Civet absolute

Say itSIV-it absolute

Fecal and intensely animal neat; warm, sensual, skin-like and floral-enhancing when diluted.

What it is: Natural absolute from perineal gland paste of the African civet (Civettictis civetta).
Where it comes from: Ethiopia
When you smell it: Dry-down: hours later.
What perfumers do with it: Historic animalic fixative that makes florals, especially jasmine and rose, bloom with warmth and sensuality.
Worth knowing: Chanel No. 5 contained natural civet until 1998, when it was replaced with a synthetic.
Known in: Chanel No. 5 (Chanel, 1921)
Also called: Civet paste or tincture; civette

Not on the label of any of the 232 perfumes read so far.

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