“Amber” in a fragrance description isn’t the golden gemstone from a museum case — it’s one of perfumery’s warmest, most reassuring accords, built from ancient tree resins.

In perfumery, amber refers to a warm, resinous accord built primarily from labdanum, benzoin and vanilla, rather than the fossilised tree resin used in jewellery. It’s one of the most important base-note families in both Western and Arabian perfumery, prized for its golden warmth, its ability to add richness and its excellent staying power.

Amber’s supporting cast

  • Labdanum — a sticky resin from the rockrose shrub, giving amber its characteristic warm, slightly leathery depth.
  • Benzoin — a sweet, vanilla-like resin from Styrax trees, adding softness and warmth.
  • Frankincense and myrrh — resins with their own long history, often layered alongside amber for added complexity.

Frequently asked questions

Is amber perfume made from real amber (the gemstone)?

No — fossilised amber has essentially no scent of its own; perfumery “amber” is an accord built from other resins and materials, covered in full in our dedicated guide below.

Continue reading: What Is Amber in Perfume? · Amber vs Ambergris · Resins Explained · and 3 more

Discover amber-forward scents in our Perfume Oils range.