How is castoreum produced

Beavers have castor sacs between their genitals and their anus that produces a liquid substance. Castoreum can not be harvested from a living beaver or from the environment. After killing a beaver, the castor sacs can be removed and dried. From the dried castor sacs, castoreum can be extracted and used in a variety of products. Castoreum has been used by humans for centuries and was known as an important medicine for pretty much any health problem.

That is not so surprising as it contains salicylic acid, a component of asprin. Nowadays, castoreum is no longer used in medicines, except sometimes in homeopathic medicine.

Some of the things castoreum is still being used for are parfum and other cosmetics. As it has a sweet, musk-like scent, it is very suitable for these kinds of products. This means that castoreum or other animal products can be used in a product without being mentioned on the label.

Luckily, there are parfums and other cosmetics with a certified vegan logo and you can always message the producers to ask whether their product contains any animal products such as castoreum. In addition to the products mentioned above, castoreum is also used by the food industry to make aromas. In a TV program in , Jamie Oliver shocked many viewers by explaining how castoreum was used in products, especially in products with a vanilla flavour. Many people were sceptic about this information, but in both the EU and the US it is legally allowed to use castoreum in aromas.

However, it is still unclear what products actually contain these aromas as most food companies are not transparent about it. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought.

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So it is possible that bottle of vanilla extract has it, but the odds are very low. Look to your makeup cabinet for the infamous ingredient instead. By Hayley Sugg January 12, Pin FB Share. Credit: brazzo. All rights reserved.