Comme des Garçons · 2014
Series 16: Animal - Castoreum
EDTUnisex
The Story
Castoreum is a bold, animalic fragrance that captures the raw essence of the beaver's secretion. It opens with a sharp, medicinal blast of castoreum and birch tar, then settles into a warm, leathery heart with hints of labdanum. The base is a smoky, resinous blend of styrax and cade oil, creating a scent that is both primal and sophisticated. This is not for the faint of heart; it's a statement of pure, unapologetic animalism.
Note Breakdown
Encyclopedia Insights
Is Castoreum a synthetic or natural ingredient?+
In this fragrance, castoreum is a synthetic reconstruction, as natural castoreum is rarely used due to ethical and cost reasons. It captures the animalic, leathery character of the original.
How does this compare to other animalic scents like Secretions Magnifiques?+
Castoreum is more focused on warm, leathery animalics with a smoky backbone, whereas Secretions Magnifiques is more about metallic, salty, and bodily notes. Castoreum is challenging but more wearable.
What occasions is this best suited for?+
This is a bold, statement-making scent best reserved for cool weather evenings or special events where you want to stand out. It's not a casual office fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castoreum a synthetic or natural ingredient?+
In this fragrance, castoreum is a synthetic reconstruction, as natural castoreum is rarely used due to ethical and cost reasons. It captures the animalic, leathery character of the original.
How does this compare to other animalic scents like Secretions Magnifiques?+
Castoreum is more focused on warm, leathery animalics with a smoky backbone, whereas Secretions Magnifiques is more about metallic, salty, and bodily notes. Castoreum is challenging but more wearable.
What occasions is this best suited for?+
This is a bold, statement-making scent best reserved for cool weather evenings or special events where you want to stand out. It's not a casual office fragrance.
Verified Primary Sources
✓Fact Checked by Essentia Editorial Team