Feel Good, Look Good, Smell Good: 3 Uses for Benzoin Resinoid
Welcome to an exploration of one of nature's hidden gems - Benzoin Resinoid. Derived from the Styrax tree, Benzoin Resin Styrax tonkinensis exudes a warm, sweet aroma that has captivated cultures across the globe. This oil has been treasured for centuries for its myriad of uses, ranging from ancient medicinal practices to modern-day skincare formulations. It has a history of more than 700 years of medicinal use and today, it can be found in items such as over-the-counter cough suppressants, cold and flu preventatives, lotions, mouthwashes, and antibacterial powders. It is a popular additive in aromatherapy and widely used in food, flavoring, and daily chemical products.1
As summer approaches, we’re reminded about the ways this versatile oil can help you prepare for a happy, healthy season. In this blog, we’ll highlight 3 specific uses of Benzoin Resinoid that will help you feel good, look fresh, and smell great for summer!
Relax with a Benzoin Massage
Benzoin’s rich, and vanilla like fragrance is a cleansing and soothing and a makes a wonderful addition to massage oils or creams. It has shown to support muscle tension and soreness from exercise.2 It can also be used as a nourishing and restorative support to the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Benzoin is also used to support healthy circulation, promoting overall wellness. Its comforting scent can also have mood-lifting effects, evoking a sense of calm and supporting stress during massage sessions. It is often produced in a powder form, which can be combined with oils for a relaxing massage blend recipe such as this:
Euphoria Massage Formula
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Benzoin Styrax paralleloneurum powder (the Apothecary Shoppe carries Benzoin Resin)
- 6 drops of Rose attar Rosa damascena oil
- ½ cup of Sweet almond oil
Instructions:
Put the almond oil in a jar and add the benzoin powder. Close the jar tightly and shake well. Macerate for one to two weeks. Filter the mixture using a coffee filter or tincture filter paper, then add your rose attar essential oil. Shake well and apply evenly as a massage oil.
Feel Confident in Your Skin
If you’re feeling self-conscious about baring your skin during the hotter months because of an unsightly scar, benzoin may be able to help. The compound holds potential in the reduction of visible scars because it acts as a natural skin protectant. Check out this simple recipe for a skin support blend:
Skin Rejuvenation Formula
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Benzoin Styrax paralleloneurum powder
- 4 drops of Immortelle Helichrysum angustifolium oil
- ½ cup of Sweet almond oil
Instructions:
Put the almond oil in a jar and add the benzoin powder. Close the jar tightly and shake well. Macerate for one to two weeks. Filter the mixture using a coffee filter or tincture filter paper, then add your immortelle essential oil. Shake well and rub onto affected area twice a day.
Draw Attention with Intoxicating Perfumes
Benzoin is a prized ingredient in perfumery because of its rich, warm, and resinous aroma. As a base note, benzoin adds depth, complexity, and longevity to fragrances, imparting a comforting and sensual allure. Its sweet, vanilla-like scent enhances the overall composition, creating a soft and inviting aura. It’s slightly smoky undertones harmonize well with floral and woody scents alike. Whether used as a standalone note or blended with other aromatic ingredients, benzoin lends an element of sophistication and warmth to perfumes, leaving a lasting impression. Try this recipe for a homemade benzoin perfume of your own:
Sweet and Citrus Perfume Blend
Ingredients:
- 20 drops of Immortelle Helichrysum angustifolium oil (steam distilled)
- 10 drops of Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil
- 10 drops of Clary sage Salvia sclarea oil
- 5 drops of Benzoin resinoid Styrax benzoin oil
- 5 drops of Clove Syzygium aromaticum bud oil
- 5 drops of Rose otto Rosa damascena oil
- 5 drops of Vanilla absolute
- 4 ounces of Alcohol
Instructions:
Blend all of the ingredients except the alcohol. Shake well and allow the mixture to stand for 48 hours. Test on a perfume blotter and adjust to your personal taste if needed. Add the mixture to the alcohol and allow to mature for a month before using. This fragrance can be further diluted with more alcohol or with vegetable glycerin if a thicker consistency is preferred.
As you embrace the benefits of summer, be sure not to overlook the advantages of adding Benzoin Resinoid to your routine. Whether through touch, sight, or smell, benzoin is sure to enhance your warm weather experiences.
Learn more ways to incorporate essential oils in your daily life with AROMA 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, offered by American College of Healthcare Sciences.
- Feng, J., He, Q., Xie, A., & Liu, Y. (2023, February 20). Successful identification of the species of the semipetrified amber medicinal resin benzoin using molecular diagnostic technology. Scientific Reports, 13(2943). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30034-y
- Ibid.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.