Gurjun balsam (CAS 93165-18-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Gurjun balsam

CAS 93165-18-5

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Gurjun balsam?

Gurjun balsam is a natural resin obtained from the Dipterocarpus species of trees, primarily found in Southeast Asia. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a fixative in perfumery. This ingredient matters because it adds depth and longevity to fragrances, often serving as a base note that enhances other scents.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Potential allergen – check labels
CAS
93165-18-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Gurjun balsam Smell Like?

Gurjun balsam has a rich, woody aroma with hints of balsamic sweetness and a slight smoky undertone. It evolves from a sharp, resinous top note to a deep, warm heart and base, providing a long-lasting dry-down that is both grounding and complex.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Shalimar(Guerlain, 1925)

Gurjun balsam is used to enhance the vanilla and amber notes, adding a smoky depth that balances the sweetness.

Opium(Yves Saint Laurent, 1977)

The resinous quality of Gurjun balsam complements the spicy and floral accords, creating a bold, oriental fragrance.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Gurjun balsam is a complex mixture of sesquiterpenes and diterpenes, primarily alpha-gurjunene and beta-gurjunene. It is obtained by tapping the bark of Dipterocarpus trees, with the resin then purified for use in perfumery. The exact composition varies depending on the species and geographic origin.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours to days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds depth and longevity
Incense5-15%Up to 20%Enhances smoky, resinous notes

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Amber = Oriental + Patchouli + Sandalwood = Woody

Tip: Use Gurjun balsam to add a smoky, resinous depth to oriental and woody fragrances.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzoin CAS 9000-05-9

A sweeter, more vanilla-like resin that can be used when a less smoky profile is desired.

2
Elemi CAS 8023-89-0

A lighter, citrusy resin that provides a fresher top note while still offering some fixative properties.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to Gurjun balsam.

RIFM Assessment

Gurjun balsam has been assessed by RIFM and is considered safe for use in current applications.

Sustainability

Gurjun balsam is sustainably harvested from wild trees in Southeast Asia. The tapping process does not harm the trees, and the resin is a renewable resource. However, overharvesting and habitat loss are concerns, making sustainable sourcing practices essential.

Explore Gurjun balsam

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References

  1. PubChem. Gurjun balsam. PubChem
  2. RIFM. Safety assessment of Gurjun balsam. RIFM

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 93165-18-5
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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