Anisha Riggs
Some perfumes have a distinct urine-like scent, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including the presence of certain ingredients, skin chemistry, and even the water used during showering. For example, black currant leaf (cassis) found in some perfumes is known to have a cat urine smell, while indole, a molecule found in jasmine, narcissus, and orange blossom, can also remind people of urine. Additionally, phenylacetic acid, which is used in civet bases, is infamous for its urine-like note. The combination of certain perfumes with personal care products or exposure to chemicals like chlorine can also result in an off-putting urine-like smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scents | Black currant, black currant leaf, cassis, jasmine, honey, rose, musk, bitter citrus, grapefruit, coffee beans, indole, para-cresol, phenylacetic acid |
| Other factors | Personal body chemistry, diet, other personal care products, chlorine in water |
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What You'll Learn
Black currant, black currant leaf, and cassis
Black currant, also known as cassis, is a fruit native to Europe and Asia that has been cultivated in North America for centuries. The black currant plant is a bushy shrub that first appeared in France at the end of the 16th century. The fruit itself is small, round, and dark purple or black in colour, growing on bushes that can reach up to six feet tall. Black currants have a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used as a treatment for acute gout.
The black currant fragrance is often described as fruity, woody, and wonderful, with a unique essence that master perfumers understand well. The distilled absolute of the black currant buds and leaves is known as bourgeons de cassis, a light, fruity, and woody note with a slightly animalic edge. This animalic aspect, reminiscent of cat urine, is derived from specialized hairs called glandular trichomes found on about 30% of the black currant plant. These trichomes carry thioles, specifically 4-methoxy-2-methylbutan-2-thiol, which contribute to the characteristic "cat urine" note in perfumes.
Black currant fragrances can be found in a variety of products, including candles, diffusers, personal care items, home fragrances, deodorant sprays, and fine, customized perfumes. In perfumery, black currant blends particularly well with roses and other floral notes, creating a harmonious and romantic scent. It also pairs well with a range of ingredients such as allyl amyl glycolate, ambrettolide, benzoin, benzyl acetate, buch leaf oil, orange and other citruses, cyclamen aldehyde, beta-damascone, beta-ionone, and ethyl maltol, among others.
The black currant berry is celebrated for its tart-sweetness and is a popular ingredient in today's fruity-floral perfumes. Its aroma is derived from a combination of esters, such as ethyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate, which give it a sweet yet tangy scent. The leaves of the cassis plant are also used in perfumery, creating a more herbaceous and green fragrance with a peppery and woody aroma.
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Jasmine, orange blossom, and narcissus
Jasmine, a genus of shrubs and vines, has a scent that is a blend of rich, sweet, fruity, and sensual floral notes with an exotic edge. It is often seen as a symbol of seduction, femininity, and love. The jasmine flower, though delicate, has a strong and king-like scent. This unique scent is due to the molecules indole and methyl dihydrojasmonate. Indole, which smells like mothballs, lends the jasmine its animalistic quality. Methyl dihydrojasmonate adds a warm, floral freshness to the scent.
Orange blossom, a highly fragrant flower, is indispensable in the perfume industry. The orange blossom absolute, obtained by solvent extraction, has a deep and sweet fragrance reminiscent of fresh flowers. It is used in many fragrances, especially colognes, chypres, ambers, floral bouquets, and heavy orientals. It complements all other citrusy notes and acts as a natural fixative, helping the original composition last longer. Neroli, on the other hand, is obtained by steam distillation of freshly picked flowers and has a more pure and innocent scent with citrusy and light facets.
Narcissus, known since ancient times, has a multifaceted scent. It has light floral notes (rose, jasmine), deep "hypnotic" notes (ylang-ylang, tuberose, iris, violet), balmy notes (styrax), and even woody notes. The scent is formed by a range of molecular entities rather than a single characteristic odorant. Narcissus absolute, a traditional extraction method, results in a bright green, woody, and deep floral smell with warm nutty, balmy, and earthy nuances.
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Phenylacetic acid
Some perfumes are said to have a "'pissy' smell to them. People have noticed this in perfumes such as MiuMiu Twist, Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Orchid, and Dior Midnight Poison. This smell is often attributed to the presence of blackcurrant, honey, or citrus notes in the perfume.
The urine-like smell of phenylacetic acid is said to be extremely strong at 10% dilution, and it wears off within a day on paper and 1.5 hours on the skin. At a 1% dilution, the smell is still noticeable, but it is not as strong. Some people find the smell of phenylacetic acid so unpleasant that they would never consider using it in their perfumes, even at low concentrations.
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Grapefruit
Some perfumes are said to have a urine-like scent. This could be due to several factors, including the interaction of the perfume with the wearer's skin chemistry, diet, and other personal care products.
In addition to grapefruit, other citrus notes such as mandarin, pineapple, and black currant have also been associated with urine-like scents in perfumes. Some people have also noted that the combination of certain fruits with other notes, such as cedar, can enhance the urine-like aspect of the fragrance.
It is important to note that the perception of urine-like scents in perfumes is subjective and can vary from person to person. While some people may detect these notes, others may not. Additionally, the urine-like scent may only be detectable up close and may dissipate with distance.
The presence of urine-like notes in perfumes is not necessarily considered a negative aspect. In fact, some people appreciate the complexity that these notes can add to a fragrance, viewing it as a unique and interesting aspect of perfumery.
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Personal body chemistry
The unique personal body chemistry of each individual can cause certain perfumes to take on a urine-like scent. This phenomenon can be attributed to the interaction of the perfume with an individual's skin, diet, and other personal care products. For instance, some people have reported that perfumes with jasmine, rose, or black currant notes can emit a urine-like odour when combined with their body chemistry.
One example of how personal body chemistry can alter the scent of perfume is through the presence of phenylacetic acid, which is known for its urine-like note. While it can smell like honey in diluted forms, it can also take on a urine-like odour, particularly when combined with certain body chemistries. This can result in a fragrance that is perceived as urine-like by some individuals.
In addition to phenylacetic acid, indole is another molecule that can contribute to the urine-like scent in perfumes. Found naturally in jasmine, narcissus, and orange blossom, indole adds depth and an intriguing "bloom" to floral fragrances. However, for some individuals, indole may interact with their unique body chemistry to create an odour reminiscent of urine.
It is worth noting that the perception of urine-like notes in perfumes is highly subjective and varies across individuals. While some people may detect these notes in certain perfumes, others may smell entirely different scents, such as amber or floral notes. This variation highlights the complex interplay between perfume chemistry and personal body chemistry, which can lead to diverse scent interpretations.
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Frequently asked questions
Some perfumes contain phenylacetic acid, which is infamous for having a urine note. It is used in civet bases and for its floral rose character.
Black currant/black currant leaf (also known as cassis) is often mentioned as an ingredient that can smell like cat urine.
Some users have reported this smell in Miumiu Twist, Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Orchid, Dior Midnight Poison, Chanel Mademoiselle, and Bulgari Pour Homme Extreme.
Yes, it is possible that the combination of a perfume with other products like soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, or even the water in your area could be causing the urine-like smell.
Skin chemistry could also be a factor. Some people might smell a urine note in a perfume due to their personal body chemistry, while others might not.
