Ambergris

Real ambergris is a waxy substance secreted by sperm whales, washed up on beaches, and aged by saltwater and sunlight. The result is one of perfumery's most prized fixatives — salty, animalic, warm, slightly sweet, almost ozonic. Real ambergris is expensive, restricted in some markets, and ethically complicated. As a result, virtually all modern "ambergris" in commercial fragrance is synthetic — usually Ambroxan, Cetalox, or proprietary aroma chemicals that recreate the salty-warm character without the supply-chain problems.