Madagascar Elemi essential oil

Madagascar Elemi essential oil is rare and unavailable in the mainstream market.

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

How does this compare to Philippine Elemi oil?
According to reviewers and the product description, Madagascar Elemi is deeper, richer, and more complex than Philippine Elemi. One customer noted it has much more longevity in the base notes compared to typical Elemi oils, which tend to be more lemony and top-heavy. Another reviewer described it as "far superior in scent profile" to other Elemi oils on the market.
What does Madagascar Elemi smell like?
The scent profile opens with sweet lime and lemon notes, then develops into rich honey, amber, vanilla, and musk undertones. Reviewers frequently describe it as having a musky quality and note its complexity and depth. The scent is notably potent—several customers emphasize that a small amount goes a long way.
Is this oil potent or does it need large amounts?
The oil is highly concentrated and potent. Multiple reviewers note that a small amount—even just a couple of drops—provides strong coverage and lasting effect. One customer advised "don't be fooled by small valve very potent!"
Can I use this on my skin directly?
Yes, at least one customer reports applying it directly to skin after rose water, using just a couple of drops. However, as with any essential oil, patch testing and dilution may be advisable for sensitive skin; always follow safe essential oil practices.
Does this blend well with other oils and resins?
Reviewers who use it in diffusers and fragrance compositions report that it blends very well with other resins and oils. One customer specifically mentioned enjoying it in their diffuser mixed with other resins, while another noted plans to add it to a parfum composition.
Is the scent subtle or strong?
Most reviewers describe it as rich and complex rather than subtle. One customer who blends fragrances noted it as "more subtle than other similar resins," but this is a minority view; the majority describe it as potent and full-bodied.
Does the scent last a long time?
Yes. Reviewers consistently note that the oil has excellent longevity and longevity in the base notes, with one customer specifically stating it lasts "a very long time." This is one of its distinguishing features compared to more citrus-forward Elemi oils.
Is this product genuinely rare?
According to the product description, Madagascar Elemi was hand-distilled in limited quantity in Madagascar's vanilla-growing region and is not currently available elsewhere in the world. The producer distilled only a small amount from this unique source, making it genuinely rare.
Will the scent be what I expect?
Most reviewers report being delighted with the scent, but a small minority found it unexpectedly different from their previous Elemi experience—one customer described it as having bitter, musty notes that clashed with their expectations. The oil is richer and more complex than standard Elemi, so prior experience with typical Elemi may not fully predict your response.
This oil is bright, musky and sweet and possesses a much richer character than Philipines Elemi.

In October 2016, I took a 70-litre stainless steel pot,' 2 glass condensers, and a plethora of materials with me to Madagascar on a plane and met me with my friend Marco, who had flown in from Italy.

After four days of off-road, driving around the northern tip of the island we reached Sava County, otherwise known as Vanilla bean country. Also, Elemi country.

We scoured the markets of Sambava and Anthala for 2 days to collect enough Harami ( The local name for Elemi), for this distillation.
We pooled the distillation equipment we each brought from abroad, bought some firewood and set up the still to distill this unique Elemi.

It was a wildly improvised distillation which ended up being performed with the last 1 of 3 condensers after two broke during transport to the site. We only collected a relatively small amount of Madagascar Elemi essential oil, but the experience was priceless!!

Madagascar Elemi is harvested in the wild and used in the Malagasy culture for incense and skin care.

Madagascar Elemi essential oil is deeper, richer and more complex than Philippine Elemi and is reminiscent of Somali Frankincense Frereana essential oil.

It initially greets one's nose with sweet Lime and Lemon, then gives way to rich honey notes, a hint of Amber, vanilla and musk.

Currently, this essential oil can be found nowhere else in the world. It is unique and only a handful of people will get to experience it.

Dan

Materials: Madagascar Elemi essential oil, Canarium madagascariensis.


Customer Reviews

Based on 122 reviews
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Mylene (Ashburn, US)
This smells absolutely fantastic, I will d...

This smells absolutely fantastic, I will definitely purchase more

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Etsy customer

This smells absolutely fantastic, I will definitely purchase more

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Dawn Stoltenberg (Ashburn, US)
This rich oil was in a cream I used each m...

This rich oil was in a cream I used each morning. Now I have the opportunity to use it directly on my skin - right after applying my rose water. Just a couple of drops and it covers nicely - and I love the 'fragrance'. Always delighted with my products from this merchant.

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Etsy customer

This rich oil was in a cream I used each morning. Now I have the opportunity to use it directly on my skin - right after applying my rose water. Just a couple of drops and it covers nicely - and I love the 'fragrance'. Always delighted with my products from this merchant.

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James Fisher (Ashburn, US)
Very interesting oil. Loving it.

Very interesting oil. Loving it.

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Etsy customer

Very interesting oil. Loving it.

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Elizabeth Baumbach (Ashburn, US)
Such a nice treasure box. Everything smell...

Such a nice treasure box. Everything smells amazing.

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A Nitzsche (Ashburn, US)
Fantastic quality as always. Great seller!

Fantastic quality as always. Great seller!

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Amanda Langworth
These top shelf oils are amazing. A little...

These top shelf oils are amazing. A little drop goes a very long way. Worth every penny spent.

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Etsy customer

These top shelf oils are amazing. A little drop goes a very long way. Worth every penny spent.

Reviews in Other Languages

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Elyssa (Ashburn, US)
Très intéressant, ce parfum, plus subtil q...

Très intéressant, ce parfum, plus subtil que d'autres résines semblables. J'ai hâte de l'ajouter à la composition de l'eau de parfum que je vais faire incessamment. La livraison a été très rapide. Merci beaucoup!

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Etsy customer

Très intéressant, ce parfum, plus subtil que d’autres résines semblables. J’ai hâte de l’ajouter à la composition de l’eau de parfum que je vais faire incessamment. La livraison a été très rapide. Merci beaucoup!

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Manuel (Ashburn, US)
Meine Bewertung bezieht sich alleine auf d...

Meine Bewertung bezieht sich alleine auf den von mir als schrecklich empfundenen Geruch. Die Qualität mag herausragend sein, das will ich nicht beurteilen.
Angebot und Service des Verkäufers sind vorzüglich und inspirierend.
Aber meine geliebte Elemi-Erinnerung erleidet einen Schock bei dieser bitteren, nach Stall riechenden extrem hartnäckigen Essenz.
Ich dachte all die schönen pfeffrigen, zitronigen, waldigen Facetten von Elemi wären in diesem angepriesenen Madagaskar-Öl um ein vielfaches potenziert. Enttäuscht.