Benzoin (resin) facts for kids
Benzoin is a special sticky substance called a resin. It comes from the bark of certain trees in the Styrax family. People use benzoin in many ways, like making perfumes, different kinds of incense, and even as a flavor or medicine.
Sometimes, benzoin is called gum benzoin or gum benjamin. In India, it's known as Sambrani or loban. It's also sometimes called storax, but this can be confusing because there's another substance with a similar name from a different plant family.
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What is Benzoin Used For?
Benzoin is a popular ingredient in incense and perfumes. This is because it has a sweet smell, a bit like vanilla. It also helps other smells last longer.
Benzoin in Incense
Benzoin is a main part of the church incense used in Russia and other Orthodox Christian places. It's also used in Western Catholic Churches. A lot of benzoin is burned on charcoal as incense in the Arabian Peninsula and in Hindu temples in India.
It's also used to make Bakhoor (scented wood chips) in Arab countries and the Horn of Africa. Benzoin is found in many types of Japanese incense, Indian incense, and Chinese incense. It's also in Papier d'Arménie and incense sticks.
Benzoin in Perfumes and More
In perfumes, benzoin acts as a fixative. This means it helps slow down how quickly other smells and essential oils disappear into the air.
You can find benzoin in cosmetics, medicines for animals, and scented candles. It's also used as a flavoring in drinks (both with and without alcohol), baked goods, chewing gum, frozen desserts, gelatins, puddings, and soft candies.
Types of Benzoin
There are two main types of benzoin: Siam benzoin and Sumatra benzoin.
Siam Benzoin
Siam benzoin comes from the Styrax tonkinensis tree. These trees grow in countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Sumatra Benzoin
Sumatra benzoin comes from the Styrax benzoin tree. This tree mostly grows on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Unlike Siam benzoin, Sumatra benzoin contains something called cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid.
In the United States, Sumatra benzoin is often used in medicines. Siam benzoin is more commonly used in the flavor and perfume industries.
See also
In Spanish: Benjuí (resina) para niños
