Cachalox

SyntheticMUSK, AMBER, ANIMALICamber · warm · rich

BasePyramid

3/5Strength

—Tenacity

1Origins

Editorial noteWe own no rights to this material, its name or its trademark. This entry is independent editorial journalism, published under freedom of expression.

Specimen

N/A — synthetic molecule

Definition

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

EARTHY AMBER ANIMALIC WARM DRY

AMBROXAN AMBROX AMBERGRIS SYNTHETIC

Type: Ingredient
Olfactive family: Amber & musk
Subfamily: Ambergris synthetics
Cluster: Animalic notes
Source: Plant-derived (clary sage sclareol)
Chemical class: Terpenoid-derived synthetic (bicyclic)

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Tenacity on blotter

Very High

Producing countries

N/A — synthetic (captive molecule)

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.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →EXTRAIT DE PARFUMThe seven extraits →

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.

—

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

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.

Formula: N/A — proprietary (undisclosed)
CAS: N/A — proprietary captive molecule
Botanical: N/A — synthetic molecule
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Lasting power: Very High
Synonyms: AMBROXAN AMBROX AMBERGRIS SYNTHETIC

IFRA status

No restriction

No known restrictions

Physical properties

Note: Cachalox is a proprietary aroma chemical with an ambergris profile. Physical data not publicly disclosed.

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.

Role in the formula

01fixative

02base note anchor

03blender

Available as

standard form