Coumarin
Coumarin is a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy fragrance note with a scent profile that closely resembles freshly cut hay and has hints of vanilla and almond. Its aroma is smooth, comforting, and natural, adding a soft, powdery, and warm quality to perfumes. Coumarin is often used as a base note to impart depth and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall composition of a fragrance. It blends beautifully with florals, woods, and spices, contributing to perfumes that are elegant, inviting, and sophisticated.
History & Production: Coumarin was first isolated in the 19th century from the tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata), a legume native to Central and South America. It is also found in other plants such as sweet clover and cassia cinnamon. In perfumery, coumarin can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized to provide a more consistent and sustainable supply. Its warm, sweet, hay-like scent has made it a popular ingredient in both classic and modern fragrances. Coumarin is highly valued for its ability to add a natural, comforting sweetness that enhances the richness and complexity of perfumes, making them feel more balanced and complete.