Tolu Balsam Essential Oil (Myroxylon balsamum)

Steam distilled from the fragrant resin of Myroxylon balsamum, Tolu Balsam Essential Oil is one of perfumery's classic balsamic materials. Rich, warm and beautifully rounded, Its aroma combines rich balsamic sweetness with creamy vanilla-like warmth, soft cinnamon and gentle amber.

Unlike sharper resins, Tolu Balsam possesses a smooth, almost velvety sweetness that blends effortlessly with florals, woods, spices and citrus oils. It softens harsher notes while adding warmth and remarkable persistence, making it an outstanding natural fixative for artisan perfumes.

Whether used in fine fragrance, candles, soaps or botanical skincare, Tolu Balsam brings an unmistakable richness and comforting elegance to every composition.

Why you’ll love it:

• Rich vanilla-balsamic aroma with warm resinous sweetness
• Excellent natural fixative for perfumes
• Steam distilled from aromatic Tolu balsam resin
• Perfect for perfumes, candles, soaps and botanical formulations

• Opening: sweet balsamic resin
• Heart: creamy vanilla with soft cinnamon-like spice
• Base: warm amber, resin and gentle woods
• Strength: Medium
• Perfume note: Base

A beautifully smooth balsamic resin that adds warmth, richness and exceptional longevity to botanical fragrance compositions.

• Perfumery: An outstanding natural base note and fixative that blends beautifully with sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, tonka bean, vanilla, patchouli, rose and citrus oils.
• Aromatherapy: Add 1–2 drops to 10 ml carrier oil for warming botanical massage blends.
• Diffuser: Use sparingly with woods, florals or citrus to create a rich, comforting atmosphere.
• Soap & candles: Excellent for artisan soaps and natural candles, where its warm resinous sweetness provides outstanding scent retention.

Blends beautifully with

Benzoin, Frankincense, Myrrh, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood Australian, Patchouli, Cedarwood Atlas, Rose Damask, Jasmine Sambac, Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Vanilla and Ylang Ylang Complete.

Botanical

Myroxylon balsamum

Common name

Tolu Balsam

Plant part

Resin

Extraction

Steam distilled

Appearance

Pale yellow to amber liquid

Perfume note

Base

Solubility

Oil-soluble

Gabriella Oils Evaluation

A beautifully rounded balsamic oil with exceptional warmth and softness. Its smooth vanilla-like sweetness and natural fixative qualities make it an invaluable ingredient for luxury botanical perfumery, where it lends richness without overwhelming more delicate floral or citrus notes.

Safety

For external use only. Dilute before applying to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, breastfeeding or under medical supervision, consult a qualified professional before use.

Myroxylon balsamum is native to Central and South America, where its aromatic resin has been valued for centuries. The fragrant balsam is obtained by carefully tapping the tree, allowing the naturally scented resin to be collected before being distilled into its precious essential oil.

By the sixteenth century, Tolu Balsam had become a prized commodity in Europe, where perfumers quickly recognised its remarkable fragrance and natural fixative properties. Its warm, sweet aroma found a place in classic oriental, amber and floral perfumes, adding softness, depth and impressive longevity to countless fragrance compositions.

Today, Tolu Balsam Essential Oil remains one of perfumery's finest natural resins. Its elegant combination of vanilla, warm balsam and gentle spice continues to make it an indispensable ingredient for artisan perfumers seeking richness, harmony and lasting botanical beauty.

Quality & Documentation

We provide documentation as it becomes available, including IFRA, COA, and SDS files where supplied for the oil.

Available documents

• Documentation is being prepared for this oil.

Shipping & Delivery

United Kingdom

Free shipping to the United Kingdom, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey. Orders are dispatched using Royal Mail Tracked 24, with delivery typically within 1-2 working days after dispatch.

European Union

Flat-rate shipping of £12.00 to all 27 EU member states. Orders are sent using a fully tracked service with duties and taxes paid in advance (DDP), so there are no unexpected customs charges on delivery.

Typical transit time is 3–5 business days.

United States

Flat-rate shipping of £14.00. Orders are sent using a fully tracked service with duties and taxes paid in advance (DDP).

Typical transit time is 5–8 business days.

Dispatch times

Orders are usually dispatched within 1 working day. During busy periods this may extend slightly, but we always aim to ship as quickly as possible.