CIVETTONE

Civettone is a powerful synthetic musk molecule replicating the animalic warmth of natural civet, once obtained from the civet cat but now produced ethically. Its scent is warm, musky, and slightly leathery, with creamy, ambery nuances that add depth and sensuality to a fragrance. As a base note, Civettone provides fixative strength and a natural skin-like warmth, enhancing the animalic and seductive aspects of a composition.

History & Production: Following the ban on animal-derived civet, perfumers turned to synthetic macrocyclic musks like civettone to recreate that nuanced animalic warmth. Civettone is synthesized in the lab under controlled conditions, enabling stability, repeatability, and ethical compliance. It is often used sparingly—sub-percent levels—because of its power and ability to anchor a fragrance’s base while enhancing depth and diffusion.