Benzoin is a resin that is derived from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It is used as a common ingredient in incense-making, perfumery, and cosmetics. Benzoin essential oil contains a range of chemical compounds that contribute to the oils scent and healing properties. The main active constituents of Styrax benzoin are cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, vanillin, and benzyl benzoate. Benzoin has a strong vanilla-like smell and is highly versatile, complementing a variety of other scents in many essential oil collections. It is praised for its strong scent of vanilla and balsam. Benzoin gives "body" to many perfumes and is sweetly seductive.
Positive aspects of benzoin include its use as a flavor enhancer in the food industry, an antioxidant in the cosmetics industry, and its phytotherapeutic effects in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used on the skin for ulcers, bed sores, cracked skin, and other conditions. There is some evidence that benzoin might act as a skin protectant and may also help to break up chest congestion by thinning mucous and making it easier to cough up.
Negative aspects of benzoin include the fact that it is highly concentrated and should be used with caution. When taken by mouth, benzoin is possibly unsafe when used in medicinal amounts and can cause stomach bleeding. When applied to the skin, benzoin is possibly safe when applied in appropriate amounts but can cause skin rashes in some people.
Ingredients or materials found in benzoin include cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, vanillin, and benzyl benzoate. It may also contain other resins such as styrax, Tolu balsam, and Peru balsam, as well as tonka and patchouli. Siam benzoin is the highest grade of benzoin and is highly complementary to labdanum, another resin used in perfumery.
