Musk has many benefits. This ingredient, which was originally a natural substance extracted from the cervids such as the male musk deer, has fortunately now been reconstituted synthetically to protect animal species. Used extensively by perfumers, it has a number of unsuspected benefits for health and well-being. In this article, we explore the unexpected properties that make musk an indispensable part of our daily lives.
The everyday benefits of musk
A powerful antioxidant
Musk contains natural compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to fight against the free radicals responsible for premature cell ageing. By consuming or using products containing musk, you could be helping to reduce oxidative stress in your body, which can have positive effects on your overall health.
Musk to relieve stress and anxiety
The subtle aroma of musk is known for its calming effects on the mind. Many people find the scent of musk relaxing and comforting, making it an excellent choice for relieving stress and anxiety. Musk-based home or body fragrances can help improve your emotional well-being.
Improving sleep quality
Musk can also play a role in improving sleep quality. Its relaxing effect can help calm the mind before bedtime, promoting deeper, more restful sleep. You could consider using an essential oil diffuser containing musk in your bedroom to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Is musk a natural aphrodisiac?
For centuries, musk has been considered a natural aphrodisiac. Legend or not, we’ll let you judge for yourself! But its carnal, sensual fragrance can stimulate the senses and enhance intimacy between partners. Moreover, it is used in sensual skincare products, such as massage oils, to create a romantic atmosphere…
Increased concentration and creativity
The aroma of musk has been associated with improved concentration and creativity. If you need to concentrate or liberate your creative spirit, using musky scents could help you do just that.
Musk in perfume: natural or synthetic?
Musk comes in many forms: natural, animal or synthetic. Here is an overview of the different sources of musk in fragrances.
Natural musk
Natural musk comes from the scent glands of deer, in particular the Asian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus). This ingredient is obtained by a complex method involving the extraction of musk secretions from these animals. However, due to intensive hunting and conservation concerns, the use of natural musk is strictly prohibited.
Synthetic animal musk
Faced with the scarcity of natural musk and a necessary protection of animal species, perfumers have developed synthetic alternatives to animal musk. These synthetic musks are created in laboratories by imitating the aromatic components of natural musk. They have the advantage of being more sustainable and ethically responsible, as they do not involve hunting animals. They offer a variety of olfactory profiles, enabling perfumers to play with a wider range of nuances and aromas.
Vegetable musk
In addition to animal and synthetic musk, there are also plant-based alternatives to musk. These alternatives are often derived from plants such as ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus) or angelica grain. Although these plant musks may not reproduce the distinctive scent of animal musk, they do add a musky dimension to fragrances. As such, they are often used as environmentally-friendly substitutes.
Benefits of musk: what form for better health and well-being?
Musk is mainly used in perfume-making for its olfactory properties. As such, it is not generally consumed or used in the form of nutritional supplements to improve health. However, you can enjoy the soothing benefits of musk on well-being in a variety of ways.
Musk perfumes and essential oils
Personal fragrances containing musk notes can promote a relaxing, soothing atmosphere.
Home fragrances and scented candles with musk
Musk scented candles, sprays or room fragrances are a great way to enjoy musk notes. The soothing trail of musk creates a warm, relaxing ambience in your home.
Essential oils and musk massage oils
Some massage oils with musk notes can make a massage session more soothing and relaxing. Essential oils can be applied with a diffuser to create a relaxing atmosphere at home.
Body care products with musk
Certain musk-based body care products (lotions, shower gels, bath salts) are ideal for relaxation.
Musk cushions or sachets
Musk-scented cushions or sachets placed in wardrobes, drawers or under your pillow promote relaxation and improve the quality of your sleep.
Things to note…
Although musk can help you relax, it is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, exercise and sleep. To improve your health and well-being, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis.
And what about us?
Musk is intimately linked to our Carrément Belle history, and was at the heart of one of our first fragrances… At the end of the 80s, we unveiled a confidential fragrance soberly named musc: a discreet trail like a veil of lightness. It can be worn on its own or easily blended with the other fragrances in our collection.
