tonka bean
Gourmand Family
Tonka Bean is known for its warm, sweet aroma with hints of vanilla and almond.
Intensity
moderate
Longevity
long
Popularity
0 fragrances
Family
Gourmand
Olfactory Profile
sweet
powdery
spicy
woody
earthy
About tonka bean
Tonka Bean is a popular base note in perfumery, derived from the seeds of the Dipteryx odorata, a tree native to Central and South America. Its scent is rich and complex, offering a warm, sweet aroma reminiscent of vanilla, almond, and cloves. Tonka bean's fragrance is deeply comforting and adds a luxurious, velvety layer to perfumes. It's used not only for its alluring scent but also for its fixative properties, helping to anchor lighter notes and prolong the overall aroma of a fragrance.
Natural Sources
- •Dipteryx odorata tree seeds
Synthetic Alternatives
Synthetic versions of Tonka Bean, such as coumarin, are widely used due to restrictions on natural coumarin extracts for health reasons. These synthetic alternatives attempt to replicate the sweet, warm, and rich aroma of natural Tonka Beans.
Perfumer's Tips
Tonka Bean is best used as a base note to add depth and warmth to fragrances. It's particularly effective in oriental, gourmand, and woody compositions, lending a creamy, sweet base that enhances the overall scent profile.