Tonka Bean
Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata) is a Venezuelan and Brazilian seed that smells like the lovechild of vanilla, almond, and freshly mown hay. It is one of the most important sweet base notes in modern perfumery.
About Tonka Bean
Tonka bean comes from the cumaru tree, native to South America. The seeds are dried and cured, developing high concentrations of coumarin · the molecule responsible for the bean's distinctive sweet-hay-vanilla aroma. Coumarin was the first synthetic molecule used in fragrance (Houbigant Fougère Royale, 1882) and remains a foundational base note ingredient. Tonka anchors gourmand compositions like Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l'Homme, Mugler Angel, and most modern "sweet woody" fragrances. Coumarin is regulated under IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards because of skin sensitisation · formulations work within strict thresholds.
Featured in 14 The Fragrance World perfumes
Common questions about Tonka Bean
- What does Tonka Bean smell like?
- Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata) is a Venezuelan and Brazilian seed that smells like the lovechild of vanilla, almond, and freshly mown hay. It is one of the most important sweet base notes in modern perfumery.
- Where does Tonka Bean come from?
- Venezuela, Brazil, French Guiana
- Is Tonka Bean a top, heart, or base note?
- Base
- Which TFW fragrances feature Tonka Bean?
- 14 TFW fragrances currently feature Tonka Bean. See the list on this page for the full set.