Benzoin resin is commonly used in perfumery because of its great fixative properties and its unique sweet and warm scent of vanilla and caramel. Apart from perfumery, it is also used in a lot of other areas – cosmetics (for its calming properties), medicine (for its therapeutic properties), food/drink industry (as a flavoring and as a preservative), and for religious purposes (it is one of the classic ingredients of incense). It is naturally extracted from the bark of some specific trees.

An interesting fact about benzoin is that it is extracted after deliberate damage done to the tree (the tree must be at least 7 years old, though!). Each tree can “produce” benzoin this way for about 15-20 years. Known since antiquity, benzoin was highly valued by many rulers all over the world. Even the famous Nostradamus was impressed by its qualities and included many recipes with benzoin in one of his books.

Benzoin’s unique warm aroma of a mix between vanilla and caramel has inspired many perfumers. Here are some of our favorite perfumes featuring benzoin:

• Prada Candy EDP – launched in 2011, this perfume is a celebration of femininity and the art of seduction. It is a deep aroma opening with a mix of musk notes into an explosion of seductive benzoin and contemporary sweet caramel. It is a perfect perfume for the brave and passionate young woman.
• Tom Ford Violet Blonde EDP – this rich fragrance reveals a new world of elegance and feminine glamour. Launched in 2011, it powerfully mixes orris and elegant violet flowers with benzoin and musk. As Tom Ford says, “Violet Blonde has the spirit of a classical, European fragrance. It is formal, polished, and yet draws you in closer and closer, like a beautifully dressed woman whose refined presence charms, then fascinates, and ultimately seduces you.”
• Chanel Allure Homme EDT – this totally masculine fragrance is warm and sexy. It is appropriate both for day and night – perfect for the brave and free-spirited generous man. It is designed to perfectly suit the manly charm of the contemporary man. Launched in 1999, this fragrance is designed by Jacques Polge – it is a harmonious combination of fresh ginger, spicy pepper, and warm musk and benzoin.
• Lancome Hypnose Senses EDP – this floral fragrance is designed for the flirty and sensual woman. It is perfect for warm sunny summer days. Designed by Christine Nagel, this perfume was launched in 2009. The balanced fragrance bouquet reveals feminine notes of pink pepper, rose, patchouli, and benzoin.
• Roberto Cavalli Eau De Parfum – launched in 2012, this extravagant fragrance is a symbol of refined Italian femininity. It is designed to suit the woman who doesn’t go unnoticed. The floral-oriental fragrance is built on orange flowers, pink pepper, and benzoin.  The bottle of the perfume is a work of art itself – its tap is crowned with the designer’s initials and the emblematic animal prints can be found both on the bottle and on the package.

Is your favourite benzoin perfume in this list?