Copaiba, Distilled

Copaiba is widely called a balsam. Strictly it is an oleoresin. True balsams contain benzoic or cinnamic esters, as benzoin and Peru balsam do, and copaiba resin has neither. The distilled oil is dominated by a single sesquiterpene.

01 · Origin

Copaifera officinalis is a tree of the Fabaceae from the forests of northern South America. The resin collects in channels within the trunk. This oil is produced in Brazil from certified organic resin.

02 · Process

The trunk is tapped and the oleoresin drawn off, in a manner similar to rubber tapping. The resin is then distilled to give the essential oil. Beta-caryophyllene is the dominant constituent. Trans-alpha-bergamotene and germacrene-D follow.

03 · In Practice

Warm, soft and lightly woody, with a honeyed sweetness and a faint pepper note. A base note, rarely used alone. In blends it acts as a fixative for lighter top notes. Massage blends, natural perfumery and skincare formulation. Blends well with rose, jasmine and ylang ylang, as well as vetiver, cedarwood and black pepper.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.