Musk is an ingredient which is ubiquitous in the world of perfumes, known for its warm and sensual scent. This article explains what musk is and what it smells like.
What Is Musk?
Musk is a strong-smelling substance secreted by certain animals, used as a perfume ingredient for many centuries. Historically this came from the glandular secretions of the musk deer. Modern perfumes use synthetic musk which imparts some of the fragrant qualities of natural musk.
Musk is present in many of the best perfumes thanks to its desirable attributes. It acts as a fixative, balances perfume notes and extends the time perfume can be detected on the skin.
What Does Musk Smell Like?
When used in perfume, musk’s smell can be described as powdery, light, warm, sensual, and skin-like. It can also have a subtle animalic trait. Natural musk initially smells strong and unpleasant. It undergoes an ageing process during which it develops a more pleasing, subtle aroma. Both natural and synthetic musk perfume ingredients have a softer aroma than is typically assumed.
A Brief History of Musk
Animal-derived musk has been used as a perfume ingredient for many centuries, with its use recorded as far back as the 6th century. It quickly became a desirable item, regarded as a luxury and a symbol of status. Musk continued to be popular during the medieval and renaissance periods. The unique, sensual aroma of musk made it a favourite among nobles and royalty.
In time, the over-hunting of musk deer led to a decline in natural musk availability. This forced perfume makers to seek synthetic alternatives. In the late 19th century the first synthetic musk was created. At the start of the 20th century Muscone (an organic compound found in natural musk) was discovered. These innovations paved the way for the development of the synthetic musks of today.
What Are the Different Varieties of Musk?
Black/Natural Musk
Black musk is the name given to the musk substances obtained from animals, primarily the glandular secretions of the male musk deer.
- Derived from animal secretions
- Richer, animalic aroma
- Unethical to obtain
- Expensive
White/Synthetic Musk
White musk is the term used to refer to musk compounds which have been created through chemical synthesis. These synthetic musks have a delicate, clean quality. They can be sorted into the sub-groups of aromatic nitro musks, polycyclic musks and macrocyclic musks.
- Created in a laboratory using synthesis
- Cleaner, lighter aroma
- Inexpensive ingredient
- Can bioaccumulate in environment
5 Men’s Musk Perfumes to Try
Milk Musk by Molton Brown
Type: Eau de Parfum
Notes: Milk, Elemi, Vanilla, Musk, Ambroxan, Tonka Bean, Benzoin
Milk Musk by Molton Brown opens with fresh, spicy elemi which gives way to the perfume’s smooth middle of vanilla and musk. The base of the perfume features tonka bean and benzoin for a sensual aspect. A milk accord in this perfume’s formula adds to the soothing aroma profile.
Learn more about Milk Musk by Molton Brown
Musc Shamal by Armani Prive
Type: Eau de Parfum
Notes: Musk, Rose, Cedarwood, Vanilla
Musc Shamal from Armani Prive is an opulent mix of musks and rose, underpinned by cedarwood and vanilla which form the sensual base. This ambery perfume seeks to capture the warm intensity of a desert wind.
Learn more about Musc Shamal by Armani Prive
Clair de Musc by Serge Lutens
Type: Eau de Parfum
Notes: Musk, Bergamot, Orris
Taking inspiration from the moon’s glow, Clair de Musc by Serge Lutens has a crystalline, pure character. The perfume showcases musk’s organic aspects, veering away from its animalistic traits. The result is a cleaner, delicate scent.
Learn more about Clair de Musc by Serge Leutens
Original Musk by Kiehl’s
Type: Eau de Toilette
Notes: Musk, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Tonka Nut, Patchouli, Rose, Neroli, Lily, Ylang-Ylang
Taking inspiration from a 1920s Kiehl’s scent, Original Musk opens with fresh citrus notes of bergamot and orange blossom. At the perfume’s middle is a bouquet of soft florals which includes rose and neroli. Meanwhile, the perfume’s base of musk, tonka nut and white patchouli give the composition a sensual grounding.
Learn more about Original Musk by Kiehl's
Fleur de Peau by Diptyque
Type: Eau de Parfum
Notes: Musk, Iris, Ambrette, Pink Peppercorn
Blended musks are at the centre of Fleur de Peau by Diptyque. They combine to create a light and airy perfume with the character of cotton. The musks are enhanced by iris and ambrette seed. The latter adds a sweet, animal and fruity aspect to this perfume.
