It can be applied to skin fissures, canker sores and fever blisters as a styptic and antiseptic. Tincture of Benzoin is still available in small quantities by 3M and co-branded with Steri-Strip skin closures. It is packaged in small clear glass ampules containing 0.6mL and plugged with a fluffed cotton bung. It is thought that light turns the Benzoin in these modern containers to a darker color. The newly produced tincture is often quite clear until mixed and heated in a pot of water or left uncapped or exposed for an unspecified time, at which it turns to a maple syrup brown color. It is unknown if oxidation occurs to produce the dark color or the effects of UV light on the substance. The compounding of Benzoin with other substances Aloe, Tolu balsam is also thought to cause the variation of color.
The Tincture of Benzoin is usually available under a number of brand names in 60 mL dark amber glass bottles. This is the traditional way of packaging as opposed to the individual applicators currently made popular by 3M in hospitals with Steri-Strips.
