Benzoin

Styrax tonkinensis (Siam) / Styrax benzoin (Sumatra)

Base note Resinous & amber Gourmand Absolute / CO2

Sweet, warm and vanilla-like with a soft, powdery-balsamic body. Siam benzoin is sweeter; Sumatra is drier and more resinous.

Made from: A resinoid solvent-extracted from the hardened resin of Styrax trees; because the pure material is solid, it's usually sold pre-diluted in a solvent such as dipropylene glycol or ethanol.
Strength: ●●○○○ soft — use generously
Cost: Moderate
Moods: Cozy Calming Nostalgic
Seasons: Autumn, Winter
Rooms: Living room, Bedroom

Blend with it

Cautions

Discolors soap or wax (usually tan to dark brown)

Occasionally causes skin allergy; keep it modest in products that touch skin.

How it behaves

CandlesWorkable

Thick, and often sold in a carrier that doesn't mix with wax — glycol-diluted benzoin can separate or sweat out. Look for a wax-compatible dilution, and use it as a fixative rather than the main scent.

Wax meltsWorkable

Reed diffuserGreat

Works well as a fixative that slows evaporation of lighter notes.

Room & linen sprayGood

Electric (water) diffuserWorkable

Too thick for most water diffusers; it can gum up the plate.

Cold-process soapGood

A good anchor, but its vanilla-like compounds turn soap tan to brown over time.

Melt-and-pour soapGood

Laundry & cleaningWorkable