Mastic or Lentisque

Mastic, also called lentisque, is a unique resin harvested from the mastic tree that grows primarily on the Greek island of Chios. This aromatic resin has been prized since ancient times for its fresh, slightly piney, and subtly balsamic aroma.

Mastic has a bright, clean character that sets it apart from heavier resins. There is a gentle sweetness and a hint of juniper-like freshness that makes it feel crisp and Mediterranean.

In perfumery, mastic adds a sophisticated resinous quality that feels both ancient and modern. It has a slightly turpentine-like freshness when first applied that settles into a warm, clean balsamic note.

Mastic pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, other resins like frankincense, and woods. It is particularly popular in Mediterranean-inspired fragrances where its bright, clean character evokes rocky coastlines and aromatic shrubland.

Mastic has also found its way into modern niche perfumery where its unusual character helps create distinctive, conversational scents. The resin has deep cultural significance in Greece, where it has been used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics for thousands of years.