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Herb library · Herb · Styrax benzoin

Benzoin gum

A fragrant resin from Styrax trees, burned as incense and used in perfume and in the old pharmacy preparation tincture of benzoin. It is a documented cause of allergic skin reactions and has not been studied as a remedy in people.

Traditional use

The resin, called benzoin or gum benjamin, has a long tradition of use as incense and in medicine, according to a 2025 review of the Styrax genus. In Western pharmacy it was dissolved in alcohol as tincture of benzoin, and compound tincture of benzoin is still used on the skin as a seal under dressings after medical procedures.

What studies show

  • Insufficient

    No study of benzoin resin as a remedy in people was found. In people, its only published record is as a skin preparation, where case reports describe allergic reactions.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • AllergyTincture of benzoin and compound tincture of benzoin have caused allergic contact dermatitis, including after surgery, and people who react often also react to fragrances and essential oils. If you are allergic to fragrances, avoid it on the skin.
  • PregnancyNo safety information for pregnancy or breastfeeding was found; avoid taking it by mouth then.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.

Sources

  1. Allergic contact dermatitis from tincture of benzoin with multiple concomitant reactions (Contact Dermatitis, 2009) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  2. Post-surgical allergic contact dermatitis to compound tincture of benzoin and association with reactions to fragrances and essential oils (Dermatitis, 2014) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  3. Medicated adhesive dressing is a safe and non-inferior cutaneous seal as compared to compound tincture benzoin dermal seal for percutaneous interventions (J Family Med Prim Care, 2019) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
  4. Styrax spp.: Habitat, Phenology, Phytochemicals, Biological Activity and Applications (Plants, 2025) — PubMed record (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.