Hyraceum
Animalic

Hyraceum

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Note Profile

Animal 20 perfumes

About

Fossilised deposits of the African rock hyrax - a complex animalic with musk, civet, tobacco and leather facets. An ethical alternative to traditional animalics.

Scent Profile

Hyraceum has a deeply animalic scent with pronounced musk, civet, and leathery undertones, complemented by smoky, tobacco-like nuances. Its aroma is complex and evolves from sharp, pungent facets to softer, earthy warmth over time. The note imparts a naturalistic, primal character that can be both challenging and intriguing in a composition.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused
EnvelopeBase · ~36h lasting
Family Amber · Musk · Leather

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Hyraceum names no single substance

A natural extract

Fossilised hyrax excreta IS collected and tinctured, so a material genuinely exists - we simply do not hold it. Recorded as a reconstruction here rather than left unclassified, but it is really an onboarding gap. The material that would realise this note is Hyraceum tincture; we do not hold it, so this edge names the gap rather than asserting a reconstruction.

How the layers join

Origin

Hyraceum is sourced from fossilised excrement and urine deposits of the African rock hyrax, which accumulate over centuries in sheltered rocky areas. The material is collected without harm to the animals and then solvent-extracted to yield a resinous substance used in perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use hyraceum primarily in the base of fragrances to impart depth, warmth, and a realistic animalic effect. It is often blended with leather, tobacco, woods, and floral notes to add complexity or mimic traditional animalics in ethical formulations. Its fixative properties also help anchor more volatile ingredients.

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Perfumes featuring Hyraceum

A selection of reviewed perfumes where Hyraceum appears prominently.

Browse all 20 perfumes featuring Hyraceum