Benzoin (Siam) vs Choya Ral
Benzoin (Siam) and Choya Ral are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin (Siam) carries a base note (sweet, warm), while Choya Ral sits as a base note (warm, smoky). For topical use, keep Benzoin (Siam) at or below 2% and Choya Ral at 1%.
| Attribute | Benzoin (Siam) | Choya Ral |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Styrax tonkinensis | N/A |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | sweet, warm, vanilla-like, balsamic, fresh | warm, smoky, amber, leathery |
| Chemical family | Ester | Phenol |
| Max topical dilution | 2% | 1% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% | 0.5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Children | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Pets | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Not recommended |
| Extraction | Solvent extraction | Dry distillation |
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Benzoin (Siam) and Choya Ral?
Benzoin (Siam) and Choya Ral are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin (Siam) carries a base note (sweet, warm), while Choya Ral sits as a base note (warm, smoky). For topical use, keep Benzoin (Siam) at or below 2% and Choya Ral at 1%.
Can you blend Benzoin (Siam) and Choya Ral together?
They can be combined, but Benzoin (Siam) and Choya Ral aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Which is better during pregnancy, Benzoin (Siam) or Choya Ral?
Benzoin (Siam) is generally considered more suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted, whereas Choya Ral is not recommended. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.