Peru Balsam Essential Oil Information Page
Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (Peru Balsam) Essential Oil
Type: Essential Oil
1. Product Specifications
| Element |
Details |
| INCI Name |
Myroxylon balsamum Pereirae (Balsam) Oil |
| Synonym |
Myroxylon pereirae Koltzsch |
| CAS Number |
8007-00-9 |
| SKU Code |
(To be added) |
| Extraction Method |
Steam distillation |
| Parts Used |
From crude balsam/exudate (“resin”/“gum”) of tree bark |
| Origin |
El Salvador |
| Common Names |
Balsam of Peru, Black Balsam, Peru Balsam, Peruvian Balsam Oil, Bálsamo |
| Appearance |
Dark yellow to brown, viscous liquid. Pourable when warm; thickens below 20°C |
| Odour Note |
Base note — long-lasting, rich, warm, soft, sweet amber & balsamic fragrance with vanilla, subtle smoke and spice hints |
| Quality |
100% pure, natural, and whole essential oil |
| Main Molecular Components |
Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Benzoic acid, Cinnamic acid, Nerolidol, Methyl cinnamate, Benzyl alcohol |
| Storage |
Store sealed, at room temp, in a dry place away from sunlight and extreme heat |
2. Key Properties & Benefits
| Action |
Application / Benefits |
| Skin regeneration & repair |
Cicatrizing, scar healing, cracked skin repair |
| Cleansing & purifying |
Astringent for acne-prone skin, cleansing face masks |
| Anti-inflammatory & soothing |
Calms eczema, dermatitis, rashes, sensitive skin |
| Respiratory support |
Colds, flu, congestion relief; expectorant |
| Circulatory tonic |
Improves circulation, supports bruising recovery |
| Relaxation & emotional balance |
Calms stress, anxiety, promotes comfort |
| Aromatic qualities |
Warm, sweet, sensual vanilla-like note; excellent fixative in perfumery |
| Antimicrobial |
Antibacterial, antiseptic, antiparasitic |
| Insect deterrent |
Repels lice, ticks, and mosquitoes |
3. Usage Guide & Tolerability Ratings
⚠ Special note: IFRA safety guidelines recommend very low topical doses — see percentages below
| Application |
Instructions & IFRA Limit |
Rating |
| Body Massage |
Dilute to 0.4% max → ~4 drops/50ml carrier oil |
++ |
| Face Care |
Dilute to 0.4% max → 1 drop/20ml carrier/base |
++ |
| Hair Care |
Max 0.4% → 4 drops/50ml carrier/base |
++ |
| Bath Soak |
Mix drops in Epsom salts or unscented gel before adding to water |
++ |
| Diffuser |
1–2 drops alone or blended, diffuse 10min × 3/day |
++ |
| Steam Inhalation |
2–3 drops in hot water, inhale steam (eyes closed) |
++ |
4. Traditional & Modern Uses
| Category |
Examples |
| Skin care |
Healing balms for eczema, dermatitis, cracks, wounds, bedsores; anti-itch facial serums |
| Medical/wellness |
Varicose vein support; anti-inflammatory massage oils; wound sprays |
| Hair/scalp |
Lice treatments; anti-inflammatory shampoos |
| Respiratory |
Chest rubs, decongestant massage |
| Emotional wellness |
Relaxation and stress-relief blends |
| Perfumery |
Vanilla substitute, oriental fragrances, scent fixative |
| Household |
Scented candles, room sprays, insect repellents |
| Food industry |
Flavouring agent (regulated) |
| Pharma |
Cough syrups, antiseptic creams |
5. Historical Background & Sustainability
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Indigenous knowledge |
Used for centuries by Central American rainforest communities |
| Export history |
Named “Peru Balsam” after being shipped from Peru’s Callao port to Europe |
| Harvesting |
Tapping runs Jan–Sep; balsameros make precise bark incisions, collect resin-soaked cloths, boil & press to extract balsam |
| Sustainability |
Trees suffer no permanent damage and can produce for 100+ years |
| Distillation |
Essential oil is produced by steam-distilling the crude balsam exudate |
6. Oil Pairings / Synergies
| Type |
Pairs Well With |
| Citrus |
Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Yuzu |
| Spicy |
Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Ginger |
| Floral |
Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium, Rose, Ylang-Ylang |
| Woody |
Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli |
| Resinous |
Frankincense, Myrrh, Pine, Hemlock |
| Herbaceous |
Clary Sage, Rosemary, Marjoram |
7. Safety & Precautions
| Safety Point |
Details |
| Topical use |
Always dilute (<0.4% recommended) |
| Sensitization |
The essential oil is less sensitizing than crude balsam, but patch test is required |
| Pregnancy/Breastfeeding |
Avoid first 3 months |
| Medical conditions |
Consult health professional before use |
| Ingestion |
Not recommended except under qualified supervision |
| Allergens |
May contain trace proteins; some sensitive individuals may react |
| Children & pets |
Keep out of reach |
| References |
Full usage instructions, Safe use guidelines
|
8. Quick Application Reference Table
| Purpose |
Dilution & Method |
| Skin cracks/eczema |
≤0.4% in healing balms |
| Respiratory |
Diffuse 1–2 drops or steam inhale |
| Relaxation |
Massage blend ≤0.4% |
| Perfumery |
Blend with resinous/floral oils |
| Insect repellence |
Combine with citronella/eucalyptus in sprays |
