Animalic fragrances

Raw and a bit dirty. Divisive, but unforgettable in small doses.

What they smell like

Beeswax Honeyed and waxy with a faint barnyard hum underneath.
Castoreum Leathery, smoky and warm. Adds depth and a bit of danger.
Civet Sharp, faecal and intense on its own. In trace amounts it makes florals glow.
Costus Smells like unwashed hair and warm skin. Deeply strange.
Cumin Warm, spicy and unmistakably sweaty. Divides rooms.
Hyraceum Fermented, earthy and deep. Surprisingly rounded once diluted.
Indole The molecule that makes jasmine smell almost rotten. Beautiful in tiny amounts.
Deer Musk The original animal musk. Now synthetic — warm, dirty and powdery.