Benzoin (Pure and Natural)
Description
Benzoin is an aromatic tree resin that has been highly valued in the fragrance industry for centuries. It is extracted from the bark of trees in the Styrax genus that are found in various regions across Southeast Asia, with some of the most sought-after varieties originating from the Laos, Siam, and Sumatra regions.
Benzoin from Laos, also known as Laos or Lao benzoin, is characterized by its rich, sweet, and slightly vanilla-like aroma. It is often used as a base note in perfumes, providing a warm and comforting scent that lingers on the skin. In traditional medicine, Laos benzoin has been used to treat a range of ailments, from respiratory problems to skin conditions.
Siam benzoin, also known as Siamese or Thailand benzoin, has a more complex fragrance profile than its Laos counterpart. It is characterized by its balsamic, woody, and slightly spicy aroma, making it a popular choice in perfume compositions that require a more nuanced and sophisticated scent. Siam benzoin is also used in traditional medicine, where it is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sumatra benzoin, also known as Sumatran or Padang benzoin, is prized for its smoky, resinous, and almost leathery scent. It is often used in masculine fragrances, as its earthy and slightly pungent aroma provides a more assertive and bold scent profile. Sumatra benzoin is also used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Benzoin is also called gum benzoin or gum benjamin. But "gum" is incorrect as benzoin is not a polysaccharide. Its name came via the Italian from the Arabic luban jawi. Benzoin resin is also called styrax balsam or styrax resin, but wrongly since those resins are obtained from a different plant family, Hamamelidaceae. Benzoin was first reported in 1832 by Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Woehler during their research on oil of bitter almond which is benzaldehyde with traces of hydrocyanic acid.
Benzoin resin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla-like aroma and fixative properties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies as well as Western Catholic Churches. Most benzoin is used in Arab States of the Persian Gulf and India, where it is burned on charcoal as incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa. Benzoin tree is from Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark of Benzoin. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry. Perfumery use of Benzoin can hardly be described other than as this material virtually blends with almost every known material. In traces it also helps Rose accords and can be used in high percentages in Musks and Orientals
There are following unique Benzoin products manufactured by BMV Fragrances Pvt Ltd.