Description:
Benzoin is a balsamic resin obtained by tapping the bark of trees in the Styrax genus, primarily S. benzoin (Sumatra) and S. tonkinensis (Siam). The raw resin exudes from the tree and hardens into reddish-brown tears, which are collected and used for both perfumery and medicinal purposes.
Aroma Profile:
Warm, sweet, vanillic, and ambery with hints of cinnamon, honey, and caramel. It possesses a comforting, round aroma and serves as a fixative in natural perfumery. The Siam variety is generally softer, sweeter, and creamier, while the Sumatra type is slightly smokier and more intense.
Uses in Perfumery:
Widely used as a fixative and base note, Benzoin is prized in oriental, amber, and gourmand compositions. It softens sharp edges, rounds out florals, and anchors fleeting top notes. In natural perfumery, it’s often tinctured or used in resinous bases and incense.
Regions:
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam (Siam benzoin); Indonesia (Sumatra benzoin)
Extraction Method:
The resin is harvested directly from tree bark incisions and may be tinctured in ethanol or solvent-extracted for perfumery.
Unique Characteristics:
Its warmth and sweet depth make Benzoin a classic anchor in perfumery, especially beloved in sacred blends, incense, and emotional compositions. It is also used in natural skin care as a healing and preservative agent due to its antiseptic properties.
