extract.

Is labdanum the same as amber?

No, but it is a key ingredient in the amber accord. "Amber" in perfumery is a blended effect, usually built mostly from labdanum and balsams sweetened with vanilla. Labdanum is the warm, resinous backbone.

How long does labdanum last in a perfume?

Labdanum is a base note with strong longevity. It anchors a fragrance for many hours, adding warmth and resinous depth that lingers on skin and clothes.

Which Abel perfumes contain labdanum?

Miami Split rests on a trio of labdanum as its base, and Cobalt Amber also uses cistus labdanum absolute as part of its warm amber heart.