Castoreum - Perfumery Base

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What is Castoreum and where does it originate?

Castoreum is the exudate from the castor sacs of the mature North American Beaver and European Beaver, and it is derived from the animal source Castor canadensis.

What is the origin of the term "Castoreum"?

The term "Castoreum" comes from the Greek word "Kastor," which means beaver.

How is Castoreum obtained from beavers?

Castoreum is obtained from the castor sacs, which are scent glands of the beaver. These sacs are not true glands at a cellular level, but are instead a type of scent gland.

What historical myths are associated with Castoreum?

Ancient commentators believed that Castoreum was derived from the beaver's testicles, a fallacy that was perpetuated in Aesop's fables, where it was suggested that the beaver bit off its testicles to escape predators.

What was Castoreum historically used for?

Historically, Castoreum was used as an aphrodisiac, and beavers were hunted for their fur, not their testicles, which were mistakenly thought to be the source of Castoreum.

Who produces Castoreum today, and how is it sourced?

Currently, a company in Canada farms beavers for their fur coats, and Castoreum is a byproduct of this process, making it one of the few animal products legally allowed for use in perfumery.

What are some chemical compounds found in Castoreum?

Castoreum contains at least twenty-four compounds, including phenols (4-ethylphenol and catechol), ketones (acetophenone and 3-hydroxyacetophenone), and various neutral compounds like monoterpenes and benzoic acid.

How do the compounds in Castoreum contribute to its fragrance?

These compounds have pheromonal activity and contribute to Castoreum's complex musky, leathery, woody, and sweet odor, with some providing sharp, pungent, or turpentine-like notes.

What role does Castoreum play in perfumery?

Castoreum is used as a key ingredient in many perfumes, providing a rich, animalic undertone that complements leather, woody, and spicy notes.

How does Castoreum contribute to fragrance profiles?

Castoreum adds a sensual, warm, and earthy depth to fragrance profiles, making it an essential base in luxurious, oriental, and fougère perfumes.

What are the safety and toxicity concerns with Castoreum?

Acute toxicity studies indicate that Castoreum extract is non-toxic when administered orally or dermally. It is not irritating or phototoxic to the skin, and skin sensitization has not been observed in human tests.

How has Castoreum historically been used in flavoring and fragrances?

Castoreum has been used historically as both a flavoring and fragrance ingredient, and there have been no reports of adverse human reactions from its long-term use in low concentrations.

How is Castoreum extract prepared for perfumery?

Castoreum extract is typically obtained by aging dried beaver castor sacs for two or more years, during which the raw harshness dissipates, and then alcohol tincturing it.

What makes Castoreum an interesting ingredient in men's fragrances?

Castoreum’s pungent, strong animalic note makes it an intriguing addition to men’s perfumes, as well as in fougères, chypres, oriental bases, and leather notes.

How does Castoreum enhance fragrance accords?

Castoreum helps create sensuality in fragrance accords, providing a warm, sweet, leathery note that adds richness and depth.

What are Castoreum Perfumery Base products used for?

Castoreum Perfumery Base is used extensively in creating fragrances that are sensual, earthy, and warm, especially in high-end perfumery.

How does Castoreum contribute to the longevity of fragrances?

As a base note and fixative, Castoreum increases the longevity of fragrance compositions, helping to maintain their rich scent for longer periods.

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