Balsam is a term in perfumery that typically refers to various naturally occurring resinous substances exuded by certain trees, particularly those in the Burseraceae and Pinaceae families. These resins have been used historically for their healing and aromatic properties. In perfumery, balsams are valued for their warm, rich, and slightly sweet scent profiles, which add depth and longevity to fragrance compositions. Common types of balsam used in perfumery include Peru Balsam, Tolu Balsam, and Balsam of Copaiba. Each type has its unique scent characteristics, but they generally share a warm, vanilla-like, and resinous quality. The use of balsams in perfumery dates back to ancient times, where they were prized for their soothing and aromatic properties. They continue to be important in modern perfumery, particularly in oriental and woody fragrance families, for their ability to impart a rich, smooth, and comforting base note.
Natural or Synthetic?
Balsam is predominantly used in its natural form in perfumery due to its unique and complex scent profile that is challenging to replicate synthetically. The natural resinous extracts provide a depth and warmth to fragrances that are highly valued. Moreover, the traditional methods of extracting balsam resins are generally sustainable and yield a high-quality ingredient that is preferred in many fragrance compositions. The extraction is typically done through tapping or incising the bark of the tree and collecting the exuded resin, which is then processed for use in fragrances.
Fragrance Families Balsam Most Commonly Found In
Show fragrances that contain Balsam as a note