Animalic

Animalic describes an animal-like character in a scent. Depending on the material and blend, the impression may be musky, warm, leathery or more pungent. It can form a noticeable part of a perfume or a subtler facet within flowers, woods or amber.

Synthetic materials can provide animalic effects. DSM-Firmenich identifies Civettone as a synthetic molecule with musky, powdery and animalic descriptors, used in reconstructing a civet-like odor. A civet-like impression is therefore different from confirmation that natural civet was used.

If ingredient origin matters to your choice, consult the manufacturer’s information for the specific product. A note name alone is not enough to establish its sourcing or the status of the entire formula.

The classic animalic materials came from animals: civet, castoreum from beavers, and musk from the musk deer. Modern perfumery replaces them with synthetics that recreate the effect, and indole, the molecule that gives jasmine its warm, slightly animal edge, does similar work in many florals.