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Cachalox

Q: Is Cachalox natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Synthetic molecule. Typically produced from sclareol (derived from clary sage) via chemical transformation..

MUSK, AMBER, ANIMALIC SMELLS / amber · warm · rich

Cachalox

Category	MUSK, AMBER, ANIMALIC SMELLS
Subcategory	amber · warm · rich
Origin
Volatility	Base Note
Botanical	N/A — synthetic molecule
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder or liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	N/A — synthetic (captive molecule)
Pyramid	Base

Warm, woody-ambery, with the crystalline dryness of ambroxan. Cachalox is a synthetic ambergris-type material — persistent, mineral, skin-clinging.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Dry, woody-amber, mineral-warm. Less aggressively radiant than ambroxan, more woody, with a clean crystalline edge. The 'ambergris glow' — warm, persistent, skin-like. Not sweet, not smoky, not explicitly woody — something between all three.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Dry woody-amber, mineral warmth, clean crystalline

After a few hours

Skin-like glow, warm persistence, subtle radiance

After a few days

Very long-lasting warm mineral trace, barely fades

The Full Story

Cachalox is a synthetic ambergris-type molecule in the cetalox/ambroxan family. The name derives from 'cachalot,' the French for sperm whale. Like its relatives (Cetalox, Ambrox DL, Ambroxan), it provides warm, woody-amber character with notable persistence.

The molecule delivers dry, mineral-woody warmth clinging to skin and fabric. It lacks the full complexity of aged natural ambergris but provides the foundational warmth and 'glow' that makes these materials invaluable.

In formula construction, Cachalox functions as a base-note fixative and radiance-builder. It extends sillage and longevity while adding warm, skin-like quality. At low doses, it is nearly subliminal — felt as enhanced warmth rather than smelled as a distinct note.

The ambroxan/cetalox family represents a commercially important synthetic classes in contemporary use.

This note in Première Peau. Doppel Dänçers · Albâtre Sépia. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

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Related: Aldambre · Ambrarome · Ambrein · Ambreine · Ambrettolide · Ambronova · Ammonia · Animal Notes

Did You Know?

Did you know?

The word 'cachalot' entered French from Portuguese and ultimately from a Basque word — the Basques were among Europe's earliest whalers. Sperm whale hunting for ambergris drove the species near extinction before synthetics made the trade obsolete.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Synthetic molecule. Typically produced from sclareol (derived from clary sage) via chemical transformation.

Molecular Formula	N/A — proprietary (undisclosed)
CAS Number	N/A — proprietary captive molecule
Botanical Name	N/A — synthetic molecule
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	AMBROXAN · AMBROX · AMBERGRIS SYNTHETIC
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Lasting Power	Very High
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder or liquid

In Perfumery

Synthetic base-note fixative in the ambergris family. Functions as a longevity enhancer and warm-glow builder. Provides woody-amber persistence and skin-scent quality. Used across all fragrance families. Related to Cetalox, Ambrox DL, Ambroxan — each offering different balances of woodiness, warmth, and minerality.