Peru balsam
Peru balsam is a plant-based substance produced by a tree called Myroxylon balsamum. This tree grows in Central America, particularly in El Salvador. The substance is very complex: it consists of various components, not all of which are yet known. Components of Peru balsam include cinnamic acid, eugenol and vanilla. On the ingredients list you'll find Peru balsam as Myroxylon Pereirae.In the past, Peru balsam was used in (haemorrhoid) ointments, ointments for burns and for chilblains on hands and feet. Today this ingredient is hardly used anymore because it can cause allergic reactions. The components that make up Peru balsam (such as vanilla) are still often used as a fragrance raw material. Some components of Peru balsam are also used as flavourings in food (think of cinnamic acid and vanilla) and even at the dentist's: the component eugenol is frequently used by dentists during root canal treatment.
Peru balsam carries a high risk of skin allergy. A Peru balsam allergy often also means that a fragrance allergy is present, because the components of Peru balsam are used in perfumes.