Notes Atlas/Castoreum
Woody · 240 fragrances
Castoreum.
240
Fragrances
1913
Earliest use in catalog
base
Typical position · 85%
Woody
Reads as
In the heart of woody, amber compositions, castoreum weaves a warm, spicy musk that anchors scents with an animalic depth.
Profile
What it reads as.
Share of castoreum-bearing fragrances carrying each accord.
Where to wear it
The fragrances that wear it best.
The Story
Castoreum in perfumery.
Castoreum, sourced from beaver secretions, carries a complex aroma of leather and vanilla with hints of raspberry. This rare material is often used to evoke the richness of animal notes in perfumes without resorting to more controversial ingredients like civet or musk deer.
Perfumers deploy castoreum as a base note, where its depth enhances woody and amber accords, adding warmth and an almost velvety texture. It frequently appears alongside patchouli for earthy tones, musk for sensuality, and bergamot to introduce freshness at the top.
Today, castoreum can be found in notable fragrances such as Chanel's Antaeus from 1981, which contrasts its animalic facets with floral notes, or Amouage’s Memoir Woman from 2010, where it supports a rich and enveloping scent. These compositions highlight the versatility of castoreum in creating complex olfactory landscapes.