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What is tonkin musk?
Originally, tonkin musk was an animal raw material obtained from the secretion of a musk buckshot gland. This species lives in particular in Asia, Siberia or the Himalayas. Thus, the hunting of this mammal was practiced intensively in the 1900s, and more particularly between 1960 and 1970. It must be said that it was a very lucrative sport since it was then sold for 300 to 400,000 fr. the kilo! Indeed, this animal alone brings together many highly sought-after virtues. The latter's leather was used by Tibetans for making bags. Its hair, meanwhile, was used to stuff mattresses and pillows for Chinese emperors. Finally, the tonkin musk emanating from its glands was considered an aphrodisiac that was drunk through a straw. However,to protect this species, measures were taken and hunting of this buckshot is now totally prohibited. Likewise, the collection of his tonkin musk using a syringe is very rarely practiced for ethical reasons. What is more, this technique can lead to the death of the animal and therefore almost all musks used today are of synthetic origin. However, despite the many measures taken, there is still sometimes poaching of this species.animal and almost all musks used today are therefore of synthetic origin. However, despite the many measures taken, there is still sometimes poaching of this species.animal and almost all musks used today are therefore of synthetic origin. However, despite the many measures taken, there is still sometimes poaching of this species.
The creation of tonkin musk by perfumers
Fortunately, thanks to the many technical advances in the perfume sector, it is now possible to reconstruct the scent of tonkin musk in an artificial way. This one is extremely strong, both woody and animal. In this case, it is to the Firmenich group that we owe the complex recipe for synthetic tonkin musk. Moreover, they never stop creating new ones that always redouble more outfit, uniqueness and sensuality. Multiple ingredients are then used by the creative houses in order to get as close as possible to this inimitable smell. Ambrette, for example, is a flower that gives off a musky scent. Likewise, other raw materials such as castoreum, truffle tincture, indol, paracresyl acetate,… Serve to recreate this substance with almost inimitable sensuality.
In general, tonkin musk is more in the base notes of perfumes. It is a very powerful ingredient and endowed with an almost erotic sensuality is very animal. It is present in multiple fragrances, for example elegantly dressing Azzaro l'Eau for men or Dhalia Noir by Givenchy and Classique X L'Eau by Jean-Paul Gaultier for women. Likewise, perfumes such as Do you want to sleep with me By Kilian clearly seem to play on its carnal aspect
