Ambreine smells like the warm, slightly salty heart of amber itself—that mysterious substance that washes ashore. Imagine walking past a driftwood bonfire on a beach at dusk: there's a creamy, almost buttery softness beneath hints of sea salt and resin. It's deeply woody yet strangely gourmand, with a gentle animalic undertone reminiscent of skin musk or aged leather. The overall effect is profoundly comforting and sensual, like wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket by a fireplace.
Ambreine is a synthetic molecule that replicates ambroxan, a naturally occurring compound found in ambergris—the waxy substance produced in sperm whale digestive systems. Rather than harvesting from endangered whales, perfumers now synthesise ambreine in laboratories, which was a major breakthrough for both ethical and sustainability reasons. It was developed to capture amber's luxurious character without environmental harm, making it one of modern perfumery's most important synthetic achievements.
Ambreine acts as a sophisticated base note and fixative, anchoring fragrances with remarkable longevity (often 8+ hours). Perfumers layer it beneath florals and citruses to add warmth and sensuality, or use it as a standalone woody-amber statement. It has exceptional diffusion—it subtly elevates everything around it without overwhelming, making it invaluable for creating depth and complexity.
Contemporary compositions
Surprising harmonies