The surprising origins of the scent known as musk

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While modern perfumes rely on synthetic alternatives, the original musk had a far more biological source. This video explores the history of this fragrant substance and the animal behind its name.

Historically, musk was a highly prized substance used for its alluring fragrance in perfumes. Unlike the synthetic versions used in the modern era, the original source was found in a scrotum-like sac located on the bellies of male musk deer.

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