Description
Benzoin essential oil is a resinoid obtained from the bark resin of Styrax benzoin or Styrax tonkinensis, trees native to Sumatra, Java, and Southeast Asia. True benzoin is a semi-solid resinous mass and must be dissolved in a solvent (such as dipropylene glycol or alcohol) to make it suitable for use in aromatherapy blending. This product is the diluted form in DPG, ready for use.
Benzoin resinoid has a rich, warm, sweet, vanilla-like aroma with hints of chocolate and a slightly smoky quality. It is one of the classic fixative materials used in traditional perfumery, prized for its ability to slow down the evaporation of more volatile aromatic compounds and add warmth and depth to a blend. The main aromatic constituents include benzoic acid esters, benzyl benzoate, and cinnamic esters.
In aromatherapy, benzoin is used for its warming and comforting properties. It has a long history of use as an ingredient in skin care preparations, particularly for dry, chapped, or cracked skin, where its soothing film-forming properties are beneficial. It blends beautifully with sandalwood, vanilla, rose, frankincense, myrrh, and oriental spice notes such as cinnamon and clove.
Benzoin can cause sensitisation in some individuals and should be patch-tested before use. This 10ml dilution in DPG is suitable for use in diffusers, oil burners, perfumery, and diluted skin care preparations. Always dilute further before applying to skin. Not for internal use.
