What does the word milk mean?
The word "milk" originates from the Latin "lac," meaning "milk." This term is used to refer to the nutritious fluid secreted by female mammals, including cows, goats, and sheep, to nourish their young.
In the beginning…
The use of milk in perfumery has its roots in ancient times, when Greek and Roman women blended milk with essential oils to create rich, soothing scents. This tradition has continued over the centuries, and milk has become a key ingredient in many contemporary fragrances. Its smooth, velvety character adds a creamy, enveloping dimension to fragrance compositions, enhancing their appeal and originality. Today, milk perfumes continue to evoke a sense of intimacy and purity, while adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the world of fragrance.
DID YOU KNOW? Cows produce more milk when they listen to relaxing music! Studies have shown that soft music can increase milk production in dairy cows.
Milk production
Milk production is a process involving the raising and milking of dairy animals such as cows, goats, and sheep. These animals are raised on specialized farms where they are fed, cared for, and milked regularly to collect their milk. Once collected, the milk is then pasteurized to eliminate bacteria and ensure its safety before being processed into various dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter.
What do you know about milk in perfumery?
In perfumery, milk is used for its rich olfactory aroma and velvety creaminess. The olfactory profile of milk in perfumery is generally soft, creamy, and slightly sweet. It evokes sensations of comfort, purity, and softness, bringing a delicate and enveloping dimension to fragrance compositions.
It can be combined with floral notes to add a touch of freshness and sweetness to floral fragrances. It can also be combined with gourmand notes like vanilla, caramel, or fruit to create sweet and comforting fragrances. Finally, it can be used in amber fragrances to add a touch of creaminess and sensuality to these captivating compositions.
Good to know!
Beyond perfumery, milk has many health benefits and virtues. It is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, contributing to the development and maintenance of bones, muscles, and the immune system. Milk is also a skin moisturizer and is often used in cosmetics and skincare products for its softening and nourishing properties. Finally, milk can also be beneficial for digestive health, particularly fermented products such as yogurt, which contain probiotics that support gut flora.
The legendary milk flavors
• Fève Délicieuse by Christian Dior : Fève Délicieuse is part of the "Maison Christian Dior" collection, which was launched in 2015. Created by perfumer François Demachy, this fragrance is a vanilla oriental that is centered around tonka bean. The top notes include bergamot, mint, and lavender. The middle notes are jasmine sambac and bitter cherry, while the base notes include vanilla, cocoa, caramel, leather, cedar, and tonka bean. It is a rich, warm, and sweet fragrance that is ideal for special occasions.
• Yes I Am by Cacharel : Launched in 2018, Yes I Am is Cacharel's first oriental fragrance. It was designed to celebrate femininity and independence. The fragrance opens with notes of raspberry and mandarin, which blend into a heart of ginger flower, gardenia, and jasmine. The base is a creamy and spicy blend of cardamom, milk, sandalwood, and amber. The bottle is designed to resemble a lipstick tube, symbolizing power and femininity.
• Milky Musk / 39 - Parle Moi de Parfum : This fragrance is a woody musk that was launched in 2016. Perfumer Michel Almairac created this scent that is based on the notes of musk, sandalwood, and fig. The musk gives the fragrance a creamy sweetness, while the sandalwood adds a woody depth. The fig brings a light fruity sweetness that gives the fragrance a unique quality.
• So Scandal by Jean-Paul Gaultier : an incarnation of the natural radiance of women. Conceived by perfumers Daphne Bugey and Fabrice Pellegrin, this radiant essence blends opulent jasmine sambac, delicate tuberose, and solar orange blossom for a composition of almost angelic sweetness. The fragrance is enhanced by a milky, gourmand and carnal accord, as well as notes of tangy raspberry, creating an aphrodisiac filter that scandalizes and captivates the senses. So Scandal is an ode to absolute femininity, inspired by the proud and seductive Parisian woman, who creates scandal in her path without even intending to.