Musks

Musks are a class of fragrant substances traditionally derived from the glandular secretions of musk deer. The material, musk, is prized for its warm, deep, animalic aroma and its ability to act as a long-lasting fixative in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicines. While musk once referred to the natural secretion from the musk gland, most modern perfumery relies on synthetic or alternative sources, and natural musk remains highly regulated and controversial because of wildlife concerns.

Conservation and sourcing have shaped musk’s modern use. Musk deer species, such as the Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) and related species, are threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Because of these pressures, musk trade is tightly regulated under international agreements, and many countries restrict or prohibit the harvest, export, or sale of natural musk. In response, the fragrance industry has emphasized synthetic musks and other alternatives to reduce pressure on musk deer populations.

Chemical and stylistic classification in modern perfumery places synthetic musks into several structural families. These include macrocyclic musks, polycyclic musks, and nitro musks. Common examples cited in industry literature include macrocyclic and polycyclic musks such as galaxolide, tonalide, celestolide, and cashmeran, while nitro musks such as musk xylene and musk ketone were historically used but face regulatory scrutiny due to persistence and potential health concerns. Today, natural musk is far less common, with synthetics providing the primary source for musk notes.

In use, musks function as base notes, providing lasting warmth and depth that blends with floral, woody, and oriental accords.