Description and usage notes:
Elemi Resinoid is prepared by extracting crude elemi (so called Elemi Gum, but more properly an oleoresin) with a volatile solvent, usually Acetone, and removing the solvent in vacuum after filtration.
The resulting pale yellow semi-solid soon shows white masses of crystals separating in the soft, slowly solidifying resinoid. It takes a long time on the automatic stirrer to get into solution – at Pell Wall we typically leave it overnight.
The high terpene content means that once disolved in ethanol filtration is required – hence the material offered here has had this preparation already completed – retaining the heart of the elemi in an easy to use format.
Arctander gives this enthusiastic description of the uses of elemi resinoid: “This is a very interesting fixative for artificial bergamot, lemon, lime, etc., as well as for the various verbena compositions, e.g. eau de verveine bases and other cologne types. In lavender-colognes, fougeres, spicy colognes, etc., it simultaneously introduces freshness and fixation.”
Peter Duffy (verified owner) –
I’ve had some gum elemi for a very long time (over 30 years!) and whilst I liked the smell of it, I couldn’t really find much to do with it. This resinoid is a revelation – clearly reminiscent of the gum specimen which I have, but so much more: lemony/peppery/herbal/balsamic all rolled up together. Immensely clean, fresh and focused – the word “bracing” comes to mind (reminds me a bit of bay – Laurus nobilis). Could be very useful in aftershaves and masculine colognes – would need to see what the consistency was when the ethanol has evaporated: maybe would work as a fixative. Highly recommended!