Balsam of Peru is used in natural skin care products for its antiseptic, antifungal, and fragrance properties.
Balsam of Peru is a sticky aromatic liquid that comes from cutting the bark of the tree Myroxolon balsamum, a tree that is native to El Salvador. The ‘Peru’ part of Balsam of Peru originates from when it was first named, El Salvador then being part of a Peruvian colony. Balsam of Peru smells of vanilla and cinnamon because it contains 60-70% cinnamein (a combination of cinnamic acid, cinnamyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate, benzoic acid and vanillin). The other 30-40% contains resins of unknown composition. It also contains essential oils similar to those in citrus fruit peel. These are all potential allergens.
Balsam of Peru is not only used for its aromatic and fixative (i.e. delays evaporation) properties but also for its mild antiseptic, antifungal and antiparasitic attributes. It has 3 main uses: fragrance in perfumes and toiletries; flavoring in food and drink; healing properties in medicinal production
What exactly are Balsams?
The distinction between resin and balsam in perfumery is one of form, on a fundamental level: Simply put and generalizing, resinous materials come in the form of solidified, gum-like “tears” seeping from the elixir vitae circulating into the bark of big trees, such as the Boswellia Carterii (which produces frankincense). Balsams on the other hand are tricky materials, not necessarily tree secretions, often coming as they do from flower pods or bushy twigs (such as vanilla orchids or the Mediterranean rockrose). Balsam simply means a resin rich in essential oil. When dealing with a tree the trunks are marked with cuts excreting viscous dark resin. It is then usually steam distilled or vacuum distilled to obtain the oil which we name “balsam.”
Safety concerns:
When used topically, balsam of Peru can cause skin inflammation, irritation, and allergic reactions.
• Balsam of Peru should not be applied over open wounds.
• Used internally or topically, balsam of Peru can cause kidney damage in large doses or prolonged use.
• Allergic reactions have occured from internal use.
• Balsam of Peru should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Balsam of Peru should not be used by people using sulfur-containing medications such as Azulfidine or Bactrim.
What are the reactions to Balsam of Peru allergy?
Typical allergic contact dermatitis reactions may occur in individuals allergic to Balsam of Peru or any other chemically related substances. Flare-up of hand eczema is common in sensitive individuals if they use or consume products containing Balsam of Peru or related allergens. Oral exposure may cause sore mouth (tongue) and rash of the lips or angles of the mouth.
Am I allergic to Balsam of Peru?
Sensitivity to a perfume or cream is usually the first indicator of an allergy to Balsam of Peru. Patch testing using 10% Balsam of Peru in petrolatum is used to confirm this. A positive result to Balsam of Peru is seen in 50% of fragrance allergy cases. Positive patch test also indicates that the individual may have problems with flavorings (both artificial and natural), some medications and other perfumed products.
Most people tested for fragrance allergy will be patch tested with Balsam of Peru and Fragrance Mix (a mixture of 8 commonly used individual fragrances). This detects approximately 75% of fragrance allergy cases.
Self-testing a product for Balsam of Peru is possible but should be done only after first talking with your doctor. This should be done only with products that are designed to stay on the skin such as cosmetics and lotions. Apply a small amount (50 cent sized area) of the product to a small tender area of skin such as the bend of your arm or neck for 5 days in a row. Examine the area each day and if no reaction occurs, you are unlikely to be allergic to it. However, it may still cause an irritant reaction, so be cautious. Products such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps and cleansers should not be tested in this way as they frequently cause an irritant dermatitis.
Treatment of Balsam of Peru dermatitis.
Once the dermatitis appears on the skin, treatment is as for any acute dermatitis/eczema, i.e. topical corticosteroids, emollients, treatment of any secondary bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus), etc.
What should I do to avoid Balsam of Peru allergy?
If you have an allergy to Balsam of Peru, try to identify possible sources of contact and avoid them. Use only ingredient-labeled products that do not list Balsam of Peru or any of its other names on the label. If you are unsure ask your pharmacist for advice and a suitable alternative.
Alert your doctor or dentist to the fact that you have an allergy to Balsam of Peru. If you are highly sensitive, your doctor may also recommend a special diet that eliminates foods to which this allergen or related allergen is added as a flavoring.
Allergy to Balsam of Peru may make you sensitive to other chemically related substances. Many of these are spices and flavorings that are used in daily cooking. As a precaution you should avoid using these products, as it is likely that you will be allergic to them too.
Related substances to Balsam of Peru which may also cause an allergic reaction
• Eugenol and isoeugenol
• Component of essential oils obtained from spices including cloves and cinnamon leaf. It smells and tastes like cloves. It is also found in pimento, nutmeg, camphor, roses, carnations, hyacinths and violets.
• Benzoin, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol
• Rosin (colophony)
• Citrus fruit peel
• Tiger balm (Chinese proprietary ointment)
• Vanilla
Why Do People Use Balsam of Peru.
Skin conditions, such as wounds, bedsores, leg ulcers, hemorrhoids
• Balsam of Peru is an antiseptic and is believed to promote the healing of minor wounds. It’s usually recommended as a short-term remedy only and its use is often limited to no more than one week because of potential side effects.
Sore nipples
• Balsam of Peru is sometimes used topically for sore nipples. However, it should never be used by breastfeeding women as it can poison the baby.
Colds, cough, sore throat, bronchitis
• Balsam of Peru is thought to be an expectorant that helps to loosen and bring up mucus from the lungs and bronchi.
