🌿 Copaiba Balsam – Copaifera officinalis
“In every drop of copaiba, the forest reaches the skin, offering its sap to soothe and restore calm.”
✨ Description
Copaiba balsam (also called copaiba resin) is obtained from the Copaifera tree, native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Used for centuries by Indigenous communities, it is a powerful ally for skin care and overall wellbeing. Its richness in β-caryophyllene provides notable anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits, making it a unique ingredient in aromatherapy and natural cosmetics.
🔎 Organoleptic profile
- Color: Deep amber.
- Texture: Viscous and slightly tacky; less thick than many resins.
- Aroma: Soft, woody, with warm earthy notes evocative of the rainforest.
💚 Key properties
- 💪 Anti-inflammatory & analgesic: Helps ease muscular and joint discomfort.
- 🩹 Skin-repairing: Supports regeneration in minor cuts and superficial wounds.
- 🛡️ Antibacterial & antiseptic: Helps protect against skin infections.
- 🌿 Soothing: Ideal for sensitive or irritated skin; reduces redness and itching.
🧾 Traditional uses
- Support for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
- Deep skin hydration.
- Cleansing and protecting damaged tissues.
- Promoting wound and scar recovery.
- Balancing excess sebum.
- Comfort for mucus and cough.
- Traditional support for kidney function.
- Helping to lower blood pressure (traditional use).
- Stress relief and mental calm.
- Cold sore care.
- Easing rheumatic and joint discomfort.
🛠️ Recipes
💆♂️ 1) Soothing Muscle Balm
Ingredients
- ✅ 1 tbsp copaiba balsam
- ✅ 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ✅ 10 drops lavender essential oil
- ✅ 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Preparation
- Gently melt the coconut oil in a bain-marie and add the copaiba balsam.
- Stir in the essential oils until homogeneous.
- Pour into a clean jar and let it set.
Benefits: Immediate comfort for sore areas, deep relaxation and inflammation relief.
🌸 2) Restorative Facial Serum for Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
- ✅ 1 tsp copaiba balsam
- ✅ 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- ✅ 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
- ✅ 1 drop Frankincense essential oil
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in a small dark-glass bottle.
- Shake gently before each use.
Use: Apply 2–3 drops to clean face and neck at night.
Benefits: Calms sensitivity, reduces redness and supports radiant, even-looking skin.
🧴 3) Relaxing & Anti-Inflammatory Body Oil
Ingredients
- ✅ 1 tbsp copaiba balsam
- ✅ 3 tbsp sweet almond oil
- ✅ 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- ✅ 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Preparation
- Combine everything in a dark-glass bottle.
- Shake well before each application.
Use: Massage into damp skin after showering or use for relaxing massage.
Benefits: Deep relaxation, muscle comfort and lasting hydration with a silky finish.
📖 Expert’s note
“Copaiba balsam is one of the rainforest’s most valuable gifts: it soothes the skin, relaxes the body and harmonizes the mind. An ancient resin that remains essential in natural care.”
– Luís Rodero, Aromatherapist
🧾 Identification
- Botanical name: Copaifera officinalis
- Origin: South America
- Extraction method: Trunk tapping (oleoresin exudate)
- Part used: Oleoresin (balsam)
- INCI: Copaifera Officinalis Resin
⚠️ Safety
- Do not use during pregnancy without professional guidance.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Topical use: suitable when properly diluted.
- Diffuser: suitable.
- Do not ingest unless advised by a qualified practitioner.
ℹ️ Important
The information provided by Essenciales is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend ingesting essential oils except under the supervision of a qualified physician. Always dilute correctly. Avoid use during pregnancy, epilepsy, liver insufficiency or serious conditions without professional guidance. Do not use on children without appropriate knowledge or professional advice.
Never ignore professional medical advice.
Essenciales does not provide medical advice nor engage in medical practice.