Ambrette seed absolute (CAS 8015-62-1) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Musky · Woody

Ambrette seed absolute

CAS 8015-62-1

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Ambrette seed absolute?

Ambrette seed absolute is a luxurious natural ingredient derived from the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus. It’s found in high-end perfumes and body oils. This ingredient matters because it offers a unique musky-animalic scent that’s vegan-friendly, serving as a cruelty-free alternative to traditional animal-derived musks.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Natural origin, no animal derivatives
⚠ Potential allergen – check concentration
CAS
8015-62-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Musky · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Ambrette seed absolute Smell Like?

Ambrette seed absolute opens with a surprising fruity-wine nuance reminiscent of a fine Chardonnay, quickly revealing a complex core of musky warmth. The dry-down is where magic happens – a sophisticated skin-like musk with whispers of hay, old leatherbound books, and the faintest hint of something human. Unlike animal musks, it maintains an elegant restraint, like sunlight filtering through aged linen.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Musc Ravageur(Frédéric Malle, 2000)

Used here for its animalic yet clean musk profile, blending with vanilla and spices to create a scent that’s both intimate and luxurious.

Ambrette 9(Le Labo, 2008)

Showcases ambrette solo to demonstrate its remarkable ability to mimic skin musk without animal ingredients.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Ambrette seed absolute contains several macrocyclic lactones including ambrettolide, which are responsible for its musk-like properties. These large-ring molecules interact with human musk receptors similarly to animal-derived musks. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of the seeds, concentrating these valuable odorants while preserving their natural complexity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous yellow to amber liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (6+ hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Provides musky foundation
Body Oils1-3%Up to 7%Skin-affinity enhancement

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Sensual Musk + Sandalwood + Iris = Powdery Elegance

Tip: Use sparingly – ambrette has excellent tenacity and can dominate blends if overused.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethylene Brassylate CAS 105-95-3

Synthetic macrocyclic musk when cost is a factor, though lacks ambrette’s natural complexity.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all categories.

EU Allergen Declaration

None known

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current levels in fragrances.

Sustainability

Ambrette cultivation supports sustainable agriculture in tropical regions. The yield is low (about 0.2-0.4% absolute from seeds), making it precious but ensuring small-scale production remains viable. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the ecological cachet of this natural ingredient.

Explore Ambrette seed absolute

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8015-62-1

Odor & Flavor

See above, Ambrette Absolute Oil and Ambrette Seed.📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IOFI ClassificationNatural📖 Fenaroli
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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