Benzoin has been used in incense and perfumes across the world for centuries, as its sweet, spicy and earthy aroma brings comfort and calms the mind.

What is benzoin?

Benzoin is a natural resin that can be collected from two types of styrax trees: Styrax benzoin, native to Sumatra, and Styrax tonkinensis, which grows in Southeast Asia. Although often referred to as gums, resins are slightly different, as they contain many more essential oils and are not soluble in water. When they're injured, it flows off tree trunks and hardens with air exposure, like a bandage protecting the tree from disease. Once collected, the hard resin can be ground into a powder or refined with solvents to make a scented extract called a resinoid.

What are the benefits of benzoin?

• Its sweet, balsamic and powdery scent is a delightful sensory treat.
• It soothes the skin and keeps it healthy and firm.
• Its thick consistency creates a thin protective and conditioning film on the skin and hair, which helps prevent moisture loss and gives hair shine.
• As a fixative, it helps other fragrance ingredients to blend well and last longer on the skin.
  
  

Where does Lush source benzoin?

Lush purchases a tincture of benzoin from a UK-based company and resinoid from a supplier in Laos. The latter works with 80 farmers who collect resin from Styrax tonkinensis trees, using traditional methods and focusing on quality. The trees are grown and harvested sustainably, and the forest is managed according to agroforestry principles. Farmers receive fair payments and labour security and safety. 

To find out more about our suppliers, browse your Lush product’s list of ingredients and click on the ones you are interested in. This should take you to a page full of details!