Animal notes

Animal notes in perfumery refer to the warm, musky, and sometimes raw scents that were historically derived from animal sources like civet, musk deer, castoreum, and ambergris. Today, these notes are almost exclusively recreated using synthetic molecules.

Animal notes add a primal, sensual depth to fragrances that makes them feel alive, intimate, and deeply human. They create a warmth and closeness that purely botanical ingredients cannot achieve alone.

In perfumery, animal notes are used sparingly to add sensuality, longevity, and a skin-like quality. They pair beautifully with florals, woods, and resins, adding that crucial bridge between perfume and skin.