Benzoin vs Benzoin (Siam)
Benzoin and Benzoin (Siam) are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin carries a base note (sweet, vanillic), while Benzoin (Siam) sits as a base note (sweet, warm). For topical use, Benzoin tops out at 2%, while Benzoin (Siam) tops out at 2%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Benzoin vs Benzoin (Siam) at a glance
| Attribute | Benzoin | Benzoin (Siam) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Styrax benzoin | Styrax tonkinensis |
| Aroma family | Resinous | Resinous |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | sweet, vanillic | sweet, warm, vanilla-like, balsamic, fresh |
| Chemical family | Ester | Ester |
| Max topical dilution | 2% | 2% |
| Max facial dilution | 1% | 1% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Children | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Pets | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Extraction | Solvent extraction | Solvent extraction |
Which should you choose?
Benzoin leans sweet, vanillic, while Benzoin (Siam) leans sweet, warm — pick whichever aroma you want to lead the blend.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Benzoin and Benzoin (Siam)?
Benzoin and Benzoin (Siam) are both resinous essential oils. Benzoin carries a base note (sweet, vanillic), while Benzoin (Siam) sits as a base note (sweet, warm). For topical use, Benzoin tops out at 2%, while Benzoin (Siam) tops out at 2%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Can you blend Benzoin and Benzoin (Siam) together?
Yes — Benzoin and Benzoin (Siam) are commonly paired and complement each other in blends.
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.