Balsam of Peru — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: MYROXYLON PEREIRAE RESIN
Also known as: Myroxylon Pereirae, Peru Balsam
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 8007-00-9
- Category
- fragrance
- Risk Level
- high
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- lip products, topical medications, fragrance
Is Balsam of Peru safe in cosmetics?
Balsam of Peru is rated high risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Contains 250+ chemicals. Indicator of fragrance allergy — if allergic, likely allergic to multiple fragrance components. Safer alternatives include Fragrance-free products, Essential oil-free formulations. Commonly found in lip products, topical medications, fragrance.
What is Balsam of Peru?
Natural resin containing many fragrance allergens. Cross-reacts with many spices and flavorings.
Allergy & Safety Information
Balsam of Peru is classified as a high-risk ingredient. It is a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies should avoid products containing this ingredient. A patch test is recommended before first use of any product containing Balsam of Peru.
This ingredient is classified as high risk from an allergenicity perspective. It is a recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis with a relatively high sensitisation rate in patch-tested populations. People with a history of skin reactions to cosmetics, or with conditions such as eczema or sensitive skin, should exercise particular caution.
About Fragrance Component Ingredients
Fragrance ingredients are added to cosmetics for scent or to mask the odour of raw materials. The EU requires 26 specific fragrance allergens to be listed individually on labels when present above threshold concentrations. Fragrance (listed as "parfum") is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis worldwide.
Relevance for Balsam of Peru: Even products labelled "unscented" may contain masking fragrances. True fragrance-free products list no perfuming ingredients at all. If you are fragrance-sensitive, check for "parfum," "fragrance," and all 26 EU-listed fragrance allergens on any product label.
How to Identify Balsam of Peru in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Balsam of Peru, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Lip products, Topical medications, Fragrance. These product categories are the most common sources of Balsam of Peru exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Balsam of Peru? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Balsam of Peru and other allergens automatically.
Cross-Reactions
If you react to Balsam of Peru, you may also react to:
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balsam of Peru safe for sensitive skin?
Balsam of Peru is a known allergen and is generally not recommended for sensitive skin. Consider patch testing before use.
What products contain Balsam of Peru?
Balsam of Peru is commonly found in lip products, topical medications, fragrance.
What does Balsam of Peru do in cosmetics?
Balsam of Peru functions as a fragrance in formulations. Contains 250+ chemicals. Indicator of fragrance allergy — if allergic, likely allergic to multiple fragrance components.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Balsam of Peru on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Fragrance-Free Skincare Guide
Why fragrance is the #1 cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Balsam of Peru causing YOUR skin reactions?
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