Ingredient

Benzoin Resinoid

Benefits

Natural

Styrax tonkinensis Pierre

Benzoin resinoid is a pourable version of the sweet-smelling hard resin of the benzoin tree. It has an ancient, comforting scent with a grounding, earthy side.

Where does Lush purchase benzoin resinoid?

Lush purchases benzoin resin from a supplier in Laos. They work with 80 farmers who collect resin from Styrax tonkinensis trees, using traditional methods and focusing on quality. The resin is sent to France to be transformed into a resinoid, which has a less hard consistency and is more practical for manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.

Agroforestry in Laos

Far from monoculture and Laos’ endless upland rice fields and lines of latex trees, our supplier’s resin is collected from a forest. Benzoin is a pioneer species; it fosters ecosystem recovery, aids soil rehabilitation, and helps woodland flourish. Traditionally, the resin is tapped from the trees from September to November by the communities with many centuries of knowledge of sustainable extraction and folk uses. 

This forest is managed according to agroforestry principles, meaning that many consumable species, such as bamboo, black cardamom, galangal, and mushrooms, grow alongside and support each other. This system encourages biodiversity and provides diverse sources of income to the farmers. They receive fair payments and labour security and safety from our supplier.

What does benzoin resinoid smell like?

Often burnt and used as incense, benzoin has a sweet but complex scent with spicy and earthy notes. It is warm and round, balsamic. Its aroma brings comfort and calm to the mind.

What are the benefits of benzoin resinoid for the skin and hair?

• 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.
• A fixative, it helps other fragrance ingredients to blend well and last longer on the skin.