What does the word milk mean?
The word "milk" has ancient roots and can be traced back to Old English as "meoluc," Old Norse as "mjolk," and Old High German as "miluh." These early forms all have Germanic origins. The term can be further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "melg" or "melk," which means "to stroke" or "to milk." The ancient connection of milking to stroking or massaging the udder of animals reflects the method used to extract milk from mammals.
In the beginning…
The use of milk in perfumery has its roots in ancient times, when Greek and Roman women already blended milk with essential oils to create rich, soothing fragrances. This tradition has continued over the centuries, and milk has become a key ingredient in many contemporary fragrances. Its unctuous, velvety character lends a creamy, enveloping dimension to fragrant compositions, enhancing their appeal and originality. Today, milk fragrances continue to evoke a sense of intimacy and purity, while adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the world of perfume.
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 rearing 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 guarantee its safety, before being processed into various dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and butter.
What do you know about milk in perfumery?
Milk is used in perfumery for its olfactory richness 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, enveloping dimension to fragrance compositions. It can be combined with floral notes to bring a touch of freshness and softness to floral fragrances. It can also be combined with gourmand notes such as vanilla, caramel or fruit to create sweet, comforting fragrances. Finally, it can be used in amber fragrances to add a touch of creaminess and sensuality to these bewitching compositions.
Interesting fact! In addition to its perfumery benefits, milk has many health benefits. It is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, calcium and phosphorus, helping to develop and maintain bones, muscles and the immune system. Milk is also moisturizing for the skin, and is often used in cosmetics and skincare products for its softening and nourishing properties. Last but not least, milk can also be beneficial for digestive health, especially fermented products such as yoghurt, which contain probiotics favorable to intestinal flora.
Popular milk perfumes
• 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 scent is a vanilla oriental that is centered around tonka bean. Top notes include bergamot, mint and lavender. Heart notes are jasmine sambac and bitter cherry, while base notes include vanilla, cocoa, caramel, leather, cedar and tonka bean. It's a rich, warm and sweet fragrance you may love that's ideal for special occasions.
• Yes I Am by Cacharel: Launched in 2018, Yes I Am Eau de Parfum is Cacharel's first oriental fragrance as is one of the best milk perfume. It was designed to celebrate femininity and independence. The fragrance opens with notes of raspberry and mandarin, which melt into a heart of ginger flower, gardenia and jasmine. The base is a creamy, spicy blend of cardamom, fresh milk, sandalwood and amber creating a scent that smells like a beautiful woman dressed up for the night on the town. The bottle is designed to resemble a lipstick tube, symbolizing power and femininity.
• Milky Musk / 39 - Parle Moi de Parfum: This fragrance is a musky woody that was launched in 2016. Perfumer Michel Almairac created this fragrance, which is based on the notes of white musk, sandalwood and fig. Musk gives the fragrance a creamy sweetness, while sandalwood adds a woody depth. Fig adds a slight fruity sweetness that gives the fragrance a unique quality.
• So Scandal by Jean-Paul Gaultier: an embodiment of women's natural radiance. Imagined by perfumers Daphne Bugey and Fabrice Pellegrin, this radiant essence blends opulent sambac jasmine, delicate tuberose and solar orange blossom for a composition of almost angelic sweetness. The fragrance is enhanced by a milky, gourmand and carnal accord, and notes of tart raspberry, creating an aphrodisiac filter that scandalizes and captivates the senses. So Scandal is an ode to absolute femininity, inspired by the proud, seductive Parisian woman who creates scandal along the way without even meaning to.
