Note · Musks and ambers
Cetalox
Cetalox is the trade name of an amber molecule that evokes one facet of ambergris. Its scent is dry, woody and musky, with an impression of clean skin warmed by the sun. It is usually used as a base note, in small amounts.
What it brings
A diffuse, luminous aura, between dry wood, amber and clean skin.
Origins and uses
Cetalox is a synthetic molecule launched in 1993 by the fragrance house Firmenich, now dsm-firmenich. It belongs to the family of amber notes the company developed from its research on ambergris, begun in the 1930s, which had led in the 1950s to the synthesis of Ambrox. Its maker describes it as an extremely powerful and elegant amber note with a strong woody character.
According to dsm-firmenich, Cetalox brings rich, elegant effects to all of perfumery, from sheer florals to modern ambers; at low doses, it adds richness and warmth. It is also used in soaps, detergents and candles.
In our catalogue, it is the only note Juliette Has a Gun lists for Not a Perfume, in the top, heart and base at once.
Text written with the help of AI, based on reference sources: encyclopedias, raw-material manufacturers and official information from the fragrance houses.
Material profile
- Family
- Musks and ambers
- Nature
- Synthetic molecule
- Origin
- A synthetic molecule from the ambrox family, sold under this name by the fragrance house Firmenich.
- How it is obtained
- Laboratory synthesis
- On Volute
- 2 fragrances