What Is Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg?
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg is a liquid fragrance material made from the hardened gum of the Styrax Benzoin tree that grows in North Sumatra Indonesia. Although the gum itself has been traded for hundreds of years the current solvent extracted form diluted to 50 percent in dipropylene glycol became widely available to perfumers in the early 1980s.
Harvest begins when tappers score the bark then wait months for the resin to dry into brittle “tears.” These pieces are gathered cleaned and shipped to an extraction plant. A light solvent pulls the aromatic compounds from the raw gum producing a thick resinoid. Because that resinoid is too sticky for most perfume work it is blended with dipropylene glycol until it becomes a pourable brown amber liquid easy to weigh and mix.
The ingredient is considered of natural origin since its scent molecules come straight from tree resin even though solvents and a carrier are part of the process. No synthetic reconstruction is needed which appeals to brands looking for nature based stories.
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg is a workhorse in perfumery and in scented soaps shampoos candles and cleaning products. Its steady demand keeps supply streams active so it is generally affordable compared with rarer resins like labdanum or opoponax.
When you open the drum you will see a viscous golden brown fluid that moves slowly yet stays fully liquid at normal room temperature. A slight skin may form on top after long storage but melts back once stirred.
What Does Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg Smell Like?
Perfumers group this material in the balsamic family.
On a scent blotter it opens with a gentle sweetness similar to vanilla sugar quickly joined by a light cinnamon like spark that keeps it from feeling sugary. As it settles a creamy powdery quality appears giving the impression of antique cosmetic powder or polished wood. Compared with the better known Siam type the Sumatra version feels a bit drier and spicier with less dessert tonality.
In traditional perfume language scents unfold in top middle and base notes. The top fades first the middle bridges and the base lingers longest. Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg sits firmly in the base note category. It shows little volatility in the top and instead anchors a blend for hours sometimes days.
Projection is moderate so it will not shout across a room yet it creates a soft halo close to the wearer. Longevity is high. On skin expect eight hours or more while on fabric or candle wax the scent can last many days.
How & Where To Use Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg
This is one of those friendly ingredients that almost behaves itself. It pours without heating, mixes easily and rarely clashes with other notes, so most perfumers keep it within arm’s reach.
Its main role is as a warm balsamic base that rounds off sharp edges and anchors light top notes. When you want a rich ambery accord but do not need the caramel dessert feel of Benzoin Siam, the Sumatra grade is the first choice. It brings a drier, slightly spiced tone that pairs well with sandalwood, cedar, frankincense, vanilla, tonka bean and the modern synthetic ambers.
In gourmand or oriental styles it deepens vanilla, tonka or praline ideas without turning them syrupy. In florals a trace can give petals a cashmere softness, while in woods or incense blends it adds a polished finish that makes the whole scent feel smoother and longer lasting.
Typical usage sits anywhere from a whisper at 0.1 percent to around 5 percent of the total concentrate. Low levels provide an almost invisible fixation and faint powder, mid levels (1-3 percent) deliver a clear ambery cushion, and high levels push the cinnamon-vanilla glow forward so the material becomes a recognisable note in its own right.
It shines in soaps, shower gels and lotions because it holds up to alkaline environments and masks harsh surfactant edges. Candles and home care formulas also benefit from its throw and cost efficiency. The only place it struggles is in very fresh colognes or marine themes where any sweet balsamic shade can feel out of place.
Prep work is minimal. Give the drum a gentle stir before weighing to reincorporate any settled resin, then pre-dilute it to your standard working strength if you plan micro-dosage. If the liquid thickens in cold weather, a short float in a warm water bath will restore easy flow.
Safely Information
Like all aroma chemicals this material calls for sensible handling practices.
- Always dilute before evaluation: blend a small amount in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so you smell the fragrance and not raw solvent fumes or concentrated resin
- Never sniff straight from the bottle: headspace above the liquid can hold high vapour levels that overwhelm your nose and mask subtle nuances
- Work in good ventilation: open windows, switch on an extractor or use a fume hood to prevent build-up of airborne particles during weighing and blending
- Wear gloves and eye protection: even gentle materials can irritate skin or splash into eyes when you least expect it
- Health considerations: prolonged or high-level exposure may trigger irritation or allergic responses, and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before regular use
The above points are only a starting guide. Always review the most recent supplier MSDS, keep an eye on updates, and follow the current IFRA usage limits to ensure every formula remains safe and compliant.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg remains in prime shape for roughly four to five years before any noticeable loss in strength or color.
Temperature control matters more than cold. A refrigerator set around 4 °C will stretch the shelf life yet a normal stock room that stays below 25 °C works well as long as the space is dry and out of direct sun.
Light and oxygen are the real enemies. Store the liquid in amber glass or opaque HDPE and screw on polycone caps that seal tight. Dropper bottles often weep around the pipette so reserve those only for quick lab trials.
Try to keep each bottle as full as practical. Transfer leftovers into smaller containers rather than leave a large headspace that encourages oxidation which darkens the resin and adds off notes.
Label every vessel clearly with product name batch date and any hazard symbols so no one grabs the wrong material later.
Disposal is straightforward. The carrier solvent dipropylene glycol is readily biodegradable and the natural resin breaks down over time so small lab quantities can usually go with general organic waste or be flushed with plenty of water if local regulations allow. For larger volumes soak the liquid into an inert absorbent such as sawdust then hand it to a licensed waste contractor.
Wipe spills with paper towels and wash tools in warm soapy water before the resin sets hard.
Summary
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg is a 50 percent solution of Indonesian benzoin resin in dipropylene glycol offering a warm balsamic vanilla-cinnamon scent with a soft powdery edge.
Its friendly nature lets it play from trace fixative levels up to starring roles in amber oriental gourmand floral or woody accords making it one of the most versatile naturals on a perfumer’s bench.
The material is affordable stable in most bases and easy to blend yet you should watch for oxidation if bottles sit half empty or bask in sunlight.
If you need an ambery cushion that is less dessert like than Benzoin Siam but sweeter than frankincense this ingredient is a fun go-to that can lift dozens of creative ideas without fuss.