Tonka Bean Absolute Oil
(Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd.)
Product Identification
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Dipteryx odorata Bean Absolute |
| Synonyms | Coumarouna odorata |
| CAS Number | 8046-22-8 |
| SKU Code | AO-Tonka-0005 |
| Extraction Method | Organic extraction (hexane-free) of dried beans |
| Parts Used | Dried beans (fruit seed/pip) |
| Origin | Beans from Brazil, extracted in France |
| Common Names | Tonka Oil, Absolue de Fève Tonka, Tonkin/Tonquin Bean Oil, Coumarou, Cumaru, Kumaru, Brazilian Teak, Cayenne Guaiac, Sarrapia |
| Appearance | Pale green-brown to dark brown thick, viscous, pourable liquid (may thicken or crystallise over time — warm gently in bain-marie to liquefy) |
| Aroma / Note | Caramel-like, vanilla, almond, honeyed; sweet, warm, rich. Base–middle note. Excellent fixative. |
| Quality | 100% pure and whole absolute — undiluted; for external use only (due to coumarin content) |
| Typical Composition | Coumarins (~93.5%), 3,4‑dihydrocoumarin (~1.37%) |
| Storage | Store tightly closed, cool, dry, dark; away from sunlight, children & pets |
Aroma & Profile
Tonka Bean Absolute delivers a long-lasting gourmand warmth with vanilla-caramel tones, rich almond nuttiness, and subtle tobacco-leathery depths.
It is renowned in natural perfumery as a base/middle note fixative, classified within the gourmand and powdery fragrance family.
Traditional & Modern Uses
| Category | Uses |
|---|---|
| Perfumery | Fixative in oriental, gourmand, woody, tobacco, vanilla accords; adds warmth & depth to floral and fougère blends |
| Luxury Body Care | Fragrance component in creams, massage oils, lotions, spa products |
| Home Fragrance | Scented candles, room sprays, diffuser blends, ambience products |
| Wellbeing Rituals | Relaxing, comfort-enhancing, mood-boosting in spa/diffuser settings |
| Traditional | Tonka bean powder in moth repellent sachets; South American folk uses (now restricted); flavour tobacco blends (regulated usage) |
Reported Benefits & Properties
Relaxing, mild anti-anxiety & mood lifting
Sensual and comforting aroma — spa & romance use
Antiseptic and mild analgesic
Antispasmodic
Expectorant
Natural insect/moth repellent
Usage Guidelines
Tonka Bean Absolute is extremely concentrated — use sparingly and always dilute before any skin application.
Typical recommendation:
Less than 1% in final preparations (≈2 drops per 10 ml base).
| Application | Dilution & Method |
|---|---|
| Perfume creation | IFRA max: 5% in fragrance concentrate (max. ~10 drops absolute / 10 ml perfumer’s base or carrier); start lower & adjust |
| Facial care | 0.5% (1 drop pre-diluted / 10 ml carrier or cream) |
| Body massage oils | 0.5–1% (1–2 drops pre-diluted / 10 ml carrier) |
| Hair care (rinse-off) | 1–2% (2–4 drops pre-diluted / 10 ml base) |
| Diffusion (atmosphere) | 1 drop pure absolute blended with other oils, then a few drops of blend in diffuser (diffuse 10 min × 3/day) |
| Home fragrance | In diffuser blends, sprays, soy/beeswax candles with other complementary oils |
Concentrate Preparation:
Dilute up to 5% absolute in perfumer’s alcohol or neutral carrier (jojoba, fractionated coconut). Store cool/dark and use a few drops of concentrate in finished blends.
Blends Well With
Resinous/Woody: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Benzoin, Amyris
Floral: Jasmine, Rose Otto, Orris, Ylang-Ylang, Lily, Lotus
Gourmand & Sweet: Vanilla, Cocoa, Cacao, Coffee
Citrus: Neroli, Bergamot, Sweet Orange
Herbal/Aromatic: Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Basil, Tarragon
Example Recipes
1. Cozy Oriental Perfume Oil
3 drops Tonka Bean Absolute (pre-diluted)
4 drops Sandalwood EO
2 drops Vanilla Absolute
1 drop Bergamot EO
10 ml Jojoba Oil
2. Comforting Massage Blend
2 drops Tonka Absolute (pre-diluted)
3 drops Lavender EO
2 drops Ylang-Ylang EO
30 ml Sweet Almond Oil
3. Warm Seasonal Diffuser Blend
1 drop Tonka Absolute (pure, in blend)
2 drops Cinnamon EO
3 drops Sweet Orange EO
2 drops Clove Bud EO
Interesting Facts
Coumarin Frosting: When dried, tonka beans naturally develop a white crystalline coumarin layer on their surface — responsible for the bean’s signature caramel-vanilla warmth.
Origin: From Dipteryx odorata, native to Brazil, Guyana & Venezuela; also known as “Brazilian Teak” for its hardwood.
Luxury Use: Long a staple in fine French perfumery, tonka creates depth in chypre, fougère, and oriental blends.
Caution: While naturally occurring coumarin in foods poses low skin-contact risk, synthetic coumarin derivatives can have very different safety profiles.
Safety Information
External use only — due to coumarin regulations
Do not use undiluted — always dilute before skin contact
Avoid during first 3 months of pregnancy & while breastfeeding
Perform a skin patch test before use
For external/perfumery applications only — not for internal consumption
May contain natural allergens — check for sensitivities
Store in a cool, dark place, away from children & pets
Summary
Tonka Bean Absolute offers warmth, richness, and gourmand indulgence in natural perfumery — with caramel, almond, and vanilla tones pairing effortlessly with florals, woods, tobacco, and spices.
An exceptional fixative and base note, it lends longevity, sensuality, and comfort to fragrances, body care, and home scents — all from a 100% pure, undiluted, artisanal extraction.