Balsam of Peru
Where is Balsam of Peru found?
Balsam of Peru is a fragrant resinous liquid harvested from trees grown in Central America. Not commonly used today, Balsam of Peru may still be found as a fragrance, flavoring agent or antibacterial ingredient. Balsam of Peru contains a mixture of many substances that are generally related to cinnamon, vanilla, and clove fragrances and flavorings (cinnamein, a combination of cinnamic acid, benzoyl cinnamate, benzoyl benzoate, benzoic acid, vanillin and nerodilol).
How can you avoid contact with Balsam of Peru?
Avoid products that list any of the following names in the ingredients:
• Balsam peru
• Myroxylon pereirae oleoresin
• Peruvian Balsam
• Myroxylon pereirae Klotzsch
• Balsam fir oil
• Abies Balsamea
• Balsam fir oleoresin
• EINECS 232-352-8
• FEMA No. 2114
• FEMA No. 2115
• FEMA No. 2116
• FEMA No. 2117
• Hyperabsolute Balsam, Peru
What are some products that may contain Balsam of Peru?
Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
Animal Repellent
Cinnamon, Vanilla and Other Spices
Cleaning Products
Dental Medicaments and Cements
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Products
Flavored/Scented Tobaccos
Foods (natural identical chemical ingredients)
• Beer
• Chocolate
• Citrus
• Ice cream
• Tomatoes
• Vermouth
• Colas, sodas and flavored beverages
• Wine
Herbal and Botanical Products
Lotions
Medicated Lozenges
Medicinal Creams and Ointments
• Hemorrhoidal cream
Oral and Lip Medications
Herbal and Botanical Products
Pesticides
Scented Candles
Shampoo/Conditioner
Note
Cross-reactions may occur to colophony (rosin) found in pine trees, wood and coal tars, resorcin monobenzoate, coniferyl benzoate, Tolu Balsam, storax, propolis, turpentine, benzoin, tomatoes, orange peel, and clove. Some food ingredients found as components or related to Balsam of Peru include benzyl alcohol, benzyl salicylate, benzoic acid (and its derivative sodium benzoate), cinnamic acid, cinnamic alcohol, amylcinnamaldehyde, eugenol (bay rum), isoeugenol and vanillin. Although benzoic acid and sodium benzoate are not used as fragrance ingredients, you may need to avoid these ingredients which are used as preservatives in skin, hair, cosmetic, and food products.
A clinician's point of view.
Additional resources and links for Balsam of Peru.
To submit resources or links, please fill out the submission form at the top of this page.
For additional information about products that might contain Balsam of Peru, visit the Consumer Product Information Database. These lists are brief and provide just a few examples. They are not comprehensive. Product formulations also change frequently. Read product labels carefully and talk to your doctor if you have any questions. These are general guidelines. Talk to your doctor for more specific instructions.
