Chapter
The Gross Ingredients Used in Perfumes
09:01 - 12:05 (03:04)
Some perfumes may contain fixatives made from gross ingredients such as beaver anal glands and whale feces. Whale feces are used to create an ambergris scent, while beaver anal glands produce a musky smell.
Clips
This podcast discusses the use of animal secretions as ingredients in everyday items such as perfume and explains how some of these ingredients are obtained from the sex or scent glands of animals.
09:01 - 10:36 (01:34)
Animal Secretions
Summary
This podcast discusses the use of animal secretions as ingredients in everyday items such as perfume and explains how some of these ingredients are obtained from the sex or scent glands of animals.
ChapterThe Gross Ingredients Used in Perfumes
EpisodeSelects: How Perfume Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Ambergris, a waxy substance found in some perfumes, was once thought to be vomit, but it is actually believed to be a substance expelled through the rectum of sperm whales.
10:36 - 12:05 (01:29)
Ambergris
Summary
Ambergris, a waxy substance found in some perfumes, was once thought to be vomit, but it is actually believed to be a substance expelled through the rectum of sperm whales. This strange and often expensive ingredient is used as a fixative in perfumes to help them adhere to the skin.