In short
Ambergris tincture is natural ambergris, a metabolic product of the sperm whale found washed ashore, macerated in alcohol. It is marine and animalic and has long been prized as a fixative.
What Ambergris Tincture smells like
Fraterworks describes its grey ambergris tincture, from ambergris gathered in New Caledonia, as marine and animalic with fecal qualities, a fixative whose ability to make a perfume last longer is historically renowned, and suggests about 1–3% of the tincture in a perfume's alcohol. Scentspiracy describes ambergris tincture as a sweet, very tenacious odour with mineral, salty, sea-like and moss-like undertones, ambery-marine and noticeable in the base note.
- Leading note
- Marine animalic
- Supporting facets
- Fecal
- Faint facets
- Warm
- Character
- Tenacious
What makes Ambergris Tincture distinctive
Marine and animalic, with fecal qualities, and historically renowned as a fixative, as Fraterworks describes its grey ambergris.
Concentration and dilution
Sold as a 2% tincture; Fraterworks suggests about 1–3% of the tincture in a perfume's alcohol.
How Ambergris Tincture is used
Used as a fixative and, in larger amounts, for a perceptible ambergris note.
Typical role: fixative (slow to evaporate; helps a blend last and holds lighter notes).
How Ambergris Tincture differs from similar materials
- Civet Absolute
- Civet absolute is fecal and furry with no sea in it; ambergris tincture is marine, salty and mossy as well as animalic, and sweeter once aged.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
An animal product: ambergris forms in the gut of the sperm whale, a species considered endangered, and the material sold is gathered from shores. Fraterworks states that it is not restricted in perfumery but that some countries restrict importing it; check national rules before buying. Synthetic ambergris materials and accords are a different thing and are not this record.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Tincture
- Origin
- Natural
- Odour family
- Animalic / Aquatic
- Note position
- Base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Tincture
- Of grey ambergris, 2% as supplied
- CAS number
- 8038-65-1
The CAS number was checked on 25 October 2026 against a PubChem substance record that gives it for this material. A natural material is a mixture, so it has no single formula; its composition varies with origin and processing.
Safety and compliance
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Ambroxan
Aroma chemical · Amber / Woody — amber, ambergris, woody, mineral
-
Labdanum Absolute
Absolute · Amber / Leather — amber, balsamic, leathery, animalic
-
Civet Absolute
Absolute · Animalic / Musky — animalic, fecal, musky, warm
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 5 published formulas
Ambergris Tincture is an ingredient in 5 perfume formulas in the Formula & Accord Library.
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Ambergris Tincture
Is Ambergris Tincture natural or synthetic?
Ambergris Tincture is natural. It is a natural material macerated in alcohol and used as the solution. Its strength — the share of raw material to alcohol — is stated only when the maker documents it.
What is the CAS number of Ambergris Tincture?
8038-65-1, the registry number for the tincture as a substance rather than a single molecule. It was checked against PubChem on 25 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Ambergris Tincture?
Ambergris Tincture is used in 5 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Harbour Rope, Low Tide Library and Pearl Brine. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — substance 135288382, checked 25 October 2026.
- Fraterworks — Ambergris Tincture 2% — distributor's description.
- Scentspiracy — Ambergris tincture — distributor's description.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 26 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.