Castoreum Absolute – Various origins – 100% Pure – Castor faber

Castoreum Absolute – Various origins – 100% Pure – Castor faber

Castoreum Absolute

Castoreum is a yellow compound that is produced by the scent glands of Canadian, European and beavers.  The glands known as castor sacs, are located between its pelvis and base of the tail and are milked to produce the yellow substance. The odour that is produced from these sacs is very distinctive and used by beavers for marking territory and to identify each other.  Animal scent markings are not usually associated with a pleasant scent. However pure castoreum has a musky vanilla aroma, which has made it a popular perfume ingredient.

The sacs are dried for a few years and followed by solvent extraction to produce a resinoid. To use this material you will need to first grind it in a pestle & mortar and then use a bain marie and then add it to ethanol or it can be can mixed in any carrier oil.

The scent notes vary from musky, amber, animalic, fruity, vanilla, birch tar, leather giving any perfume sensuality.

Classic perfumes which have incorporated castoreum are Shalimar, Lancome Caractere, Givenchy III. Chanel Antaeus and Cuir de Russie, just to name a few.

Blends well with rose, oud, chypres, and oriental perfumes and an excellent fixative for other notes.

Origin: Various origins

Parts used: pods
Extraction type: Solvent extraction
Appearance: Dark brown

Warning: For external use only. Dilute in a carrier oil. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. If pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, consult your doctor. If skin sensitivity occurs discontinue use.