Benzoin Siam (Styrax tonkinensis) Resinoid

Benzoin Siam resinoid is valued in perfumery as a rich, warm base note with a pronounced vanilla-like and balsamic character .

The aroma is soft, enveloping and works as a natural fixative that makes other fragrance notes last longer.

In fragrance compositions it is often used in:

• Amber and oriental perfumes for warmth and sensuality
• Gourmand scents because of the sweet, almost edible vanilla note
• Floral perfumes as a soft base for rose, jasmine or ylang-ylang

Benzoin Siam resinoid blends very well with both natural fragrances and aromachemicals.

Thanks to its warm, sweet and vanilla-like character, it acts as a unifying base note that softens and deepens other scents.

Natural combinations:

• Resins : Frankincense (Olibanum), Myrrh, Labdanum
• Wood notes : Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver
• Flowers : Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang
• Citrus : Orange, Mandarin, Yuzu, Bergamot
• Spices : Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom

Aromachemicals:

• Vanillin or Ethyl vanillin – enhances the sweet profile
• Heliotropine (Piperonal) – for a powdery, almond-like note
• Cashmeran – adds a musky, woody accent
• Iso E Super – for transparency and diffusion
• Cinnamyl alcohol – for a soft spicy floral note

These combinations create rich, warm and long-lasting fragrance compositions.

Benzoin Siam and Benzoin Sumatra are both resins derived from trees in the Styrax genus, but they differ subtly in scent, origin, and application:

Origin

• Benzoin Siam comes from the Styrax tonkinensis , mainly from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
• Benzoin Sumatra comes from the Styrax benzoin , which grows in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra.

Fragrance profile

• Siam : softer, sweeter, with a slightly floral and spicy undertone . It contains more benzoic acid, which gives it a warmer, milder scent.
• Sumatra : Richer and more complex, with a balsamic, vanilla-like scent and a subtle smoky edge.

Application

• Siam is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy for its soft, calming scent.
• Sumatra is popular in incense, perfumes and balms where a deeper, warmer scent is desired.

Both are delicious, but the choice depends on the atmosphere you want to create. Want something soothing and sophisticated? Go for Siam. Are you looking for warmth and depth? Then Sumatra is your resin.