What are balms?
The balms are originally resinous and viscous substances derived from certain varieties of trees. To remove them, the trunk is cut, then a cup is placed below the notch so that the resin flows slowly; it can also be collected by cloths placed around the trunk. This resin is then distilled, then the balm is extracted by solvents. Today, most synthetic components are used. The best known and most widely used perfumery balms are Peruvian balm, Tolu balm, or copahu balm (also called copaiba balm), all of which are extracted from trees originating from South or Central America. They are known for their therapeutic properties: they have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, healing properties ... but they have also been used for many years by perfumers.
The use of balms in perfumery
The balms are part of the family of balsamic odors, such as vanilla or benzoin. They develop a fragrance that is both warm and sweet, waxy and sweet, reminiscent of caramel (they are also used extensively in cough syrups). They are also used as fixatives, especially for amber, leather and vanilla notes. The warm odor of these balms adds depth to many oriental fragrances, or reinforces an oriental or woody chord. These ingredients are found in many perfumes of character such as Hermès' "Water of Wonders", "Shalimar" and "Bois d'Armenia" by Guerlain, Lacoste's Eau de Lacoste, Fragonard's "Diamond" Black XS "by Paco Rabanne," Kenzo Power "by Kenzo," Miss Me "by Stella Cadente ...
The balms are originally resinous and viscous substances derived from certain varieties of trees. To remove them, the trunk is cut, then a cup is placed below the notch so that the resin flows slowly; it can also be collected by cloths placed around the trunk. This resin is then distilled, then the balm is extracted by solvents. Today, most synthetic components are used. The best known and most widely used perfumery balms are Peruvian balm, Tolu balm, or copahu balm (also called copaiba balm), all of which are extracted from trees originating from South or Central America. They are known for their therapeutic properties: they have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, healing properties ... but they have also been used for many years by perfumers.
The use of balms in perfumery
The balms are part of the family of balsamic odors, such as vanilla or benzoin. They develop a fragrance that is both warm and sweet, waxy and sweet, reminiscent of caramel (they are also used extensively in cough syrups). They are also used as fixatives, especially for amber, leather and vanilla notes. The warm odor of these balms adds depth to many oriental fragrances, or reinforces an oriental or woody chord. These ingredients are found in many perfumes of character such as Hermès' "Water of Wonders", "Shalimar" and "Bois d'Armenia" by Guerlain, Lacoste's Eau de Lacoste, Fragonard's "Diamond" Black XS "by Paco Rabanne," Kenzo Power "by Kenzo," Miss Me "by Stella Cadente ...
