Pistacia Lentiscus Essential Oil – Moroccan Mastic Resin | Natural Perfume & Skincare Ingredient
Botanical Name: Pistacia Lentiscus.
Family Name: Anacardiaceae.
Common Name: Tears of Chios, Lentiscus Resin, Mastic, Mastiche, Masticare, Masztika, Mastix.
INCI: Pistacia Lentiscus Resin Oil.
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled.
Parts Used: Resin.
Note: Base note. Fixative.
Odor: Fresh, resinous aroma, with a marine undertone.
Appearance: Clear.
Country of Origin: Morocco.
Blends: Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Boronia, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood (Atlas), Chamomile (Roman), Cinnamon and other spice oils, Clary Sage, Cypress, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lavandin , Lavender, Lemon, Liquidambar (Styrax), Mimosa, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Opopanax, Orange (Sweet), Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, Yuzu.
Derived from the aromatic resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, also known as the mastic or lentisk, this essential oil is a natural treasure of the Mediterranean basin. The Moroccan variety grows wild in the arid coastal hills and limestone soils of northern Morocco, where the warm climate and salty sea breeze encourage the slow exudation of its fragrant resin. Harvested traditionally from small incisions in the bark, the raw resin is steam-distilled to yield a clear, golden essential oil of remarkable purity and depth.
Pistacia Lentiscus Resin Essential Oil from Morocco embodies the wild spirit of the Mediterranean landscape — resinous, clean, and deeply restorative. Its versatility makes it invaluable across aromatherapy, skincare, and artisanal perfumery. With its rare combination of freshness, warmth, and subtle sensuality, it connects the ancient art of resin distillation with the modern pursuit of natural well-being.
This golden essence carries centuries of Mediterranean tradition in every drop — a reminder that nature’s most enduring aromas often come from the most humble trees.
The main constituents include:
α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene – responsible for the bright, pine-like top notes.
β-myrcene and terpinene – imparting a warm, herbal complexity.
Caryophyllene, bornyl acetate, and trace terpinen-4-ol – providing roundness, fixative strength, and subtle balsamic sweetness.
This biochemical balance gives the oil a distinctive dry-green resin character, ideal for blending with wood, citrus, spice, or floral accords.
Aromatic Profile
The aroma of Moroccan mastic resin oil is fresh, balsamic, and coniferous, with elegant notes reminiscent of pine needles, cypress, and wild herbs under the Mediterranean sun. As it evolves, it reveals soft leathery, slightly smoky undertones, balanced by a sweet, resinous warmth. The scent profile bridges the gap between the clarity of frankincense and the green, woody tenacity of cypress or juniper. Its distinctive balance of freshness and depth makes it a prized material in both fine perfumery and aromatherapy.
Therapeutic & Cosmetic Benefits
In traditional Mediterranean medicine, lentisk resin has long been valued for its purifying, soothing, and restorative effects. The essential oil carries similar properties, offering both skin and respiratory benefits:
Cleansing and balancing for oily or congested skin; excellent in facial toners, serums, and acne treatments.
Toning and firming to support mature or tired skin when diluted in carrier oils.
Respiratory support, acting as a mild expectorant when diffused.
Muscle and joint relief, often blended with rosemary or cypress for massage oils.
Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory profile makes it suitable for wound-healing balms or post-shave tonics.
Energetically, the scent of lentisk oil is grounding and centering — a natural aid for mental clarity and emotional balance.
Perfumery Applications
In perfumery, Moroccan mastic resin oil functions as both a fixative and a bridge note between fresh green top accords and deep woody bases.
In masculine fragrances, it adds dry aromatic power reminiscent of pine forests and sun-baked shrubs.
In feminine or unisex compositions, it contributes sophistication and balsamic warmth, especially in chypre and fougère structures.
Blends beautifully with frankincense, cedarwood, vetiver, cistus, labdanum, bergamot, and galbanum.
A small amount can transform an herbal or citrus blend into something refined and complex.
Its long-lasting fixative quality also enhances natural perfumes, solid perfumes, and incense formulations.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications.