We often wear them without even realizing it. And yet, animalic notes remain surrounded by mystery — somewhere between fascination and mistrust. Here are a few keys to better understanding these materials.
Animalic Notes Do Not Necessarily Mean Animal Origin
The first misconception to clear up: an animalic note does not necessarily come from an animal-derived raw material. It can just as easily originate from synthetic or vegetal ingredients.
Cumin is the perfect example — a spice with a distinctly animalic facet, warm and sensual. It can be found notably in Max Richter by Comme des Garçons, where it reveals its full depth.
Animal Origin Does Not Mean Cruelty
When the origin is genuinely animal-derived, it does not automatically imply harmful practices. Two examples illustrate this perfectly.
Beeswax Absolute
This note brings a balsamic facet to compositions. The wax is collected during the normal maintenance of beehives, without harming either the bees or the queen. It can be discovered in Honey Oud by Floris and 45° by Trudon.
Ambergris
Ambergris is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating materials in perfumery. It forms from the indigestible parts of squid, which become coated within the digestive system of the sperm whale before being naturally expelled into the sea. Salt air and sunlight slowly transform this substance into a grey concretion prized for its mineral, marine, salty, and animalic facets.
Today, ambergris is almost exclusively recreated through synthetic molecules — ambrarome, ambroxan, ambrinol — valued for their marine and mineral nuances. Discover it in its natural interpretation in Message in a Perfume by Mark Buxton, or through ambroxan notes in Not a Perfume by Juliette Has a Gun and Megamare by Orto Parisi.
Why Wear Them Today?
Watch this new episode of Masternose and discover our fragrance selection below.
