In short
Tolu balsam resinoid is obtained from the resin of Myroxylon balsamum. It gives a sweet, cinnamic-vanillic balsam note.
What Tolu Balsam Resinoid smells like
Tolu balsam is sweet, balsamic and cinnamic. The Good Scents Company lists the absolute as sweet, balsamic, cinnamyl and woody, and the balsam as sweet, balsamic, amber and fruity. A glossary describes it as warm, cinnamic and caramel-dark, brighter and more transparent than Peru balsam's heavy, almost tar-like attack, with a faint hyacinth-like floral undertone from its volatile fraction.
- Leading note
- Cinnamic balsam
- Supporting facets
- Caramel, vanilla
- Faint facets
- Fruity, hyacinth-like floral
- Character
- Warm, sweet, transparent
What makes Tolu Balsam Resinoid distinctive
The brighter of the two South American balsams: cinnamic and caramel-sweet, without Peru balsam's tarry weight.
How Tolu Balsam Resinoid is used
Used as a fixative in amber, oriental and floral compositions, and in flavours.
Typical role: fixative (slow to evaporate; helps a blend last and holds lighter notes).
How Tolu Balsam Resinoid differs from similar materials
- Peru Balsam Oil
- A glossary finds tolu brighter and more transparent than Peru balsam's heavy, almost tar-like attack. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
- Siam benzoin is softer and more vanillic; tolu is more cinnamic and caramel-dark.
- Peru Balsam Resinoid
- Peru balsam resinoid is heavier and darker, with a tarry weight; tolu is brighter and caramel-sweet.
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
Viscous; usually supplied diluted.
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 Tolu
- Botanical source
- Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms
- CAS number
- 9000-64-0
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
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
-
Benzoin Resinoid (Siam)
Resinoid · Amber / Gourmand — vanillic, balsamic, sweet, warm
-
Vanilla Absolute
Absolute · Gourmand / Amber — vanilla, sweet, woody, smoky
-
Benzyl Cinnamate
Aroma chemical · Amber / Gourmand — balsamic, sweet, faint
Tolu Balsam Resinoid is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Peru Balsam Oil.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 9 published formulas
Tolu Balsam Resinoid is an ingredient in 8 perfume formulas and 1 accord in the Formula & Accord Library.
Community formulas
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Tolu Balsam Resinoid
Is Tolu Balsam Resinoid natural or synthetic?
Tolu Balsam Resinoid is natural. It is a solvent extract of a natural resin, balsam or gum.
What is the CAS number of Tolu Balsam Resinoid?
9000-64-0, the registry number for the resinoid as a substance rather than a single molecule. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Tolu Balsam Resinoid?
Tolu Balsam Resinoid is used in 9 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Beeswax Throne, Dark Rum Cabinet and Dune Spice Market. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — substance 135346415, checked 19 October 2026.
- The Good Scents Company — tolu balsam odour category — odour database.
- Premiere Peau — Tolu balsam — published perfumery reference.
- 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.