Myrrh is one of the most ancient aromatic substances known to humanity, alongside frankincense, with which it has been paired in religious, medicinal, and perfumery contexts for over 4,000 years. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora myrrha (and related species), small, thorny trees native to the arid regions of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The resin is collected by making incisions in the bark; the exuded gum-resin hardens into characteristic reddish-brown "tears" that are then distilled. Myrrh oil is distinguished by its high sesquiterpene content (furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzerene, lindestrene, elemol), which gives it its characteristic balsamic, slightly spicy-bitter aroma and its notable fixative properties in perfumery. Unlike most essential oils, myrrh is relatively viscous and has limited ethanol solubility, requiring formulation expertise for alcohol-based products.
| Botanical Name | Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Gum Myrrh, Somali Myrrh, Mo Yao |
| Country of Origin | Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen |
| Plant Family | Burseraceae |
| Parts Used | Resin |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| CAS Number | 8016-37-3 |
| Color / Appearance | Yellow to reddish brown, viscous |
| Odor | Warm, balsamic, slightly spicy-medicinal with a rich resinous undertone |
| Specific Gravity | 0.985 - 1.014 (20 C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.517 - 1.528 (20 C) |
| Optical Rotation | -60 deg to -83 deg |
| Flash Point | > 100#176C |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, fixed oils; slightly soluble in propylene glycol |
| Major Constituents | Cuminaldehyde, m-cresol |
Antibacterial, anti-wrinkle
Cuminaldehyde, m-cresol
One of the most important essential oils for oral health applications. Myrrh has a long history of use for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and general oral hygiene, dating to ancient Egyptian and Greek medicine. Used in natural toothpastes, mouthwashes, and oral sprays at 0.1–0.5%. Clinical studies support its antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans. Often combined with propolis, clove, and peppermint in therapeutic oral care products.
Valued in anti-aging and restorative skincare for its cicatrisant and astringent properties. Used in formulations for mature, lined, and chapped skin; wound healing balms; and products targeting eczema and dermatitis. The furanosesquiterpenes in myrrh exhibit anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 inhibition. Its astringency makes it effective in toners and pore-tightening products for oily and combination skin.
Together with frankincense, myrrh is the quintessential oil for spiritual and meditative practice across multiple religious traditions. Its grounding, centering aroma is used to deepen respiration, promote introspection, and create sacred space. Often diffused during meditation, yoga, prayer, and grief counseling for its comforting, emotionally stabilizing properties.
Used in oriental, amber, incense, and chypre fragrance types. Myrrh provides a deep, warm-balsamic base note with excellent fixative properties. Unlike the luminous, citrusy transparency of frankincense, myrrh offers a darker, earthier, more tenacious character. The CO₂ extract and resinoid are often preferred over the essential oil in perfumery for their more complete, true-to-resin aromatic profile and improved ethanol solubility.
Frankincense (its classical partner), Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Rose, Lavender, Bergamot, Cypress, Juniper — essential in oriental, incense, and meditative accords
Myrrh — China
Custom packaging and private labeling available upon request.
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dark place. Shelf life: 4–6 years (myrrh is one of the most stable essential oils due to its high sesquiterpene and low monoterpene content). Viscosity may increase over prolonged storage; gently warm to 35–40°C before use if necessary. Myrrh darkens and becomes more viscous with age — this is normal and does not indicate degradation.
Under recommended storage conditions — tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight — Myrrh Oil remains stable for 2 to 3 years. Monitor for any changes in aroma, color, or viscosity before use in production batches.
Myrrh Oil is steam distillation from the resin of a plant in the Burseraceae family. This method preserves the full spectrum of volatile aromatic compounds and bioactive constituents that define the oil''s therapeutic and sensory profile.
Every shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing the batch-specific chemical profile (GC/MS or GC-FID), physical parameters (specific gravity, refractive index, optical rotation), and organoleptic assessment. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) is also provided. Additional documentation — including GC/MS chromatograms, pesticide residue analysis, heavy metal testing, and allergen statements — is available upon request.
Standard MOQ is 1 kg for most essential oils, with bulk pricing available at 5 kg, 25 kg, and 180 kg drum quantities. Contact our sales team for current pricing and availability for your required volume.
Yes. We provide complimentary 10–30 mL samples of most products for qualified B2B buyers to evaluate quality, aroma, and suitability before placing bulk orders. Sample requests are subject to availability and shipping costs may apply. Request a sample through our contact form.
Contact our team for pricing, samples, and technical documentation. We respond to all B2B inquiries within 24 hours.
