Balsam Peru - Pure & Natural

Balsam Peru is a resinous substance that has been used in the perfume and incense industry for many centuries. It is extracted from the trunk of the Myroxylon balsamum tree, which is native to Central and South America. The sap of the tree is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the resin to flow out naturally. This process does not harm the tree and is therefore considered a sustainable harvesting method.

Balsam Peru has a warm, sweet, and balsamic odor, which is why it is commonly used in perfumery. It is a popular ingredient in oriental and woody fragrances, as well as in incense blends. Its versatility also makes it a valuable addition in the formulation of toiletries such as soaps and shampoos.

Balsam Peru Applications in Skincare and Cosmetics

Beyond fragrance, Balsam Peru plays a significant role in natural skincare formulations. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in products targeting dry, sensitive or damaged skin. You'll often find it in:

• Healing balms and ointments
• Lip care products
• Body butters
• Herbal salves

Its natural preservative qualities also contribute to product shelf life. However, it's used in very low concentrations due to its potency and potential to cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

The areas of extraction for Balsam Peru are primarily in the Central and South American regions, including countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The absolute extracted from the resinoid by alcohol extraction is known as Balsam Peru Absolute, which is a highly concentrated form of the resin.

Balsam Peru Extraction Techniques and Processing

The process of obtaining Balsam Peru is both artisanal and sustainable. Farmers make shallow incisions into the bark of mature Myroxylon balsamum trees, allowing the aromatic resin to exude. The collection is typically done over a period of weeks, using cloths or containers to absorb or collect the flowing resin.
Once harvested, the resin undergoes various types of processing to create different forms:

• Crude Balsam Peru - used directly in traditional medicine and incense.
• Balsam Peru Absolute - created via alcohol extraction for high-end perfumery.
• Resinoid Peru - produced through solvent extraction, ideal for use in soaps and household products.

Each form has its own applications, determined by texture, strength and aromatic intensity.

Resinoid Peru is another product derived from the resin, obtained through solvent extraction. It is known for its strong, tenacious odor and is often used in the composition of soaps, candles, and detergents.

In conclusion, Balsam Peru, Balsam Peru Absolute, and Resinoid Peru are highly valued ingredients in the perfume and incense industry for their warm and balsamic aroma. The sustainable extraction methods used to obtain these products ensure they continue to be a valuable and ethical source of fragrant materials.

Uses of Balsam Peru in Modern Aromatherapy

Balsam Peru is increasingly featured in modern aromatherapy due to its comforting and grounding fragrance. It’s warm, balsamic aroma is thought to encourage emotional calm, making it ideal for diffusing in relaxation spaces or during meditation sessions.
Aromatherapists often use Balsam Peru in blends to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote emotional healing
• Create a feeling of coziness and warmth

It pairs exceptionally well with essential oils like vanilla, sandalwood, lavender and sweet orange to enhance therapeutic ambiance and support emotional well-being.

Balsam Peru Absolute blends exceedingly well with cinnamic alcohol, heliotropine, ionones, isoeugenol, Iinalool, musks, petitgrain oil, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, dimethyl phenylethyl carbinol, labdanum products, etc. in floral bases (honeysuckle, tuberose, Iongoza, etc.), Oriental bases, “powder” type perfumes and numerous types of sweet and heavy perfumes. There are number of chemicals available in Balsam Peru like : alpha-muurolene, benzyl-benzoate, beta-elemene,alpha-copaene, alpha-curcumene, benzyl-cinnamate, benzyl-isoferulate, benzaldehyde, benzoic, benzoic-acids, cadalene, benzyl-ferulate, Alpha-bourbonene, beta-bourbonene, alpha-cadinene, alpha-calacorene, alpha-pinene, caryophyllene, benzyl-alcohol, calamenene.

Balsam Peru Blending Tips and Perfumery Insights

Balsam Peru is prized for its ability to anchor and mellow volatile top notes in a fragrance blend. Its sweet, resinous depth makes it an ideal base or fixative in perfumery, adding warmth and longevity.
Blending Tips:

• Combine with citrus top notes to round out sharpness.
• Pair with florals to deepen sensuality in a fragrance.
• Use with woods and spices for a warm oriental profile.

It’s a go-to ingredient in crafting perfumes that aim to feel nostalgic or grounding and is commonly found in formulations that emulate natural environments.