Rezinoid benzoina

Benzoin, also called benzoin resin, is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. The genus Styrax contains about 130 species of trees and shrubs occurring in tropical to temperate climates. There are two common kinds of benzoin, Siam and Sumatra. Siam benzoin is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Sumatra benzoin is obtained from Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleloneurus. Styrax benzoin is a common member of the forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Styrax benzoin is cultivated as a main source of benzoin resin in Indonesia.

Most Siam benzoin exported from Laos is in the form in which it is collected from the tree. It consists of hard, usually cream-coloured or pale orange pieces, which reveal a milky white colour if broken. Freshly collected benzoin is quite pale and darkens gradually during storage to a sandy-orange colour. Sumatra benzoin similar in appearance to the Siam type is traded, often known as almonds, and there are also substantial quantities of darker, dirtier, lower grade material. Block benzoin, a semi-processed form, generally contains pieces of damar embedded in a matrix of low grade benzoin.

The primary active ingredient of benzoin resin is benzoic acid. Both Siam and Sumatra benzoin contain mixtures of organic acids and esters, along with numerous other, mostly minor, components. In Siam benzoin the chief constituents are benzoic acid and its esters, such as coniferyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate and cinnamyl benzoate. In Sumatra benzoin the major constituents are cinnamic acid and its esters, such as coniferyl cinnamate and cinnamyl cinnamate. Vanillin is present in both types of benzoin.

Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Eastern Orthodox Christian societies, as well as Latin Catholic churches. In the Arabian Peninsula and in Hindu temples of India, benzoin is burned on charcoal as an incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor and in blended types of Japanese, Indian and Chinese incense. Benzoin is used in cosmetics, veterinary medicine and scented candles. It is also used as a flavoring in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings and soft candy.

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Related: Amberwood · Andiroba · Bakhoor · Balsamic Notes · Benzyl Benzoate · Benzyl Salicylate · Birch Tar · Blue Amber