Benzoin Resin Extract

Benzoin Resin Extract (Styrax benzoin) is balsamic resin extracted from several trees in the styrax genus. It is used in cosmetics, as a food preservative and to fragrance incense and other aromatherapy products. The extract is commonly sold as a thick, aromatic oil with a vanilla scent. It may be brown or golden colored. Benzoin resin extract is used pharmaceutically to make skin care products, expectorants and other oral medications to relieve a host of conditions such as irritations of the throat and airways, laryngitis and croup. It is often used in wound treatments to speed healing.

Benzoin Resin Extract and Skin Care

As a topical treatment in skin care products, benzoin resin extract offers a host of benefits. Some of the most common are:

• Relieves Eczema, Rashes and Skin Irritations: According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, benzoin resin extract has been found effective as a massage oil for babies with eczema. It relieves the dry, scaly skin associated with eczema. It was applied to dry skin only and was not applied to open or seeping skin.
• Soothes Bedsores, Skin Ulcers and Cracked Skin: WebMD says that benzoin resin extract has been used to treat bedsores, skin ulcers and cracked skin. It further explains that when benzoin resin extract is used as a topical treatment it is typically combined with other herbs to create a “compound benzoin tincture” .
• Protects Skin: WebMd also lists benzoin resin extract as a skin protectant. It may prevent dry or irritated skin from developing.
• Anti-inflammatory Action: Benzoin resin extract works to treat skin conditions such as measles, pox and other rashes through its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Action : According to an article (Aromatherapy: Benzoin) by Kathy Keville, director of the American Herb Association, benzoin resin extract has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• Improves Skin Elasticity: Keville further states that benzoin resin extracts also improves skin elasticity. Maintaining skin elasticity is vital to slowing the aging process.

Are There Any Side Effects from Benzoin Resin Extract?

According to WebMd, benzoin resin extract generally does not cause side effects. Allergic reactions typically cause a rash, but this is not common. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of benzoin resin extract as there is not enough evidence to support its safety. Talk to your doctor if you experience side effects you think are related to benzoin resin extract.

How is Benzoin Resin Extract Used?

Benzoin resin extract is typically mixed with other natural ingredients to make lotions or topical treatments for the skin. It is applied to dry or irritated skin either as part of routine skin care or to treat specific ailments.

Look for products labeled as “all-natural” or “organic” when purchasing skin care products. Always purchase your products from a reputable supplier who you trust.

Buy Organic Benzoin Resin Oil

Our organic benzoin resin oil is a base note extracted from Styrax tonkinensis resin and blended with organic ethanol to improve pourability. These trees are native to Southeast Asia around Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam where the gum is tapped for extraction into oil. It has a thick, sticky consistency with a sweet, vanilla-like aroma. As a base note with fixative properties this oil is wonderful for grounding perfume blends. Benzoin has been used for centuries as an incense and perfume.

Resinous oils like benzoin have emotionally balancing and calming properties. It has a warm and welcoming aroma when blended into solid perfumes, alcohol-based body sprays, soaps, lip balm and more. This oil can stand in for vanilla absolute in certain recipes though it is not an exact match.

Aroma
This sweet, warm, and resinous aroma has luscious notes of vanilla, wood, and subtly spicy undertones. This blended oil has a slight alcohol scent when smelled out of the bottle, but it quickly dissipates when using a perfume blotter and can be unnoticeable when blended with other oils.

Constituents
Benzoin resin contains benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, and ethyl cinnamate.

Blending and Uses
Benzoin oil works best in creams, body butter, lotion bars, and soaps but it has a thick and sticky consistency which can make it difficult to blend. Begin by using a small quantity of your ingredients and blend in the benzoin oil with a clean tool, then add this blend into the rest of your recipe. It will not disperse well in liquid carrier oils and tends to clump up.

Bright or citrusy oils such as lemon, orange, or litsea cubeba match well with the sweet and sultry aroma in body care recipes. The spicier notes of benzoin also come out when combined with pink pepper, ginger, or cinnamon oils. When blended into alcohol-based perfumes this oil will dissolve better, and its fixative properties help to retain their aroma longer. A blend of benzoin, jasmine, rose, and sandalwood come together as a heady and romantic aromatic experience inspired by ancient perfume favorites.

For diffusing, use in a ceramic or glass diffuser or fan diffuser with pad. The thick consistency does not work well ultrasonic or other diffusers that have plastic reservoirs. If the oil is cold or you are having trouble dispensing it, gently warm the bottle between your palms. You can also remove the drop reducer from smaller bottles for easier dispensing with a glass dropper.

Packaging
1/2 oz. and 1 oz. essential oils are packaged in amber glass bottles with drop reducers for easy application. Larger sizes are packaged in amber screw cap bottles and do not come with reducers or droppers.

Safety
This oil may cause skin sensitization. Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Keep away from children and pets.

Before using perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back. Apply a small quantity of diluted essential oil and cover with a bandage. If you experience any irritation use carrier oil or cream to further dilute the essential oil, and then wash with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours it is safe to use on your skin.