In short
Peru balsam resinoid is extracted from the balsam of Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, a tree of Central America. It is sweet, balsamic and cinnamic, with vanilla in the dry-down.
What Peru Balsam Resinoid smells like
The Good Scents Company lists Peru balsam resinoid as sweet, balsamic, cinnamyl, vanilla, amber, powdery, woody and resinous. Scentspiracy notes that a vanillin-like sweetness emerges as it dries, that its cinnamic-benzoic warmth may carry faint smoky-spicy notes depending on treatment, and that it is mainly composed of cinnamic and benzoic esters and valued as a fixative.
- Leading note
- Balsamic
- Clear facets
- Vanilla, cinnamic
- Supporting facets
- Amber
- Faint facets
- Powdery
- Character
- Sweet, tenacious
What makes Peru Balsam Resinoid distinctive
A cinnamic, vanillic balsam, warmer and more cinnamon-like than benzoin.
How Peru Balsam Resinoid is used
Used as a fixative and for balsamic sweetness in amber, oriental and gourmand bases.
Typical role: fixative (slow to evaporate; helps a blend last and holds lighter notes).
How Peru Balsam Resinoid differs from similar materials
- Ambranum
- Ambranum is a ready-made amber base with vanilla and incense facets; Peru balsam resinoid is a single natural balsam, more cinnamic, used inside an amber rather than as one.
- Tolu Balsam Resinoid
- Tolu balsam is the brighter, caramel-sweet balsam; Peru balsam is heavier and darker, warmer and more cinnamon-like.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Shares its CAS number with Peru balsam oil, so none is given here. Crude Peru balsam is not used in fragrance (IFRA prohibits it); extracts and distillates are restricted. Check the IFRA Standard.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Resinoid
- Origin
- Natural
- Odour family
- Amber / Gourmand
- Note position
- Base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Viscous liquid
- Also known as
- Balsam of Peru, Peru balsam
- Botanical source
- Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (Royle) Harms
No CAS number is shown: suppliers use different identifiers for this material, and none could be confirmed as its own.
Safety and compliance
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
-
Peru Balsam Oil
Essential oil · Amber / Gourmand — balsamic, vanillic, cinnamic, sweet
-
Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
Resinoid · Amber / Gourmand — vanillic, balsamic, sweet, warm
-
Vanillin
Aroma chemical · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, creamy
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 9 published formulas
Peru Balsam Resinoid is an ingredient in 1 perfume formula and 8 accords in the Formula & Accord Library.
Further reading
Questions about Peru Balsam Resinoid
Is Peru Balsam Resinoid natural or synthetic?
Peru Balsam Resinoid is natural. It is a solvent extract of a natural resin, balsam or gum.
Which published formulas use Peru Balsam Resinoid?
Peru Balsam Resinoid is used in 9 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Amber Accord, Black Musk and Cola Accord. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- The Good Scents Company — Peru balsam resinoid — odour database.
- Scentspiracy — Peru Balsam Resinoid — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.