What Is Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg?
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg is a liquid extract of Sumatra benzoin resin that has been pre-diluted to 50 percent in dipropylene glycol. The product on most perfumers’ shelves comes from DSM-Firmenich, yet comparable versions are offered by other aroma suppliers under similar names.
The material starts life as a natural gum tapped from Styrax benzoin trees in North Sumatra. After the dried “tears” are collected they undergo solvent extraction to obtain a thick resinoid. Because that resinoid is far too sticky for day-to-day work it is blended with dipropylene glycol, producing a pourable liquid that is easy to weigh and mix.
Perfumers sometimes call it “benzoin resinoid 50 percent DPG.” Even if the trade name changes you can always locate the same substance by searching its CAS reference supplied by vendors.
At room temperature the ingredient looks like a golden-brown syrup. It flows slowly but does not form crystals. Usage is very common in fine fragrance and in functional products such as soaps and candles because the resin brings warmth without overpowering sweetness.
Properly stored in a cool dark place the diluted resinoid remains usable for about two to three years before its aroma begins to flatten. Pricing sits in the mid range; it is not considered a luxury raw material yet it is costlier than most basic synthetics because of the labor-intensive tapping and extraction.
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg’s Scent Description
This ingredient lives in the balsamic family. Off a blotter it opens with a soft vanilla warmth then quickly shows a powdery amber heart. Compared with its Siam cousin it feels drier and a shade spicier, carrying faint cinnamon and clove accents that keep the sweetness in check.
The aroma has little in the way of a sparkling top note. Instead it settles almost immediately into the mid-to-base region, acting as a smooth bridge between floral or spicy hearts and heavier woods or musks. When used in small amounts it rounds edges and lends a comforting veil; at higher dosages it can become the backbone of an ambery accord.
Projection is moderate, never shouting yet definitely present within arm’s length. Longevity is excellent. A few milligrams on a blotter can still be detected after 48 hours which firmly classifies it as a base note with lingering character.
How & Where To Use Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg
A perfumer reaches for Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg when a composition needs a soft amber backbone that is warm yet not overtly sugary. It slips easily into classic oriental accords, modern gourmands that aim for restraint and any build that calls for a powdery wrap around florals, spices or woods. Because it is less caramelic than Benzoin Siam it suits formulas where vanilla could feel excessive or where clarity is required in the mid notes.
Typical concentration falls between traces and 5 percent of the oil weight. At 0.1 percent it merely rounds rough edges, smoothing citruses or pepper without advertising its own personality. In the 1 to 3 percent zone the spicy cinnamon nuance becomes noticeable and the material knits resinous, floral or woody facets into a cohesive amber glow. Pushed close to 5 percent it dominates the bouquet, projecting a velvety cloud that can drown delicate top notes if unsupported by bright materials.
The ingredient thrives in alcohol based fine fragrance, solid perfume, melt and pour soap and scented candles. Its high flashpoint makes it user friendly in hot pour processes. In high pH cold process soap it may darken the bar to a beige or light brown tone, a trait worth testing before full production. It performs well in body creams because the dipropylene glycol carrier helps dispersion but the same carrier can slow the drydown in very light hair mists, a scenario where a benzoin absolute in ethanol would be cleaner.
Over use risks a flat, syrupy effect and can add unwanted stickiness on blotter or skin. Heavy dosages can also muddy bright citrus openings, so many perfumers cap it at 2 percent when clarity is key. Layering it with a dash of coumarin, labdanum or Iso E Super can refresh the accord and keep the base from feeling too static.
No special pre treatment is needed beyond gentle warming if the material thickens in winter. Place the bottle in a lukewarm water bath for a few minutes, swirl and it will pour freely. Because the product is already at 50 percent in DPG it can be weighed straight into alcohol or oil phases with minimal stirring.
Safely Using Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg
Work with this material in dilution. Measure a small amount into a dropper bottle and extend it in perfumer’s alcohol or dipropylene glycol before evaluation. Avoid sniffing directly from the stock vial. Instead waft the air above the diluted sample toward your nose.
Keep the lab space ventilated so any vapor does not build up. Wear nitrile gloves to prevent sticky residue on your skin and safety glasses to guard against accidental splashes. The liquid nature of the material makes spills more likely than with solid resins, so cap containers promptly and wipe surfaces after use.
Benzoin resinoids can cause mild skin irritation or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you notice redness or itching rinse with soap and water and discontinue contact. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare professional before frequent handling of any aroma chemical.
Short sessions with low concentrations are considered low risk but prolonged exposure to high levels may lead to respiratory or dermal discomfort. Store bottles tightly closed in a cool dark cabinet to slow oxidation which can increase sensitizing potential over time.
For complete guidance always consult the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and review it periodically since classifications can change. Follow the International Fragrance Association guidelines for maximum concentration in each product category to ensure finished formulas meet global safety standards.
How To Store & Dispose of Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg
Keep your bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from sunlight and heat sources. If you have spare room in a fragrance fridge you can store it there to slow oxidation even further though this is optional.
Air contact is the main enemy. Choose bottles that you can keep topped up so there is as little headspace as possible. When you prepare dilutions fit the bottle with a polycone cap for the best seal. Skip glass dropper tops because they often leak and allow air to creep in.
The liquid thickens slightly when cold but a short bath in lukewarm water will bring it back to an easy pour. Always wipe the neck of the bottle before closing so the cap seals tightly.
Label every container with the full ingredient name, the carrier, date of dilution and any hazard phrases listed on the safety data sheet. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and reminds future users to wear gloves and work in fresh air.
Unused or expired material should never be poured down the drain. Small amounts can be soaked into kitty litter or paper, sealed in a bag then discarded with household refuse if local rules allow. Larger volumes belong in a chemical waste stream arranged through your city or a licensed disposal firm. The resin is slow to break down in the environment so responsible disposal protects waterways and soil.
Summary
Benzoin Sumatra Res 50 Dipg is a 50 percent solution of Sumatra benzoin resin in dipropylene glycol. It smells warm and balsamic with gentle vanilla and a hint of cinnamon making it a go-to base note for ambery accords that need comfort without heavy sweetness.
Perfumers rely on it to round rough blends, boost longevity and give soaps or candles a soft creamy finish. It sits in the mid price tier yet its natural harvest and multi-step extraction add cost compared with standard synthetics. The scent is specific enough that high dosages can flatten bright openings so balance is key.
Stability is good when stored cool and tightly closed, especially if the bottle is kept nearly full. The diluted format pours easily saving time in the lab.
For commercial volumes order direct from DSM-Firmenich or one of their distribution partners. Hobbyists and small brands can find repacked quantities through specialty fragrance suppliers or online resellers that stock natural absolutes and resinoids.