Civettone has a strong, musky, and animalic scent profile, reminiscent of natural civet but with a cleaner, slightly powdery undertone. It is often described as warm, sensual, and slightly sweet, providing depth and longevity to fragrances. Used in trace amounts, it can impart a creamy, velvety musk character without the harshness of true animalic materials.
Scent Profile
Civettone possesses a powerful animalic musk aroma with warm, creamy, and slightly sweet facets. Its scent is smoother and more refined than natural civet, with a subtle powdery undertone that softens its intensity. Over time, civettone mellows, leaving a velvety, persistent musk impression.
Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.
What this is made of
civetone
Names this molecule
CAS 542-46-1
CORRECTED 2026-08-14: this edge said the material was not held, and it is - as 'civetone' (CAS 542-46-1). The gap was in the LOOKUP, not the catalogue: we store this molecule under its systematic or registry name, the edge was authored against the trade name, and nothing matched. Supplier catalogues published the CAS and PubChem confirmed it (CID 5315941). Previously: The civet macrocycle; we do not hold it. The material that would realise this note is civettone; we do not hold it, so this edge names the gap rather
Civettone is a macrocyclic ketone originally isolated from the glandular secretions of the African civet cat. Today, it is produced synthetically for ethical and sustainability reasons, using chemical processes that replicate its natural structure.
Usage in Perfumery
Perfumers use civettone in trace amounts as a base note to impart warmth, sensuality, and lasting power to compositions. It is valued for blending with florals, musks, and orientals, where it enhances complexity and creates a soft, animalic foundation without overt harshness.
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