Animalic Notes

Animal, faecal, sensual, powerful, ink-scented, warm, ammonia-scented, musky, pervasive, fixative…

Held in high esteem for their ability to add a warm depth of strength and sensuality to a fragrance, animal notes are quintessential to the history of perfumery. Powerful, sensual and pervasive, animal notes evoke a beguilingly tenacious effect and act as a sort of fixative—occupying a place of choice in fragrance compositions with their ability to add smoothness and an enhancing depth. For various ecological reasons, natural animal notes have today been replaced by synthetic molecules that skillfully recreate these warm and sensual notes.

Data sheet

Type

Production

While the method of production differs depending on the animal and note in question, animal notes were typically produced through a natural secretion produced to attract the opposite sex. Animal notes were often used as a dye or infused in alcohol.

History

Throughout history, we have looked to animal notes in an effort to emulate their sensual character and adopt their warm essence. Among others, the sperm whale, civet, beaver and musk deer have caught our attention—informing and influencing the ways in which we have understood and evaluated fragrance for centuries. A dash of animal essence has left us feeling powerful, glorifying the skin and exalting the body. Henry III, among other noteworthy adorners of animal notes, was particularly fond of musk and was known to sprits the suave note upon any item he touched. Joséphine de Beauharnais was also a fervent admirer of musk and used it with absolute excess. Agnès Sorel, on the other hand, had a fond affection for ambergris and would drench herself in the salty, sultry essence at any given moment.