Tonka Bean Absolute – A Warm, Sweet Fixative for Perfumery
Tonka Bean Absolute is one of those materials that becomes more interesting after a few minutes on a blotter. The first impression is sweet and warm, but underneath it are soft notes of hay, almond, tobacco and spice. As it settles, the aroma becomes smoother and slightly powdery, with a character often compared to vanilla without smelling exactly like vanilla.
The material is obtained from the beans of Dipteryx odorata, a tropical tree native to northern South America. The cured beans are naturally rich in coumarin, the aromatic compound responsible for Tonka’s familiar sweet hay-like scent.
Perfumers mainly use Tonka Bean Absolute as a base note and fixative. A small amount can round off harsh edges, connect separate fragrance notes and improve the lasting character of a blend. It is particularly useful in fougère, chypre, oriental, amber, tobacco, lavender and gourmand compositions.
It pairs naturally with Lavender, Vanilla, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Tobacco, Cocoa and warm spice materials. In floral perfumes, it can add warmth without turning the blend heavily woody. In masculine compositions, it works especially well with lavender, mossy notes and dry woods.
Product details
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Botanical name: Dipteryx odorata
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Plant part: Cured beans
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Material type: Absolute
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Odour: Sweet, hay-like, almond-like, warm, powdery and mildly spicy
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Main application: Fine fragrance, attars and professional perfume formulations
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Available supply: Samples and wholesale quantities
Tonka Bean Absolute can become thick or semi-solid at lower temperatures. If necessary, keep the closed container in gently warm water and mix carefully before weighing. Direct or excessive heat should be avoided.
This material is naturally associated with coumarin and must be used within the limits applicable to the finished product. Formulators should check the current Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet and relevant IFRA requirements before production.
Tonka Bean Absolute is offered as a perfumery ingredient only. It is not intended for therapeutic use, direct consumption or use in food unless a separately supplied batch is specifically certified for that purpose. Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
At R K Essential Oils Company, we prioritize your safety and well-being. Please note that essential oils are highly concentrated and should be properly diluted before any direct application to the skin, as skin sensitivity may occur. Always keep essential oils out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under medical supervision, we strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.