Ambroxan: The Polarising Synthetic

Ambroxide, widely known by the brand name Ambroxan, is a synthetic aromatic compound used in fragrances and is often described as warm, woody, salty, musky, and, at times, with a clean, mineral-like freshness. Synthesised from sclareol, a compound extracted from clary sage, ambroxan was developed in the 1950s to mimic the rare scent of natural ambergris (a byproduct of whales) without using animal products.

Ambroxan vs Ambergris

To put it simply, ambroxan is synthetic, while ambergris is natural. Yet ambroxan is considered more favourable to ambergris; why is that? Well, from a consumer standpoint, the extraction of sclareol isn’t a cruel process, unlike ambergris, which is linked to whaling. Mind you, perfumers don’t have to go hunt whales to acquire ambergris, which can be found on beaches after being expelled into the ocean by whales. But this happens very far and between, which brings us to the production standpoint.

To create large quantities of perfumes containing ambergris, you’re gonna need a huge amount of it. Ambergris, being as rare as it is, leads to a very costly perfume production process. This is why many perfume makers and companies prefer the use of ambroxan, making production more cost-efficient, and giving them the opportunity to market their products as “more sustainable/ethical”. 

Why is it polarising, though? Ambroxan has unique chemical properties that cause it to be perceived in wildly different ways, or not at all, depending on the individual’s sense of smell. And for those who do smell it, they either love it for creating a clean, fresh effect in scents, or hate it for coming off as too harsh or metallic even.

Let’s take a look at the following popular fragrances that feature ambroxan as a main note.

1. Juliette Has A Gun Lili Fantasy EDP

The first fragrance with ambroxan is by Juliette Has A Gun, but it’s not “Not a Perfume,” which was mentioned in my article on fragrance enhancers. Today, we’re gonna be talking about Lili Fantasy by the brand. This fragrance is slightly sweet and very sensual in its own way. It does dry down to a lovely skin-like scent with floral notes thrown in the mix. The sultry, musky amboxan is definitely present but is enhanced with the floral notes that also dominate the scent.

2. Kilian Vodka On The Rocks EDP

A highly original fragrance, Vodka on the Rocks by Kilian is an interesting scent with a cooling effect. Perfect for warmer weather, this fragrance is a light, boozy one that will accompany you perfectly during the summer, and it will definitely help you have more fun. The ambroxan in the base warms the scent from its cold opening, balancing it out a little.

3. Dior Sauvage EDT

Ah, yes, the icon. Sauvage by Dior has become an entry-level fragrance for many. It could be your first “grown-up” perfume, or just something to wear every other day. Sauvage is inspired by wild, open spaces; blue sky that covers rocky landscapes, hot under the desert sun. This versatile fragrance has become a staple in many men’s fragrance collections.

4. Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue EDT

I usually am a fan of Versace fragrances. The Eros EDT and EDP are both among my favourite fragrances for men. Dylan Blue Pour Homme is not an exception. Unlike the Eros fragrances, though, which are warm, rich, and decadent, this scent is light, clean, and extremely wearable for many occasions. I would recommend this as a light, everyday fragrance to wear to the office or while running errands. It’s fresh and blue without feeling sharp or synthetic, beautifully blended and easy to wear.

Find these ambroxan fragrances and more at V Perfumes, your go-to perfume shop in Dubai. Shop at the best prices in the UAE and Gulf region and don’t miss out on exclusive offers online and in-store.

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