Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoin siam
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Benzoin siam (resin from Styrax tonkinensis) has a long-standing history of traditional use in topical preparations, particularly in balms and ointments for skin care. Its main use has been as a protective agent and to help relieve dry, cracked, or irritated skin. Historically, benzoin resin has been valued for its film-forming properties, which create a protective barrier over the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and thus supporting dry or flaky skin conditions. It is also used as a fixative in perfumes and some pharmaceutical preparations like compound tincture of benzoin, often applied to minor wounds or chapped skin to protect against irritants and infection.

However, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating dry or flaky skin is limited. Most of the knowledge comes from traditional practices and empirical uses rather than robust clinical trials. The resin is known to contain compounds such as benzoic acid and cinnamic acid, which may offer mild antiseptic or soothing properties, but direct evidence for moisturizing or healing effects on dry skin is lacking. As a result, the rating for evidence is moderate (2 out of 5), reflecting traditional use with some plausible mechanisms but little direct clinical validation.

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Products containing Benzoin siam

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