Castoreum

castoreum is a fragrant oil with animal notes produced by the North American beaver

Castoreum is a kind of very fatty oil secreted by the glands of the North American beaver. The animal produces this substance to protect itself from cold and humidity by making its hair waterproof. To collect castoreum, the animal must be killed. Because of mass reproduction in the northern United States and Canada, the beaver is hunted to regulate its population but also to sell its fur. The smell of castoreum is initially very powerful with fecal notes. Over time, it gives off strong nuances of leather. There is also a fruity and sweet aspect where you can recognize tones of plums and black olives. At Carrément Belle, we prefer to use synthetic derivatives of animal materials in order to preserve the species.