Musk is a warm, subtle scent that is defined by a complex range of powdery, sweet, woodsy, and earthy aroma impressions. It has fruity or floral undertones that can also be detected depending on the musk. The scent of musk is powdery, soft, and somewhat sweet, and has been described as a better version of our natural skin scent. The alluring and seductive nature of this scent is often used as a base note to add long-lasting allure to fragrances.

Musk was originally derived from animals, but musky scents are now exclusively obtained from ethical safe synthetic sources. Synthetic musk, often referred to as white musk, is found in three different variations: aromatic nitro musks, polycyclic musk compounds, and macrocyclic musk compounds. Polycyclic and macrocyclic musks are the most common derivations that impart a powdery and soft scent.

Before the banning of animal musk, researchers had been working since the late 1800s on synthetic ingredients to reproduce musky notes. Their perfumes did not completely replace the natural smell so characteristic, but evoked more of a “clean” odor. Natural musk was used extensively in perfumery until the late 19th century when economic and ethical motives led to the adoption of synthetic musk, which is now used almost exclusively.

The harvesting of musk led fatally to the death of the deer, and the production of musk was also a very lucrative activity as it sold for up to 400,000 francs per kilo. While natural musk has been associated with numerous positive effects on the human body, synthetic musks such as musk ketone have been linked to hormone disruption and potential increased risk of cancer.

In summary, musk is a warm, subtle scent that is defined by a complex range of powdery, sweet, woodsy, and earthy aroma impressions. It is often used as a base note to add long-lasting allure to fragrances. While musk was originally derived from animals, musky scents are now exclusively obtained from ethical safe synthetic sources. Synthetic musks are man-made chemicals produced to replicate musk scents originally obtained from musk deer and musk ox.