Peru Balsam Absolute — Myroxylon balsamum | H Reynaud Fils, France

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Peru Balsam Absolute — The Great Fixative of Classical Perfumery

Peru Balsam is one of the oldest and most enduring materials in fine fragrance — a resinous exudate harvested from the wounded bark of Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, a tall tropical tree native to El Salvador and processed in France by H Reynaud Fils, established 1898. Its absolute is a rich, dark, amber-brown liquid of extraordinary tenacity — one of the great fixatives of classical perfumery, used for centuries to anchor compositions and extend the longevity of surrounding materials with remarkable facility.

Its character is simultaneously familiar and complex: vanilla and cinnamon sit at the heart, but there is a depth and a resinous warmth beneath them that gives Peru Balsam absolute a sophistication that simple vanilla or cinnamon materials never achieve. It is a material that perfumers reach for constantly as a base note anchor, a sweetener, and a naturalising agent across virtually every fragrance family.

Scent Profile

The opening is warm, sweet, and immediately inviting — a rich vanilla-balsamic character with distinctive cinnamon and benzoin-like facets that develop quickly into something of considerable depth and warmth. The characteristic slightly medicinal-sweet quality of Peru Balsam emerges in the heart — a complexity that distinguishes it immediately from simpler balsamic materials. The drydown is extraordinarily tenacious — one of the longest-lasting naturals available to the perfumer, anchoring and fixing surrounding materials with great authority over many hours.

Perfumery Applications

Peru Balsam absolute is an outstanding fixative across virtually every fragrance family — its combination of vanilla warmth, balsamic depth, and exceptional tenacity makes it invaluable as a base note anchor in orientals, ambers, florals, and woody compositions alike. In oriental structures it adds a warm, sweetly balsamic foundation; in floral compositions it deepens and extends the longevity of lighter materials; in chypres it provides a warm, resinous anchor that balances citrus top notes against mossy elements.

Average use around 2-5% in a perfume compound. Its fixative properties mean even small amounts significantly extend the longevity of surrounding materials.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with rose absolute, jasmine, ylang ylang, orange blossom, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, labdanum, frankincense, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, cinnamon, clove, and soft musks. Exceptionally compatible with virtually all floral and oriental materials — one of the most universal base note materials in the palette.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms
• Common Name: Peru Balsam
• Botanical Family: Fabaceae
• Supplier: H Reynaud Fils, established 1898, France
• Origin: El Salvador (resin); processed in France
• Plant Part: Resinous exudate from bark
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)
• Classification: Base note — excellent fixative
• Appearance: Mobile liquid — supplied in DPG carrier for ease of handling, standard industry practice
• Odour Family: Balsamic / Vanilla / Cinnamon / Resinous / Warm
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.