What does gurjun balsam smell like in perfume? Gurjun balsam smells woody, earthy and balsamic, with a soft, dry warmth. It is a quiet, grounding material that helps a fragrance last.
| Botanical name | Dipterocarpus turbinatus |
|---|---|
| Plant part | Oleoresin from the trunk |
| Origin | India and Southeast Asia |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Note | Base |
| Scent family | Woods & Resins |
| Odour | Woody, earthy and balsamic, with a soft, dry warmth |
| Perfume uses | Woody and amber blends; a natural fixative |
| Key molecules | α-gurjunene, alloaromadendrene, β-caryophyllene |
| Odour impact | Low |
| Odour life on a strip | Very long: lasts for days |
| Found in | Jacinth Jonquil |
Used within IFRA limits. Impact and odour life are our own studio guide, judged on a smelling strip.
What Is Gurjun Balsam?
Gurjun balsam is an oleoresin from Dipterocarpus trees of India and Southeast Asia. It is tapped from the trunk and distilled into a viscous, woody oil.
What Does Gurjun Balsam Smell Like?
Here is how strongly each facet of gurjun balsam comes through, from our own smelling-strip notes.
Woody
Dry, warm wood.
Earthy
A soft, rooty note.
Balsamic
A gentle, resinous sweetness.
Warm
A rounding glow.
How Perfumers Use Gurjun Balsam
Perfumers use gurjun balsam to fix and deepen a base, supporting florals and resins without overpowering them.
A quiet fixative
Gurjun balsam has a low scent strength, but its heavy molecules help anchor lighter notes, making it a valuable natural fixative.
Smell Gurjun Balsam in Prosody London Perfumes
For gurjun balsam at its most expressive, try Jacinth Jonquil. Gurjun balsam supports a warm base of vanilla, patchouli and styrax beneath spring florals.
Jacinth JonquilWhat Blends Well With Gurjun Balsam?
Questions About Gurjun Balsam
Is gurjun balsam strong?
No, it is soft and grounding.
Does gurjun balsam last long?
Yes, very.
What pairs with gurjun balsam?
Florals, vanilla, patchouli and resins.
Explore all of our natural perfume ingredients.
