Musk facts for kids

A musk deer in an old drawing

Musk is a special kind of smell often used in perfumes. It's like a deep, lasting scent. Originally, musk came from a gland of a small animal called the musk deer. This natural musk was very valuable and used in perfumes for a long time.

Over time, the word "musk" started to mean any strong, earthy smell, even if it came from other animals, plants, or even man-made chemicals. Today, most musk used in perfumes is made in labs because it's better for the environment and the animals.

What is Musk?

Musk is a type of strong, pleasant smell. It's often described as earthy, woody, or even sweet. In perfumes, musk is used as a "base note." This means it's one of the smells that lasts the longest and helps other scents stay on your skin.

For hundreds of years, natural musk was a very important part of making perfumes. It helped perfumes last longer and smell richer.

Where Does Musk Come From?

Musk can come from different places: animals, plants, or be made by people.

Musk Deer

A musk pod from a male musk deer

The musk deer is a small deer that lives in places like Tibet, India, China, and Siberia. Male musk deer have a special pouch under their skin that produces a strong-smelling substance. This substance is called musk.

In the past, people would get musk by finding these deer in the wild. The musk was a reddish-brown paste that would dry into black grains. When mixed with alcohol and diluted a lot, it created a unique and complex scent. Because of its strong smell, only a tiny bit was needed in perfumes.

Today, hunting musk deer for their musk is mostly illegal. This is because musk deer are endangered animals. Rules from groups like CITES (which controls trade in endangered species) help protect them.

Other Animals That Produce Musk

Many other animals also produce substances that smell like musk:

• The muskrat (a rodent from North America) has a musky smell.
• The musk duck from Australia.
• The muskox, a large animal from the Arctic.
• The musk shrew and the musk beetle.
• The African civet, a cat-like animal.
• The musk turtle and the American alligator.

Even some snakes and crocodiles have musk glands!

Plants That Produce Musk

Some plants can also make compounds that smell like musk. These plant-based musks are often used in perfumes as a natural alternative to animal musk. They can also be mixed with other musks to create different scents.

Some examples of musk-smelling plants include:

• The musk flower from North America.
• The muskwood from Australia.
• The musk seeds from India.

Man-Made Musk

Galaxolide, a common man-made musk used in things like laundry detergents

Because getting natural musk from deer harms endangered animals, almost all musk used today is made in labs. This is often called "white musk."

Scientists have created different types of man-made musk. These artificial musks are used in many products, not just perfumes. You can find them in:

• Cosmetics (like makeup)
• Detergents (to make your clothes smell fresh)
• Soaps and lotions

Some older types of man-made musks were found to be harmful to people and the environment. Because of this, scientists are now focusing on making newer, safer types of musk that are better for everyone.

Other Uses of Musk

Musk has been important in many cultures and for different purposes:

• Religious Significance: In Islam, musk is considered a very special and fragrant scent. It was often used by the prophet Muhammad and his friends.
• Attracting Animals: The strong smell of musk can attract wild animals. For example, in 2018, authorities in India used a perfume with musk in it to help trap a tiger that had been attacking people.
• Candy: In Australia, there's a popular candy called "musk sticks." They have an artificial flavor that reminds people of musk perfume.

See also

In Spanish: Almizcle para niños

• Androstenol
• Civetone