Civet

A paste secreted by the perineal glands of the African civet cat, historically used in perfumery for its extraordinary fixative and animalic properties. Now entirely synthetic in fine fragrance due to ethical concerns.

Historically: African civet cats. Now: entirely synthetic — civetone and related molecules produced in laboratory settings.

Intensely animalic, fecal, musky and slightly sweet. Raw civet smells unmistakably of animal — challenging to most untrained noses. In dilution and in composition it transforms into something warm, intimate and deeply compelling. The line between offensive and irresistible is very thin with civet.

Civet was historically one of perfumery’s most important fixative ingredients — extending the longevity of other materials dramatically. Synthetic civet adds warmth, animalic depth and intimate skin-like quality. It appears in classical perfumery extensively and still underlies many modern compositions in synthetic form.

Also appears in: Leather, Chypre, Powdery