Perfumes with ambrette seed
Ambrette seed, also known as muskus seed, is derived from the Abelmoschus moschatus, commonly known as hibiscus (the flower).
Ambrette imparts sweet, musky powderiness to perfumes, elevating them with a sense of opulence and luxury. As it resembles musk compounds, it is also called vegetable musk.
How and why is ambrette seed used in perfumes?
Ambrette seed, Abelmoschus moschatus, is extracted from the seeds of the hibiscus flower. It is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the Malvaceae family, native to India, tropical Asia, northern Australia, Africa, and Central and South America.
Ambrette absolute is used by perfumers not only for its olfactory character, but also because of its fixative power. It is a base note that enhances the natural quality of other ingredients and provides a long-lasting effect on the skin. However, there are people who have difficulty perceiving the smell of ambrette seed (selective anosmia).
Ambrette seed is also used as natural alternative for, or enhancement of synthetic musks, hence the term ‘vegetable musk’.