Civet absolute (CAS 68916-26-7) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Civet absolute
CAS 68916-26-7
What Is Civet absolute?
Civet absolute is a rare animal-derived fragrance ingredient historically obtained from the civet cat’s scent glands. While now mostly replaced by synthetic alternatives, it was prized in traditional perfumery for its intense, musky character. This ingredient matters because it represents one of perfumery’s most controversial materials – both for its animal origin and powerful scent profile that shaped classic oriental fragrances.
Safety Profile
PROFESSIONAL USEWhat Does Civet absolute Smell Like?
Civet absolute delivers an overwhelming animalic punch – think of a sweaty leather saddle left in a barn, layered with fecal undertones that paradoxically transform into something addictive. The opening is aggressively fecal-musky, gradually revealing a warm, honeyed animalic heart with hints of tobacco and cured meats. In drydown, it becomes surprisingly smooth – like well-worn suede infused with amber and a whisper of floral indoles. Requires extreme dilution to reveal its true beauty as a complexing agent.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used in trace amounts to provide the legendary ‘dirty clean’ contrast – civet’s animalic warmth plays against the citrus-vanilla structure, creating addictive tension.
One of the first modern uses of civet, providing a bold animalic foundation that shocked Victorian sensibilities while pioneering the fougère-oriental hybrid.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Natural civet absolute contains dozens of compounds including civetone (a macrocyclic ketone), indoles, skatole, and various musky steroids. The scent profile results from synergistic effects between these molecules. Modern synthetic alternatives replicate key components without animal sourcing. Civetone’s large ring structure contributes to its persistence and diffusion.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Dark brown paste |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Used in trace amounts for animalic effects |
| Historical Formulas | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Older formulations used higher percentages |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before blending – the power of civet can overwhelm a formula at full strength.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Synthetic macrocyclic ketone that replicates civet’s key musky character without animal sourcing. Cleaner but lacks the complexity of natural civet.
Provides some animalic-musky effects but with a more powdery, cosmetic character compared to civet’s raw warmth.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions, but effectively banned in modern perfumery due to ethical concerns. Synthetic alternatives are used exclusively today.
RIFM Assessment
Not currently assessed by RIFM due to discontinued use in modern perfumery.
Sustainability
Natural civet production involved cruel practices and is now obsolete. Modern perfumery uses synthetic alternatives that replicate the scent profile without animal welfare concerns. Sourcing is therefore sustainable through chemical synthesis rather than animal farming.
Explore Civet absolute
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References
- Baldovini N. (2015). Chypre fragrances from 1880 to today. Chemistry & Biodiversity. PMID 26010641
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68916-26-7Odor & Flavor
| Civet absolute has a sweet animal-like odor, not very strong but rich and tenacious.📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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