• Benzoin
  • Benzoin

Benzoin

  • Scientific Name
    Styrax tonkinensis
  • Family
    Styracaceae
  • Origin
    Indochina, Thailand, Indonesia, Laosetc.

Plant description

Styrax benzoin is a tall tree belonging to the Styracaceae family, that can grow up to 20 meters in height. When an incision is made on its trunk, it produces Benzoin, a thick reddish-brown resin renowned for its potent fragrance. This resin has a rich historical background, having been used in ancient times to address respiratory issues. The name “benzoin” is believed to stem from its reputed therapeutic effects, although there are several theories surrounding its origin. Benzoin Siam is a variety of this resin, and has a tendency to crumble easily. It was so called because the products were exported through Siam. Its size and color can vary, resulting in different grades of Benzoin. There are various grades of benzoin, with the higher grades having superior aroma. Benzoin from Sumatra is said to be available in about five different grades. The highest grade, known as “Almond” grade, appears as a white or cream-colored crumbly mass, with an exceptionally strong fragrance. As the grade decreases, the resin becomes darker in color and may have a less intense fragrance.

Essential oil composition

Benzoin
  • Benzoin

  • INCI
    Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Resin
  • Extraction Method
    Solvent Extraction
  • Extraction Rate
    98%
  • Notes
    Base
  • Aroma Family
    Resin

Benzoin Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Benzoin essential oil is extracted from the resin through a solvent extraction process with a 98% yield , resulting in a brown to orange-brown substance. It contains key components like benzoic acid and vanillin. Its aroma is characterized by a lush, heavy, sweet profile with hints of vanilla and honey-like sweetness, coupled with a resinous quality typical of resins. The oil exhibits a slightly viscous texture. Benzoin pairs well with essential oils that have a robust and distinctive aroma. For instance, it complements essential oils like Lemon and Sweet Orange, known for their fresh and zesty citrus scents, as well as Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, and Rose, that have deep and intensely floral fragrances. Despite its neutral strength, when blending, it is advisable to maintain a balance between Benzoin essential oil and other oils to preserve its unique scent profile, ensuring that the richness of Benzoin is not overwhelmed in the blend.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Benzoic acid 60.65%
  • Vanillin 8.18%
  • Benzyl benzoate 3.65%
  • Other components 27.53%

Functions and Efficacies

IFRA

Benzyl benzoate:
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Benzyl benzoate

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
International Fragrance Association, Benzyl benzoate, 2020.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.