‘Unleash the beast in you’ is an oft repeated phrase in ads. The phrase subtly asks you to loosen up and enjoy life, broaden your horizons and explore unknown territories or free your animal instincts while making love, depending on the product that’s being advertised. In perfumery, a woody-sweaty fragrance that appeals to primeval instincts, especially when it involves impressing the opposite sex, is a popular buy.
Unlike the impression they convey, Musks do not have a strong odour and may have a fruity, floral or sweet undertone and are used as a fixative base note. Originally extracted from the musk pod, a gland of the Musk Deer, it is now synthetically manufactured since killing of the endangered species is illegal. Natural musk from animals, before being prohibited, was one of the most expensive ingredients in the highest grades of perfumes that remained in use till the late 19th century. The name musk is believed to be derived from Persian Mushk, German Moschus, Latin Muscus or late Greek Moskhos. It may interest you to know that the nomenclature has an Indian link too, as some people believe that the word Musk originated from the Sanskrit word Muska, meaning testicle, since the gland was thought to resemble a scrotum. Musk pods are still used in traditional Chinese medicine.
A black granular material called “musk grain” is obtained by drying the musk pod of the Musk Deer. Alcohol is added to the musk grain and natural musk is extracted after considerable dilution. Several other animals that secrete substances with a similar odour are the Muskrat, Musk shrew, African Civet, Musk Duck, Muskox, Musk turtle, Musk Beetle and the American Alligator. Other natural sources include plants such as Muskwood, Musk flower and musk seeds from India.
Artificially produced musk for perfumery is called “white musk”. Due to the subtle scent of musk many perfume makers associate it with the white colour. Though fine-drawn, it is an essential ingredient which ensures that the fragrance is long lasting and lingers on. The aroma surrounding washed bedsheets that are hung out to dry or the smell of hot iron on clothes are typical musks.
We have used Musk in the following Hvnly perfumes: -
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Author: Sandipani Padhi