Benzoin

Amber & Resin · appears in 8 documented compositions

Sweet, vanillic, slightly smoky; a soft fixative for oriental bases.

Library uses

8

Dominant placement

base

Avg. longevity of hosts

10.6 h

Strongest season

Autumn

Origin & sourcing

Balsamic resin from Styrax tonkinensis, mainly Laos and Vietnam.

What matters about it

  • Benzoin is one of the oldest recorded incense materials in Southeast Asian trade.
  • Its main odorant, vanillin plus benzyl benzoate, explains the vanilla-adjacent read.
  • Siam benzoin is sweeter; Sumatra benzoin is smokier and more medicinal.

How it behaves in a formula

Across this library, Benzoin appears 0 times as a top note, 2 times in the heart and 6 times in the base. Placement is the single best predictor of what you will actually smell: top-note materials are high-volatility and gone within the hour, base-note materials are fixatives that define the final and longest phase of the wear.

Compositions containing Benzoin in this library average 10.6 hours of documented longevity, and skew toward autumn and winter wear. Treat that as a tendency of the amber & resin family rather than a property of the material alone — dose, supporting accord and concentration all move the result.

Fragrances built with Benzoin

Lost Cherry by Tom Ford fragrance bottle

Tom Ford

Lost Cherry

2018

Amber Floral Gourmand · Unisex

Launched in 2018 under Tom Ford's Private Blend line, Lost Cherry explores the contrast between an innocent, luscious fruit note and a dark, decadent, liqueur-soaked underbelly. The fragrance opens with a mouth-watering burst of ripe black cherry candy infused with bitter almond and rich, boozy cherry liqueur. The heart introduces velvety plum, sweet Turkish rose, and deep jasmine sambac to elevate the fruit note into high-end perfumery. The complex dry-down features a warm, spicy bed of roasted tonka bean, rich vanilla, balsams, cinnamon, and woody notes. It delivers a playful yet seductive experience, offering a realistic, luxurious take on cherry that breaks away from juvenile fruit body sprays.

6-8 hoursAutumn / Winter
Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford fragrance bottle

Tom Ford

Soleil Blanc

2016

Amber Floral · Unisex

Launched in 2016 within Tom Ford's Private Blend collection, Soleil Blanc captures the remote, sun-drenched luxury of private island getaways and sun-baked skin. The fragrance opens with an unusual, nutty opening of warm pistachio blended with spicy cardamom and crisp bergamot. The heart blooms into a rich, solar floral bouquet of creamy tuberose, exotic ylang-ylang, and sweet jasmine. The dry-down wraps the wearer in a decadent blanket of rich coconut milk, golden amber, and smooth tonka bean. It avoids being a generic coconut sunscreen by introducing sophisticated floral and nutty nuances, making it the ultimate definition of high-end tropical elegance.

7-9 hoursSummer / Spring
Rouge Chaotique by Byredo fragrance bottle

Byredo

Rouge Chaotique

2023

Amber Gourmand · Unisex

Introduced in 2023 as part of Byredo's Night Veils collection, Rouge Chaotique is a decadent gourmand-oud hybrid that explores the beauty of discordant elements. The fragrance opens with a rich, dark burst of juicy black currant and spicy saffron. The heart shifts into a luscious, sticky layer of sweet praline and ripe plum, contrasting sharply with a fierce foundation of authentic dark oud, patchouli, and papyrus. It is a bold, modern, and intoxicating creation designed for those who gravitate toward dark, sweet complexity.

10-12 hoursAutumn / Winter
Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance bottle

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Grand Soir

2016

Amber · Unisex

Composed by Francis Kurkdjian in 2016, Grand Soir is a magnificent tribute to the dazzling energy and romance of Paris at night. The fragrance opens with a rich, resinous wave of deep Spanish labdanum. The heart builds upon a warm, golden cushion of sweet benzoin and smooth Brazilian tonka bean. The decadent dry-down melts into a luxurious blend of amber and vanilla that creates an aura of pure opulence, making it one of the finest modern interpretations of a classic amber perfume.

11-13 hoursAutumn / Winter
Meteore by Louis Vuitton fragrance bottle

Louis Vuitton

Meteore

2020

Citrus Aromatic · Men

Crafted by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier in 2020, Meteore combines ultra-fresh citrus vitality with modern, sophisticated spice. The fragrance opens with an electric, luminous triad of Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian orange, and mandarin orange. The dynamic heart introduces a sharp, energetic burst of pink pepper, black pepper, and nutmeg layered over clean neroli. The long-lasting dry-down grounds the profile in clean Texas cedar, vetiver, and warm benzoin. It delivers an uplifting, executive-level freshness designed for the modern man on the move.

8-10 hoursSpring / Summer / Autumn
Nouveau Monde by Louis Vuitton fragrance bottle

Louis Vuitton

Nouveau Monde

2018

Amber Woody · Men

Formulated by Jacques Cavallier in 2018, Nouveau Monde draws inspiration from explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza's legendary African expeditions, fusing rich cacao with noble leather and oud. The fragrance opens with an exotic, spicy pairing of golden saffron and dark black currant. The complex heart introduces bitter sweet cacao, earthy patchouli, and resinous myrrh. The dark, opulent dry-down anchors the profile in precious agarwood, smooth leather, and warm amber. It is an adventurous, sophisticated masterwork that projects deep mystery and regal authority.

11-13 hoursAutumn / Winter
Ombre Nomade by Louis Vuitton fragrance bottle

Louis Vuitton

Ombre Nomade

2018

Amber Woody · Unisex

Composed by Jacques Cavallier in 2018, Ombre Nomade is an intensely majestic tribute to the infinite beauty of the desert and one of the house's most celebrated creations. The fragrance opens with a striking, sweet collision of rich raspberry and smoky incense. The opulent heart blooms into a dark, velvety rose laced with leathery birch and sweet benzoin. The foundation unleashes a monumental wave of authentic agarwood oud, warm amberwood, and saffron. It is an ultra-powerful, hypnotic, and deeply luxurious scent crafted for true lovers of oriental perfumery.

14+ hoursAutumn / Winter
Ani by Nishane fragrance bottle

Nishane

Ani

2019

Amber Floral · Unisex

Created by Cecile Zarokian in 2019, Ani is named after the ancient ruined medieval city of Ani and stands as one of the greatest modern vanilla-forward niche fragrances. The scent opens with a sharp, sparkling blast of fresh ginger, green notes, and bright bergamot. The spicy heart introduces rich cardamom and tart black currant. The magnificent dry-down reveals an opulent, buttery vanilla blended with warm amber and sandalwood. It is celebrated for its romantic complexity, velvety texture, and massive performance.

12+ hoursAutumn / Winter