Castoreum is a substance secreted by male and female beavers from pouchlike sacs located near the base of their tails. Beavers use their castoreum in part to mark their territory, secreting it on top of mounds of dirt they construct on the edges of their home turf.Castoreum has a warm, woody, musky scent with floral and spicy undertones that adds depth and richness to fragrances. Its unique scent profile makes it an ideal complement to the floral notes in a perfume, particularly jasmine.In perfumery, castoreum can be found in both men's and women's fragrances and is often used as a base note. It provides depth and longevity to fragrances and helps to create a more harmonious blend.
Natural or Synthetic?
Natural Castoreum, extracted from beaver glands, is rarely used today due to ethical concerns and scarcity. It imparts a rich, animalic, leathery scent. Synthetically, similar accords are created using compounds like hydroxyphenyl acetic acid lactone to replicate its unique scent.
Fragrance Families Castoreum Most Commonly Found In
Show fragrances that contain Castoreum as a note