Benzoin Resinoide Sumatra 55% BB

Benzoin Resinoid – Sumatra Origin – Complete Product Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer — IFF

• 🌏 Origin – Sumatra, Indonesia

• 📂 CAS N° — 9000-05-9

• 📘 FEMA — 2133

• ⚖️ MW — Not applicable (as it’s a natural resin mixture, not a single compound)

• 📝 Odor type — Balsamic, sweet, vanilla-like

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to strong

• ⚗️ Uses — Perfumery (fixative), oriental, gourmand, amber fragrances; personal care products (soaps, lotions), incense, and traditional medicine

Historical Background

Benzoin resinoid is derived from the Styrax benzoin tree, native to Southeast Asia, particularly Sumatra, Indonesia. It has been used for centuries for its fragrant, medicinal, and preservative properties. Historically, it has been used in incense, perfumery, and ritualistic practices due to its warm, balsamic, and vanilla-like aroma (Arctander, 1969). Sumatra is one of the major producers of benzoin, where the resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark and refining it into a resinoid for use in perfumery (Sell, 2019).

Olfactory Profile

Benzoin resinoid is valued for its rich, warm, and sweet scent with balsamic, vanilla-like, and spicy nuances. Its aroma is often compared to vanilla, but with a more amber-like complexity, making it ideal for use in oriental and gourmand fragrances (Sell, 2019).

Odor Characteristics:

• Balsamic

• Sweet, Vanilla-like

• Warm and spicy

• Slightly smoky

Applications in Perfumery and Product Categories

Benzoin resinoid is primarily used as a fixative, helping to anchor and extend the longevity of top and middle notes in fragrance compositions (Arctander, 1969).

• Fine Fragrances: Benzoin Resinoid is a key ingredient in oriental, amber, and gourmand fragrances, contributing richness and depth to the base.

• Incense and Ritualistic Use: The resin has historically been used in incense and is still widely used in aromatic preparations for religious and ceremonial purposes (Sell, 2019).

• Personal Care Products: Its sweet, balsamic scent is incorporated into soaps, lotions, and bath products, adding a comforting fragrance to these items.

• Natural and Synthetic Perfumery: Benzoin resinoid blends seamlessly with both natural essential oils and synthetic aroma chemicals for versatile use in modern perfumery (Arctander, 1969).

Fragrance Families:

• Oriental: Its balsamic and warm sweet tones make it an essential ingredient in oriental fragrances (Arctander, 1969).

• Gourmand: Its vanilla-like sweetness contributes to the gourmand category, pairing well with edible notes (Sell, 2019).

• Amber: Its amber-like characteristics deepen amber-based perfumes (Sell, 2019).

Usage in Fragrance Formulation

Concentration Levels:

• Fine Fragrance: Commonly used at concentrations of 2% to 5% in the base notes, depending on the desired warmth and sweetness.

• Personal Care Products: Typically used in concentrations of 0.5% to 2% to add sweet, vanillic aromas to lotions, creams, and other products (Arctander, 1969).

• Incense: In incense formulations, it is used at higher concentrations to impart a sweet, smoky scent (Sell, 2019).

Blending Suggestions:

• With Vanilla: Enhances vanilla’s sweetness while adding balsamic depth.

• With Resins: Blends well with labdanum or frankincense to boost balsamic qualities (Sell, 2019).

• With Woods: Pairs beautifully with sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli (Arctander, 1969).

• With Spices: Complements cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to add richness to spicy compositions (Sell, 2019).

Regulatory Information and Safety

IFRA Guidelines:

Benzoin resinoid is considered safe for use in fragrances and personal care products, provided it complies with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines. As it can cause skin sensitization in high concentrations, care must be taken when formulating leave-on products (IFRA, 2021).

Environmental Impact

• Sustainability: Benzoin resin is sustainably harvested from Styrax trees, ensuring minimal harm to the trees and allowing them to heal between harvesting periods (Sell, 2019).

• Biodegradability: Benzoin resinoid is biodegradable due to its natural origin, posing minimal environmental risk (Arctander, 1969).

Conclusion

Benzoin Resinoid – Sumatra Origin is a versatile, long-established ingredient in perfumery with a rich balsamic and sweet vanilla character. Its role as a fixative in fragrances makes it an invaluable component in oriental, amber, and gourmand compositions. It continues to be a popular choice for perfumers seeking to create warm, sweet, and comforting scents that are long-lasting and complex (Sell, 2019; IFRA, 2021).

References

• Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Allured Publishing Corporation.

• International Fragrance Association (IFRA). (2021). IFRA Standards. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/

• Sell, C. S. (2019). Chemistry and the Sense of Smell. John Wiley & Sons.