Seamus Hammond
It may seem counterintuitive to use poop in a product designed to make people smell better, but some perfumes do contain compounds that are also found in feces. These compounds include indole, skatole, and ambergris, which is derived from whale feces. While it may seem surprising, the use of these compounds in perfumes can actually enhance their fragrance and make them more long-lasting. Additionally, some companies are experimenting with using odor-blocking fragrances to mask unpleasant odors, creating a more pleasant olfactory experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical compound in perfume that is also found in poop | Indole, Skatole, Ambergris |
| Source of indole | White flowers |
| Odor of indole | At low concentrations, it has a flowery smell, at high concentrations, it has an intense fecal smell |
| Use of indole | To lend a fragrance a human, sexual edge |
| Source of ambergris | Whale poop |
| Odor of ambergris | Sweet marine musk |
| Use of ambergris | To make scents linger longer and intensify the aroma of the perfume |
| Cost of ambergris | $20 per gram, $7,200 per pound |
| Use of skatole | Added to some foods to make them taste better |
| Odor of skatole | Can smell either good or bad |
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What You'll Learn
Whale poop, or ambergris, is used in perfume
Whale excretion, more commonly known as whale vomit or whale poop, is known as ambergris. It is a rare substance that develops in the intestine of sperm whales. It is produced when a clump of squid beaks is bound by a fatty secretion, which then balls up in the intestine of the whale. Over time, it is released into the ocean.
Despite its unglamorous origins, ambergris is highly prized by perfumers due to its unique scent and its suitability as a fixative. In perfumes, ambergris intensifies the aroma and makes the scent linger longer. The fragrance derived from ambergris is described as a sweet marine musk, which is caused by the active ingredient triterpene alcohol ambrein.
Ambergris is difficult to obtain, which contributes to its high value. It can be found on beaches or inside fishing nets, and its rarity means that it can cost up to $7,200 per pound, with a gram costing around $20. This makes ambergris one of the most valuable materials in the fragrance industry, and it is used in high-end perfumes by famous brands such as Chanel and Givenchy.
While natural ambergris is rarely used in perfumes due to its expense and rarity, synthetic alternatives have been developed. These include ambroxan, which was first created in 1950 from the Clary sage plant. However, fragrance devotees argue that synthetic ambergris does not have the same quality as the natural substance derived from whales.
Some well-known perfumes that contain ambergris include Eau des Merveilles by Hermes and Dioressence by Christian Dior. Roja Parfums also uses ambergris in some of its expensive perfumes, such as those in the Profumi D'Amore collection.
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A chemical in poop called indole is used in some perfumes
It turns out that some perfumes do contain a chemical that is also found in poop. This chemical, known as indole, is found in white flowers such as jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom, and it adds a deep, slightly fecal tone to fragrances. Indole is a naturally-occurring chemical that can also be created synthetically, resulting in a crystal-like substance with a strong mothball-like smell. However, when diluted, it can conjure up jasmine and orange blossom and pairs well with green notes and other floral ingredients.
The presence of indole in a fragrance can lend it a human, sexual edge. While indole has a fecal smell in high concentrations, at very low concentrations, it has a flowery scent. This duality is what makes indole a powerful molecule in perfumery, adding depth and warmth to fragrances. Alienor Massenet, a perfumer who has created fragrances for luxury brands, describes indole as "a very powerful molecule, both in masculine and feminine [fragrances]."
The concentration of indole is crucial, as too much can result in an overpowering and unpleasant scent. This may be why some perfumes with indole can smell bad, as the high concentration activates receptors in the nose associated with bad scents. However, when used in the right proportion, indole can enhance a perfume's animalic sensuality and provide a comforting warmth.
While indole may have a somewhat off-putting origin, it is a sought-after ingredient in the perfume industry due to its ability to create unique and captivating fragrances. It is an example of how a chemical compound can be utilized to enhance a perfume's appeal, even if it is also found in less desirable sources.
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Skatole, a chemical in poop, is used in perfume
Skatole, or 3-methylindole, is an organic compound that occurs naturally in the faeces of mammals and birds. It is the primary contributor to the odour of faeces and has a strong, foul smell. However, in very low concentrations, skatole has a pleasant, flowery fragrance. This is why it is used in some perfumes and fragrances. It is added to enhance the scent and make it last longer.
Skatole is also found in several flowers and essential oils, including orange blossoms, jasmine, and Ziziphus mauritiana. It is commonly used as a fragrance and fixative in perfumes, as well as an aroma compound. In addition to its use in perfumes, skatole is added to some foods, such as strawberry ice cream, to enhance their flavour. It is also one of the many chemicals added to cigarettes for flavour.
Skatole was discovered in 1877 by German physician Ludwig Brieger. Its name is derived from the Greek word "skatos", meaning dung. While skatole has a pleasant smell at low concentrations, it is still a very powerful molecule. It can be overwhelming and unpleasant if used in high amounts or concentrations.
Skatole is also known to be an attractant for certain insects and beetles, as well as gravid mosquitoes. It has been used in crowd control sprays in the USA and Israel due to its powerful and lingering odour.
In summary, skatole is a chemical compound found in poop that has a flowery fragrance when used in low concentrations. This unique property makes it a valuable ingredient in the perfume industry, despite its unpleasant origins.
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Poop-scented perfumes can be used to mask other bad smells
While it may seem counterintuitive, poop-scented perfumes can be used to mask other bad smells. This is because, at low concentrations, the chemical compound indole, which is responsible for the fecal scent, can have a flowery smell. Indole is found in white flowers such as jasmine, gardenia, and orange blossom, and the oils from these flowers are often used in perfumery. Thus, when used in small amounts, indole can enhance a fragrance and make it more appealing.
However, when used in high concentrations, indole can indeed smell like feces. This is because, according to some sources, a large amount of indole activates the receptors in the nose associated with bad scents. Therefore, a perfume with too much indole may end up smelling unpleasant.
Additionally, it is important to note that indole is not the only compound that can cause a perfume to smell bad. For example, ammonia, which can be produced by the large intestine during protein digestion, can also have an unpleasant smell. Infections in the digestive system, such as bacterial or parasitic infections, can also lead to foul-smelling stools.
Nevertheless, the use of indole in perfumes is not uncommon, and it can even be found in fragrances created by luxury brands. Alienor Massenet, a perfumer who has worked with brands such as Chloe, Giorgio Armani, and John Galliano, describes indole as "a very powerful molecule, both in masculine and feminine fragrances."
In conclusion, while it may seem surprising, the use of poop-scented perfumes to mask other bad smells is based on the understanding that certain chemical compounds, such as indole, can have different olfactory characteristics depending on their concentration.
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Too much perfume can smell like poop
Perfumes are made with a variety of chemicals, some of which can also be found in poop. For example, indole is a chemical that occurs naturally in human feces and has an intense fecal smell. However, at very low concentrations, indole has a flowery smell and is a common ingredient in many floral perfumes. Similarly, skatole, or 3-methylindole, is another chemical that can be found in both perfume and poop, and is also added to some foods to enhance their flavor.
The presence of these chemicals in perfumes can sometimes lead to an unpleasant smell, especially when used in high concentrations. When a scent hits your nose in large concentrations, it binds to a wider range of receptors than it does when only a trace amount is detected. This means that too much perfume can activate the receptors in your nose associated with bad scents, resulting in an overwhelming and unappealing smell.
In addition to indole and skatole, some expensive perfumes also contain ambergris, which is derived from whale poop. Ambergris is highly valued for its unique smell and its ability to act as a fixative, intensifying the aroma of the perfume and making the scent linger longer. However, it is important to note that ambergris is not easily obtained, and its rarity contributes to its high price tag.
While the presence of poop-derived chemicals in perfume may seem unappealing, it is important to consider the role of these ingredients in creating long-lasting and complex fragrances. Additionally, in some cases, these chemicals can be used to mask offensive odors, as seen in Firmenich's odor-blocking fragrances, which aim to improve sanitation in communities with poor sanitation.
In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive to include poop-derived chemicals in perfumes, these ingredients can serve important purposes and contribute to the overall appeal and performance of the fragrance when used in the right concentrations. However, when overapplied, these same chemicals can indeed cause the perfume to take on an unpleasant, poop-like smell.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some perfumes contain whale poop, also known as ambergris, a clump of squid beaks and fatty secretions. It is a fixative, which makes other smells in the perfume last longer. It is also valued for its unique smell, described as a sweet marine musk.
According to some sources, when indole, a chemical found in both poop and some flowers, is present in large concentrations, it binds to a wider range of receptors in the nose than when only a trace of it is detected. The receptors associated with bad scents are activated when there is too much indole, while a small amount will stick to more acceptable receptors.
Skatole, or 3-methylindole, is another chemical that is found in poop and is used in perfumes. It is also added to cigarettes and some foods, like strawberry ice cream, to make them taste better.
