Coumarin

Coumarin is an aroma molecule used by perfumers. It occurs naturally in tonka beans and in some plants, and it is also made in the laboratory. The smell is sweet and warm, like freshly cut hay, with an almond softness and a hint of vanilla. It is dry rather than sugary, and slightly tobacco-like. In a fragrance coumarin rounds sharp edges and adds a comforting, powdery warmth. It is a classic partner of lavender, oakmoss, vanilla and woods, and it works well in the base, where it supports the other notes.

Coumarin sits in the base for most fragrances here, giving a sweet, hay-like softness that rounds vanilla, musk and woods.