Amber

Benzoin

Note Profile

Natural 1531 perfumes

Also Known As

Benzoin Siam, Siam Benzoin

About

Sweet, vanilla-like resin

Scent Profile

Benzoin has a sweet, warm, and balsamic scent with pronounced vanilla-like and caramel nuances. It also exhibits subtle spicy and powdery undertones, lending a comforting, resinous depth that becomes richer as it dries down. Its aroma is smooth and enveloping, often described as reminiscent of toasted sugar and soft amber.

Citrus 0%

Floral 0%

Fruity 0%

Green 0%

Sweet 50%

Warm 35%

Woody 15%

Earthy 15%

Animalic 5%

Fresh 0%

Origin

Benzoin is a natural resin obtained from the bark of Styrax trees, primarily Styrax benzoin and Styrax tonkinensis, native to Southeast Asia. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark, allowing the sap to harden before collection. It is then purified and sometimes processed into resinoid or absolute for perfumery use.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers typically use benzoin as a base note due to its fixative properties and longevity. It blends well with vanilla, labdanum, sandalwood, spices, and florals, enhancing warmth and sweetness in amber accords and oriental compositions. Benzoin also helps to round off sharp edges and impart a creamy smoothness to blends.