Balsam of Peru

Botanical

What is it

Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon balsamum) is an aromatic resin from a South American tree, used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, dental products, and flavorings. The 'shuddha guggul / guggulu' synonym in this entry appears to be mislabeled and refers to a different plant (Commiphora wightii).

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Flavor / fragrance (cosmetic, dental)

Limited Evidence

Used for sensory properties. Health-claim evidence is minimal.

How it works

Balsam of Peru contains cinnamates, benzoates, and vanillin. It is one of the most common contact allergens used in patch testing for cosmetic dermatitis. As a flavor or fragrance, it is used in trace amounts. Internal medicinal use today is uncommon; topical and inhalational use is the main exposure.

Dosage

No RDA. Used at trace amounts as flavor or fragrance. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Not separately timed as an active ingredient.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Myroxylon balsamum resin

Primarily cosmetic and flavor use.

Used at trace levels.

Safety

A well-known contact and oral allergen; people with allergies to fragrance mix often react. People with confirmed balsam of Peru allergy should follow a balsam-restricted diet, avoiding cinnamon, citrus peel, tomatoes, colas, and chocolate, among others.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in known balsam of Peru / fragrance mix allergy. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid concentrated internal use.

Interactions

No major pharmacological interactions; main concern is allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.

Frequently asked questions

Is balsam of Peru the same as guggul?⌄

No. Despite some synonym overlap in databases, balsam of Peru (Myroxylon) and guggul (Commiphora) are different plants. The synonym labeling in this entry is inaccurate.

Why is it a common allergen?⌄

Balsam of Peru contains many fragrance compounds that frequently cause allergic contact dermatitis, even in people who tolerate other fragrances.

References

Balsam of Peru on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Balsam of Peru on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Balsam of Peru (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.