Copal Blanco Essential Oil

This listing is for Copal Blanco essential oil- from Bursera bipinnata resin that we distilled in-house.

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

Is this oil hard to find commercially?
Yes. Multiple reviewers describe copal blanco essential oil as challenging to source, and the product description notes it is "close to impossible to source commercially." Several customers mention discovering this as a rare and valuable find.
How does the scent develop over time?
The product description explains that the fragrance will "continue to mature, evolve and develop in its aromatic complexities with age," similar to other resin essential oils. One reviewer reports using it in a homemade blend for over two years, suggesting it can be stored and aged.
How concentrated is this oil?
Very concentrated. One experienced user notes it is "quite powerful, so you don't need much to make an impact" when used in incense accords and perfumery. The product description states it should not be applied to skin without adequate dilution due to its concentration.
What does the scent smell like?
Reviewers describe it as having a pleasant, complex aroma. The product lists notes of uplifting, soft, sweet, minty coniferous with hints of honey, black pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom; a light lemony scent; and when burned, sweet hints of burnt caramel and soft ethereal floral notes. One reviewer noted it has a slight citrus and light frankincense-like quality.
Is this suitable for perfumery and incense blending?
Yes. A reviewer experienced in incense accords notes it works well as an alternative to frankincense, filling "a similar resinous/incense role while bringing its own distinctive character." It has been used successfully in homemade blends by customers.
How long does the scent last on skin?
One reviewer notes that copal oils typically "barely last on the skin," but reports this particular oil has "much better longevity than another I have tried." This suggests solid performance relative to other copal products, though it may not rival synthetic fragrances in longevity.
Does the dropper cap work well?
One reviewer reports the dropper is "difficult to open" and mentions wasting some oil in the process, though they still love the product. This is a minor inconvenience noted by a single customer.
What size should I choose?
One reviewer found the 5ml bottle unexpectedly small and wished they had paid more attention to the size before purchasing. The product description notes the seller offers a small amount due to scarcity, so consider your intended use when selecting a size.
Commonly called Copal Blanco and Sacred Copal, the resin is the traditional incense used in celebrating Mexican Day of the Dead ceremonies and reserved for other special occasions.

This is an essential oil that is close to impossible to source commercially and I am thrilled to offer a small amount to my customers.

Copal Blanco essential oil has an uplifting, soft, sweet, minty coniferous aroma with hints of honey, black pepper, nutmeg and cardamon.

Similar to many other resin essential oils, its fragrance will continue to mature, evolve and develop in its aromatic complexities with age.

Hoarding resin essential oils can provide important lessons in patience and a deeper appreciation of age for us all.

Used extensively in churches during the year, Copal Blanco resin is best known for its use in Mexican Day of the Dead ceremonies and celebrations, where the smoke of burning Copal is seen as an offering that helps raise one's prayers to the Divine. The pillar of Copal incense smoke is also believed to act as a beacon, leading the ancestral spirits home.

Copal Blanco has a light lemony scent. Burned on the coal it raises a beautiful, thick column of gentle, soft smoke with sweet hints of burnt caramel and soft ethereal floral notes. 

Copal Blanco/Bursera bipinnata is a member of the Burseraceae family of trees. Also called Torchwood trees and the Incense tree family. It is related to Frankincense, Myrrh, Elemi and many other fragrant resin-bearing trees used for incense, medicine and perfume. It is currently harvested in a traditional manner that does not stress the trees. However, with an increase in demand for the resin, future issues of sustainability are likely.

As with many other resins of the Burseracaea family, Copal is also used in traditional medicine. It is often dissolved in oil and used to treat sore muscles, joints, and various skin conditions.

That said, Copal Blanco essential oil is very concentrated and should not be applied to the skin without adequate dilution.

Dan

Materials: Pure Essential Oil.


Customer Reviews

Based on 52 reviews
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Arnold Walker (Corpus Christi, US)
Powerful, Distinctive Incense Material

Excellent Copal Blanco. Strong and balsamic in the opening, then gradually dries down sweeter with a beautiful crystalline, resinous quality. I’ve been using it in incense accords and find it particularly interesting as an alternative to automatically reaching for frankincense. It fills a similar resinous/incense role while bringing its own distinctive character. It’s quite powerful, so you don’t need much to make an impact. A beautiful and very useful material for perfumery.

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Erin P (Denver, US)
Very fine quality oil!

I’m delighted to have discovered this excellent source for copal oil as it is challenging to find! What a gem!

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Vita (Ashburn, US)
Second time purchasing the copal essential...

Second time purchasing the copal essential oil! Love it and will continue to purchase!

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Etsy customer

Second time purchasing the copal essential oil! Love it and will continue to purchase!

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Laurie (Ashburn, US)
This review has no content.

This review has no content.

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Vita (Ashburn, US)
I thought was fast shipping coming from Ca...

I thought was fast shipping coming from Canada! Great oil. Tried the 1ML first and ordered the bigger one right after I tried!

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Etsy customer

I thought was fast shipping coming from Canada! Great oil. Tried the 1ML first and ordered the bigger one right after I tried!

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Vita (Ashburn, US)
Hard to find copal essential oil! Very ple...

Hard to find copal essential oil! Very pleased! Seen a lot of complaints about the slow shipping but for ‘international shipping' I honestly thought it got here very fast and was presently surprised to see it so quick!

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Etsy customer

Hard to find copal essential oil! Very pleased! Seen a lot of complaints about the slow shipping but for ‘international shipping’ I honestly thought it got here very fast and was presently surprised to see it so quick!

S
Shemar (Ashburn, US)
Good quality and fast shipping

Good quality and fast shipping

Reviews in Other Languages

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Etsy customer

Copal Blanco Essential Oil