Demeter has launched Flowering Tonka, a new addition to their Fragrance Library:
Reminiscent of rich vanilla with touches of cinnamon, saffron, almond and clove, the journey of the humble Tonka bean into a staple of perfumery began in 1793, when cultivation of this native South American plant began in France as a tropical tree with beautiful purple flowers, each containing one wrinkled, black bean.
Demeter's Flowering Tonka Bean adds the light crispness of the flower to the more traditional scent of the bean, creating an interesting and integrated contrast between the bean and the flower.
The Tonka bean played a role in South American pagan and occult traditions before finding fame in perfumery. In addition to being used in an herbal tea to boost immunity, legend provides that holding the bean while whispering a wish will lead to its fulfillment.
Demeter Flowering Tonka is available in 15, 30 or 120 ml Cologne ($6 – $39.50) and in matching bath & body products.
(via demeterfragrance)
Here is some really interesting info on Tonka Bean from the Atlantic Monthly. http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/11/the-tonka-bean-an-ingredient-so-good-it-has-to-be-illegal/65616/
Thanks!
Another ancient, culturally significant material on the chopping block. Each bottle should contain an informational brochure on the stupidity of the EU and the bureaucratic decimation of one of Europe’s major cultural exports/industries. Title it, Brussels Hates the French or something.
Too soon to say what they will do…right now, it’s all a PR battle.
True! Funny something that’s been used in perfumery since the late 1790s is more suspect than chemicals developed in the lab a few years ago.
It makes perfect sense to me. I have very sensitive & reactive skin, & naturally-based products (which I do prefer) are far more problematic for me than your average chemical-laden face cream. I have learned to be very careful and to do tiny “patch tests” on my forehead. Likewise, the only perfume that has ever given me a rash was a natural.
Mind you, not advocating for stricter regulation by any means. I don’t think products should be taken off the market just because they give me a rash. But I am not at all surprised that natural ingredients are more frequently targets of regulation.