Musk is a product of natural origin that has traditionally been used in the perfumery sector. Thes plants with musk They are a more sustainable and ethical alternative when it comes to obtaining this substance that, initially, was extracted directly from animals.
Let's delve into this topic. We will learn what musk is, what it is used for, and in what plants we can find it.
What is vegetable musk?
Musk or musk is a substance that has been used for centuries in the production of fragrances and perfumes. Not only because of its aroma, but because it also hase qualities that help fix other aromas.
Originally, this substance was obtained from musk deer. The extraction is done from a gland that is located between the male's genitals and the navel, in which pheromones are generated that serve to attract females. To obtain musk you have to kill the animal and extract the entire gland, let it dry and then crush it. The fine powder obtained as a result is diluted in small portions in alcohol to obtain the much desired musk.
Luckily, since the 19th century this substance has been produced synthetically and can also be extracted from plants. This, in addition to being more sustainable, has caused the price of this raw material to drop, which has given rise to cheaper perfumes.
However, today, between 20.000 and 30.000 musk deer are still slaughtered each year, and the price of animal musk has tripled the price of gold. However, more and more brands, committed to sustainability, do not use animal musk and have switched to vegetable and even synthetic musk.
We can define plant musk as a substance similar to the original musk (that of animal origin), which comes from plant sources.
For what do you use it?
Today, it continues to be an essential component in perfumes and in the manufacture of cosmetic products. Of course, its aroma is somewhat more subtle and It lasts less than that of animal musk and artificial musk.
The aroma of musk, especially that of animal origin, has been attributed aphrodisiac properties for centuries, and It has been used as a sexual revitalizer for the women. But currently we have no scientific evidence that it works as a sexual stimulant.
It has also been attributed magical properties, associating it with protection against the evil eye and negative influences.
What are the plants with musk?
There are three essential varieties from which we can obtain this substance:
- Angelica.
- Mimulus.
- Hibiscus.
Angelica
Angelica archangelica is a herbaceous plant that has a long presence in traditional medicine and in the manufacture of perfumes.
It is evergreen and we can find it wild in both Europe and Asia. It can reach quite considerable heights, thanks to its robust stems. Furthermore, it has some large and toothed leaves that make it easily recognizable, and its flowers are borne in umbels. That is, they arise from the same point on the stem and rise to the same or almost the same height as each other.
This plant emits a distinctive aroma that is described as herbal, spicy and musky. Hence, it is a variety widely used in the field of perfumery and cosmetics. It is the essential oil of angelica, obtained from its seeds and roots, the one used to create perfumes and aromatic oils.
In addition, this is one of the most valued plants with musk, because in traditional medicine it is used to treat various ailments. While at a gastronomic level, its leaves and younger stems are widely used to flavor liquors and sweets.
Mimulus
The genus mimulus includes different species of plants, and not all of them stand out for their musky aroma. But those that do, are also highly appreciated in the field of perfumery and cosmetics.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus or hibiscus is another of the musk plants whose use is common in the field of perfumery. Its flowers with a sweet and pleasant aroma are highly appreciated and contribute to generating different fragrances.
In addition to these three varieties, we cannot fail to mention others that are gaining popularity among perfumers.
Ambrette musk
The hibiscus abelmoschus is a tropical plant whose seeds emanate a very characteristic musky aroma. And it is the oil extracted from them that is used to provide warm and sweet notes to perfumes.
Of all the plant musks, this is one of those that has the greatest similarity to that of animal origin.
Musk mallow or malva moschata
Musk mallow emits a musky aroma that we can even notice in its leaves. Its prominence within the field of perfumery is more limited by having an aroma more subtle than other sources of plant musk, but it is used when you want to create soft perfumes with a warm touch.
Ambrette or abelmoschus moschatus
Ambrette seeds, a plant that is also known as musk ambrette, are highly appreciated in perfumery, for their musky and floral aroma. The oil extracted from its seeds It is used to add a touch of sensuality to perfume creations.
How is musk obtained from plants?
Depending on the plant, it can be obtained from its seeds, its leaves or its stem. In any case, what is done is subjecting that part of the plant to a pressing process until you can obtain your essential oil.
Although it is not a complicated process, most major perfume brands are already opting for synthetic musks to meet high ethical and safety standards. conservation that today's consumers demand.
Now that you know more about plants with musk and how this product is obtained, the next time you buy a perfume, pay attention to its ingredients to find out if it contains plant musk.