Tincture of benzoin solution is a topical adhesive agent used to provide tackiness and enhance the adhesive property of tape. It is particularly useful for facial areas that are difficult to dress with tape such as the angle of the mouth or around the eyes.

The resin compound found in tincture of benzoin is made with four ingredients: benzoin, aloe, storax and tolu balsam. Benzoin is the primary resin ingredient, making up 10% of the solution. It is a naturally occurring substance obtained from plants called vegetable gums or balsams. Specifically, benzoin is a balsamic oleoresin, which is a mixture of both resin and essential oils. The word “tincture” means a solution in alcohol. Tincture of benzoin results when the resin compounds are combined in approximately 79% alcohol, depending on the specific formulation.

In addition to providing adhesiveness for tape, formulations of tincture of benzoin can be used as a local skin antibiotic. In one study, the agent was effective in treating a variety of infections including multiple aerobic, anaerobic and spore-forming bacteria such as Candida albicans and Mycobacterium fortuitum (Cincu Marsalic et al.). Tincture of benzoin could also be used preoperatively as an antiseptic for wound preparation. However, it should be used with caution for this purpose, as it can attract dust particles and other impurities from the surrounding environment due to its tackiness.

In eye care, this product can be used to augment tape use around the ocular area. Several scenarios can benefit from long-lasting tape application such as pressure patching for corneal abrasions and eyelid taping for lagophthalmos, entropion, ectropion or Bell’s palsy.

References:

Cincu Marsalic RN, Agarwal A, Dange N, et al. Tincture of benzoin as an antiseptic and adhesive for preoperative surgical preparation. Neurol India. 2007;55(1):88-89.

Lakshmi C, Srinivas CR. Contact dermatitis to compound tincture of benzoin applied under occlusion. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2006;72:62-63.

Sarifakioglu E, Sarifakioglu N. Dressing spray enhances the adhesive strength of surgical dressing tapes. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2006;72(5):353-356.

Scardamaglia L, Nixon R, Fewings J. Compound tincture of benzoin: a common contact allergen? Australas J Dermatol. 2003;44:180-184.

Wascher RA, Barcia PJ. Tincture of benzoin: clinical and microbiological implications of reusable containers. Milit Med. 1996;161(3):143-145.