What does Peru balsam smell like in perfume? Peru balsam smells rich, sweet and warm, like cinnamon and vanilla melted together. It adds a glowing, ambery depth to a fragrance.
| Botanical name | Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae |
|---|---|
| Plant part | Balsam from the trunk |
| Origin | El Salvador |
| Extraction | Refined extract |
| Note | Base |
| Scent family | Woods & Resins |
| Odour | Cinnamon-vanilla balm, rich, sweet and warm |
| Perfume uses | Ambers, gourmands and oriental blends |
| Key molecules | Benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, nerolidol |
| Odour impact | Medium |
| Odour life on a strip | Very long: lasts for days |
| Found in | Mocha Muscari, Neroli Nuance |
Used within IFRA limits. Impact and odour life are our own studio guide, judged on a smelling strip.
What Is Peru Balsam?
Despite its name, Peru balsam comes from El Salvador. It is collected from Myroxylon trees, whose bark is gently scorched to make the balsam flow. The name dates from colonial times, when it was shipped from Peruvian ports.
What Does Peru Balsam Smell Like?
Here is how strongly each facet of Peru Balsam comes through, from our own smelling-strip notes.
Vanilla
Creamy, sweet warmth.
Cinnamon
A soft, spicy note.
Balsamic
Rich, resinous depth.
Sweet
A caramel-like glow.
How Perfumers Use Peru Balsam
Perfumers use Peru balsam to add warmth, sweetness and longevity to ambers and gourmands. Only refined extracts are allowed in perfume, within IFRA limits.
Why only refined Peru balsam is used
Crude Peru balsam can irritate skin, so IFRA allows only refined extracts and distillates. These keep the warm, balsamic scent within safe limits.
Smell Peru Balsam in Prosody London Perfumes
For Peru Balsam at its most expressive, try Neroli Nuance. Peru balsam warms the base with labdanum and vanilla beneath a bright citrus-floral. You will also find Peru Balsam in Mocha Muscari.
Neroli Nuance
Mocha MuscariWhat Blends Well With Peru Balsam?
Questions About Peru Balsam
Does Peru balsam come from Peru?
No, mainly from El Salvador.
Is Peru balsam safe in perfume?
Refined extracts are used within IFRA limits.
What pairs with Peru balsam?
Vanilla, labdanum, benzoin and spices.
Explore all of our natural perfume ingredients.
