In short
Peru balsam oil is obtained from the balsam of Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae. It gives a sweet, vanillic-cinnamic balsam note.
What Peru Balsam Oil smells like
Peru balsam oil is sweet, balsamic and vanilla-like with cinnamic notes. The Good Scents Company lists sweet, balsamic, cinnamyl, vanilla, amber, spicy, powdery and resinous; Firmenich balsamic, vanilla-like, cinnamon and leathery; IFF an opulent, sweet, powdery balsamic note with vanilla and cinnamon facets and amber undertones. IFF lists benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamic acid, nerolidol and vanillin among its components. A glossary notes a bitter, earthy base after the cinnamic opening.
- Leading note
- Sweet vanilla-cinnamon balsam
- Supporting facets
- Amber, powdery
- Faint facets
- Leathery, bitter, earthy
- Character
- Rich, warm, opulent, heavy
What makes Peru Balsam Oil distinctive
The richest of the balsams: vanilla and cinnamon in an amber, faintly leathery body.
How Peru Balsam Oil is used
Used in amber, oriental and gourmand compositions. Peru balsam itself is a known allergen and is restricted by IFRA; extracts and distillates have their own limits.
Typical role: fixative (slow to evaporate; helps a blend last and holds lighter notes).
How Peru Balsam Oil differs from similar materials
- Tolu Balsam Resinoid
- Tolu is brighter and more transparent; Peru balsam is heavier, with an almost tar-like attack. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
- Benzoin is softer, powdery vanilla; Peru balsam is richer and more cinnamic, with amber and a bitter base.
- Benzyl Cinnamate
- Benzyl cinnamate is one of its components alone, a faint, creamy balsam; the oil adds vanilla, cinnamon and amber. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Copaiba Balsam
- Copaiba is a drier, less sweet, peppery-woody balsam; Peru balsam is rich vanilla and cinnamon. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Benzyl Benzoate
- Benzyl benzoate is one of its constituents alone, a faint sweet balsam with almond. (compared directly by a cited source)
An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Crude Peru balsam is not permitted as a fragrance ingredient under IFRA; extracts and distillates are restricted. Check the Standard before buying.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Essential oil
- Origin
- Natural
- Odour family
- Amber / Gourmand
- Note position
- Base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Viscous liquid
- Botanical source
- Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (Royle) Harms
- CAS number
- 8007-00-9
The CAS number was checked on 19 October 2026 against a PubChem substance record that gives it for this material. A natural material is a mixture, so it has no single formula; its composition varies with origin and processing.
Safety and compliance
The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering Peru Balsam Oil:
- "Peru balsam" — type not stated in the library listing, 49th Amendment, published 2020-01
Limits differ by product category and are set out in the Standard itself; this page does not reproduce them. The list above reflects the library as read on 19 October 2026.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Tolu Balsam Resinoid
Resinoid · Amber / Gourmand — balsamic, cinnamic, vanillic, sweet
-
Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
Resinoid · Amber / Gourmand — vanillic, balsamic, sweet, warm
-
Vanillin
Aroma chemical · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, creamy
Peru Balsam Oil is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Cinnamyl Cinnamate, Ethyl Cinnamate and Peru Balsam Resinoid.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 2 published formulas
Peru Balsam Oil is an ingredient in 2 perfume formulas in the Formula & Accord Library.
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Peru Balsam Oil
Is Peru Balsam Oil natural or synthetic?
Peru Balsam Oil is natural. It is a volatile oil obtained from plant material by steam distillation or, for citrus peels, by cold expression.
What is the CAS number of Peru Balsam Oil?
8007-00-9, the registry number for the essential oil as a substance rather than a single molecule. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Peru Balsam Oil?
Peru Balsam Oil is used in 2 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library: Cherry Lacquer and Resin Atlas. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Is Peru Balsam Oil covered by an IFRA Standard?
Yes. The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering it: "Peru balsam" — type not stated in the library listing, 49th Amendment. The limits depend on the product category; read the Standard itself before formulating.
Sources
- PubChem — substance 104231667, checked 19 October 2026.
- IFRA — Standards Library, read 19 October 2026.
- The Good Scents Company — Peru balsam oil — odour database.
- IFF — Peru balsam oil — manufacturer's description.
- Premiere Peau — Peru balsam — published perfumery reference.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 21 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.