Subscribe to the OSS Weekly Newsletter!

Register for the OSS 25th Anniversary Event

Sperm whale perfume

Sperm whales produce a black, smelly substance called ambergris which changes to a pleasant smell when exposed to air. It is rare and expensive but is used as a base in some perfumes. Ambergris also has a folk reputation as a soothing odour for nervous complaints and inhaling ambergis based products is believed by some to increase brain function. Judging by how much these people shell out for ambergris based products, if anything, it seems to impair brain function.


@JoeSchwarcz

Want to comment on this article? Visit our FB Page!

Back to top