Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read

Is Civet Oil vegan?

Also known as: Civet absolute, Zibeth

Not Vegan

Derived from animals — avoid.

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In short

No — It is scraped from the perineal glands of the African civet cat.

01 · The basics

What is Civet Oil?

An intensely pungent glandular secretion that, when highly diluted, adds a floral, musky warmth to high-end perfumes.

02 · The source

Where it comes from

It is scraped from the perineal glands of the African civet cat. The animals are often kept in tiny cages specifically for this painful extraction process.

03 · Alternatives

Best vegan alternatives

Civetone (synthetic civet)

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Synthetic musks

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Frequently asked

FAQ

Do popular perfumes still use real civet oil?

Most mainstream brands have completely phased it out in favor of 'Civetone' (a synthetic, lab-created molecule that is vegan). However, a few niche or vintage perfumers may still use the real animal secretion.

Why was it ever used if it smells bad?

In its raw form, it smells like feces. But when heavily diluted in alcohol, it transforms, acting as a fixative that makes floral scents smell richer and last longer.

Commonly found in

Vintage perfumesNiche luxury fragrances