Synthetic

Coumarin

Note Profile

Molecule 266 perfumes

About

Warm, hay-like sweet with vanilla and almond facets

Scent Profile

Coumarin has a warm, sweet scent reminiscent of freshly mown hay, with pronounced vanilla and almond undertones. Its aroma can evoke notes of tonka bean, dried grass, and a subtle spiciness. Over time, it softens into a creamy, slightly waxy body and a generalised powdery sweetness that lingers gently.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~36h lasting

Family Amber · Musk · Leather, Sweet & Gourmand

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

coumarin

Names this molecule

CAS 91-64-5

The note IS the molecule, CAS 91-64-5.

Declarable allergen: Named in EU Annex III as Coumarin products must list this name above a set concentration
Restricted: An IFRA Standard limits how much of this a perfumer can use the limit applies to the perfumer, not the wearer

These are facts about the substance, not about any perfume with this note.

Why that matters

A perfume that names Coumarin can use a different extract, a reformulated version, or a synthetic reconstruction. It can also hold less than the amount that requires a declaration. We cannot tell which applies. These rows cover only the substances we hold a link for.

How the layers join

Origin

Originally isolated from tonka beans in the 19th century, coumarin is now produced synthetically for perfumery. It can also be found in natural sources such as sweet clover and certain grasses, but synthetic production ensures purity and consistency.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use coumarin primarily as a base note to impart warmth, sweetness, and a sense of softness. It blends well with fougère, oriental, and gourmand compositions, often paired with lavender, vanilla, woods, and spices to round out and fix the fragrance.