Vintage Musk Oils

Vintage musk oils are among the most coveted fragrances in the market today, with a rich history and enduring appeal. Despite the passage of time, many of these iconic scents from the 1970s have been discontinued, making them increasingly rare and highly sought after by fragrance enthusiasts. Those who originally embraced these sensual musk oils during their heyday often remain deeply loyal, driven by a nostalgic connection to their unique aroma. This ongoing demand has led to a significant increase in prices, with vintage musk oils commanding exorbitant amounts in the secondary market.

This demand may stem from the mistaken belief that these vintage musk oils contain genuine musk oil, with many unaware that they are actually synthetic imitations of the natural essence. During the 1970s, the cosmetic industry was not required to list ingredients on labels, leading to some confusion about the true nature of these products. The Webster Dictionary of that era defined musk oil as "the oil from the male Tonkin musk deer...and synthetic oil, too," highlighting the blend of natural and artificial sources.

Alternatively, some customers might be fully aware of the synthetic origins of these fragrances and consciously choose them over natural products. This preference could be motivated by ethical concerns, as the natural extraction of musk poses a significant threat to the Tibetan musk deer population. For these consumers, synthetic musk offers a way to enjoy the fragrance while supporting wildlife conservation.

The Wall Street Journal, 1972:

"Real musk oil is a greasy secretion produced in a glandular sac beneath the skin of the stomach of the male musk deer, which smells as hideous as it sounds - until it is dried and cured into a powder. But real musk oil is more expensive than gold....The $5 musk oil is artificial, made from petroleum.  Even though it is often promoted as "natural" and "genuine," it isn't... "

There is no such thing as real musk oil—only synthetic versions exist. Genuine musk differs significantly from what is commonly sold as musk oil. True musk is found in pods that contain grains, which must be ground and powdered to be used. These musk grains are only soluble in alcohol, creating a tincture of natural musk. For centuries, this tincture has been prized as a fixative in perfumery, ensuring that scents last longer.

In its prime, genuine Tibetan deer musk was a highly valuable commodity, with prices ranging from $1,600 to $4,000 per pound, depending on quality. Once processed into powder, it was sold for about $400 per pound. However, this trade came at a steep ecological cost—each 22-ounce container of powdered musk represented the lives of 16 to 30 tiny deer, each standing only about two feet tall. The high demand for this precious musk nearly drove the species to extinction, as Chinese hunters would kill the deer and remove the entire scent gland. Given that each Himalayan deer produces only about one ounce of musk per year, the exorbitant cost led perfume manufacturers to seek alternatives, turning to synthetic substitutes.

Synthetic musk, sold as musk oil, became a popular and affordable option, with prices ranging from $4.50 for a half-ounce to $7.50 for a full ounce. This shift allowed perfume companies to meet the high demand for musk fragrances without contributing to the depletion of deer populations.

In the lab, this synthetic essence is known as "muskone," or 3-methyl-cyclopentadecanone, a dark purple substance. Chemists discovered that it must be aged for several months to develop a more palatable scent profile. Even after aging, synthetic musk can be quite overpowering, requiring dilution with other essences to make it more tolerable for consumers. By offering synthetic musk, the fragrance industry not only provided an ethical solution but also made this once-exclusive scent accessible to a broader audience.

Musk Oil became one of the most iconic fragrance trends of the 1970s, capturing the spirit of the era with its earthy and sensual appeal. It gained popularity among the hippie crowd, who used it to mask the scent of marijuana, much like they did with patchouli, sandalwood, and grass oils. Nature enthusiasts were equally drawn to its simplicity, finding in it the same back-to-basics allure they appreciated in lemon scents.

A spokesman for International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) noted the fragrance's appeal in a world increasingly craving simplicity. He remarked, "In this kind of complicated world, everyone's looking for simpler things." He also pointed out a cultural shift, saying, "With perfume, young people aren't being subtle anymore about sex. They're laying it on the line with musk, for example, and its earthy animal smell."

The public eagerly embraced Musk Oil, which was marketed as a natural aphrodisiac that anyone could wear. Women were advised to apply a few drops behind the ears (a practice I would caution against due to the odor of apocrine glands) and on pulse points like the wrists, temples, inside elbows, and behind the knees. This would allow the scent to blend with the wearer's natural body chemistry. For those who found the fragrance too potent when applied directly, it was suggested to mix a bit of the oil with bath water for a more subtle scent that would also help moisturize the skin.

Retailers capitalized on the Musk Oil craze, with cosmetic counters proudly displaying signs proclaiming, "We have Musk Oil!" Mass merchandising efforts, including buttons, banners, posters, magazine, and newspaper ads, helped spread the word. The demand was overwhelming, as evidenced by a spokesman for the May Company, who observed, "It's the hottest thing I've seen in two years. When we tested it at one store, people stood in line to buy it. And it was all word of mouth—no big promotion."

Specialty shops also reported incredible success. One shop noted, "It walks right out of the store. We sold more than 700 bottles the first month we had it." Donald Pliner of the Right Bank Clothing Co. echoed this sentiment, stating, "Our musk oil business has been overwhelming. We introduced it five weeks ago. It's so successful we're reordering heavily."

In 1972, The Wall Street Journal reported that approximately $1 million worth of synthetic musk oil was being purchased each month, with sales expected to continue rising. The Journal highlighted the product's exotic and erotic appeal, stating that "Musk Oil is a perfume. It is touted as exotic and erotic, the answer to Ursula Ugly's dream, the perfume that will turn Mary Worth into a sex symbol." The article also credited Caswell-Massey and RH Cosmetic Corp as the modern pioneers of the Musk Oil craze, further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon of the decade.

The Morning Herald, 1972:

  A man at Marshall Field & Co in Chicago says the big store is selling hundreds of half-ounce, $5 bottles each week. "We've run out so many times we don't know how many we could have sold," he says. Across America, about $1,000,000 of musk oil is being snapped up each month, and sales are rising rapidly. 

 ...Houbigant Inc of New York will have an oil soon, and the giants Faberge Inc and Revlon Inc, say the are keeping an eye, or a nose, on the market. 

The real kingpins of the musk-oil industry, though, are Caswell-Massey and RH Cosmetics Corp of New York City. Caswell-Massey apparently originated synthetic musk oil, but RH Cosmetics created the craze. Last April, an executive from RH Cosmetics discovered musk oil - probably Caswell-Massey's - at a Brooklyn boutique. Deciding that the fragrance had potential, RH teamed up with a perfume, formulated an oil, and began promotion. To expand the market, the RH people encouraged other companies to sell musk oil and even sold oil in bulk for relabeling. 

Caswell-Massey which listed musk oil for years among various other odd oils (including something called cucumber emulsion), has harsh words for the RH product. "We were the originators," says Caswell-Massey's Taylor. He says the RH oil is "absolutely worthless" and likens its smell to shoe polish because it lacks the firm's special "aging process." 'That's a lot of nonsense," replies a man at RH, who contends there's plenty of musk-oil business for everyone without squabbling... 

Sellers of real musk oil aren't benefitting from the boom, and they're not taking it gracefully. "The product they're palming off as musk oil isn't musk oil at all," says a musk-oil dealer. "At least we're not killing off any deers [sic]" says a man at RH."

By 1973, Rhodia, Inc., the American affiliate of Rhone-Poulenc—France's largest chemical company—had become a key player in supplying the majority of the nation's musk oil, either directly or indirectly. Steven J. Gould, the manager of Rhodia, remarked on the widespread popularity of musk oil, saying, "I don't know why it's so popular, but teenagers seem to like it, and it's supposed to be a male stimulant." This observation highlights how the fragrance had captivated a younger audience, becoming not just a scent but a cultural symbol with connotations of allure and sensuality.

 

Khiel's:

Aaron Morse, president of Khiel Pharmacy, proudly claimed that his company was the first modern brand to introduce musk oil. Setting Khiel’s apart from others, he also noted that they were the only company to bottle the oil in elegant French cut crystal, adding a touch of luxury to their product. Reflecting on the origins of this now-famous fragrance, Morse recounted a fascinating story: "In 1958, when we moved our store, which had been in the same location since 1851, we had to clean out the basement. Among the various items we discovered was a barrel of fragrance oil that smelled like musk oil. It had been there for at least 60 years."

Morse further elaborated on the mysterious origins of the oil, saying, "We don't know what it was originally sold for. Before the FDA got involved, incredible claims could be made. There was Love Oil to make you irresistible, Money-Getting Oil to make you rich—names like these were common in those days, promising all sorts of miracles."

In 1967, Khiel's decided to showcase their basement finds by creating a display in their store. To Morse’s surprise, the musk oil quickly captivated customers, who returned for more. The product’s appeal soon caught the attention of high-end retailers. "Bergdorf-Goodman wanted to sell it, so we gave them the exclusive in New York," Morse explained.

The success of Khiel’s musk oil was immediate and organic. "The minute we put musk oil on sale, we had reorders, and that was without the benefit of advertising," Morse noted. The fragrance’s popularity extended beyond Khiel's own shop, with the product also being sold at prestigious locations like Bullock's department store and the Right Bank Clothing Company. This grassroots success story highlights the timeless allure of musk oil, which continues to enchant fragrance enthusiasts decades after its rediscovery.

Caswell-Massey:

Ralph Taylor, vice president of Caswell-Massey, recounted a serendipitous discovery that led to one of the company's most significant successes. "Quite by accident, we came across the formula in a 19th-century book and put a few bottles on the counter in our apothecary division," he explained. The product quickly caught the attention of young people, who were increasingly drawn to natural products. The fragrance resonated with them, and soon, word of its appeal spread like wildfire.

Milton Taylor, president of Caswell-Massey Co. of New York, highlighted the immense impact this discovery had on the company, stating, "Musk oil has been the biggest boom our company has had since it was founded in 1752." He emphasized the dramatic growth they experienced, noting, "Conservatively speaking, our business has jumped 10,000%. We have people who do nothing all day but fill musk-oil bottles," Ralph Taylor added, illustrating the overwhelming demand for the product.

Caswell-Massey proudly advertised its musk oil as "true undiluted musk oil whose fragrance lasts with its earthy provocative scent bottled by hand in old-fashioned dropper bottles." This marketing emphasized the authenticity and allure of the scent, which was bottled with care and presented as a timeless, natural fragrance.

Ralph Taylor further contextualized the appeal of musk oil by noting, "Remember that a number of animals secrete odors resembling musk, and the males do so under circumstances that strongly suggest the odor is to lure the females." This connection between the fragrance and its natural origins likely contributed to its mystique and popularity.

Expanding on their success, Taylor mentioned that other intriguing scents from the same 19th-century book were also being reintroduced. "Also available from the same 19th-century book is civet oil and ambergris oil, which we expect will follow shortly. We're even working on another old formula, a fragrance called Holy Smoke! which is best described as a sizzler," he said, hinting at future offerings that promised to captivate the market further.

Caswell-Massey initially offered their musk fragrance in two forms: an alcoholic tincture priced at $3.75 and an oil base for $6.50 an ounce. This versatility allowed customers to choose their preferred method of application. The musk oil was sold at I. Magnin stores, where it quickly became a sought-after product, solidifying Caswell-Massey's place as a major player in the fragrance industry.

RH Cosmetics:

In 1972, RH Cosmetics Corporation, based in Brooklyn, New York, decided to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of musk oil. Recognizing its potential, the company launched its own line under the name RH Musk Oil. The story goes that an executive from RH Cosmetics stumbled upon musk oil at a small Brooklyn boutique, possibly either Khiel's or Caswell-Massey's, and was immediately intrigued by its appeal. Sensing a market opportunity, RH Cosmetics quickly teamed up with a perfume chemist to develop several variations of the oil. After conducting test marketing, they selected the best formulation and began an aggressive promotional campaign.

Interestingly, RH Cosmetics took an unconventional approach to expanding its market. Instead of keeping the product exclusive, they encouraged other companies to sell musk oil and even offered the oil in bulk for relabeling. This strategy not only broadened the product's reach but also positioned RH Cosmetics as a key supplier in the emerging musk oil craze.

The company's flagship product, Mystic Musk, was a versatile oil that could be worn alone or layered with other scents. RH Cosmetics soon introduced additional variations, such as Strawberry Musk Oil and Lemon Musk Oil, designed to appeal to a broader audience. The Strawberry Musk Oil combined the earthy musk scent with the sweet, juicy aroma of fresh-picked strawberries, while Lemon Musk Oil offered a refreshing citrus twist. Thanks to their oil base, these fragrances had a long-lasting effect on the skin, making them particularly appealing to consumers.

Building on the success of their musk oils, RH Cosmetics expanded their product line in 1973 with the introduction of Civet Oil and Ambergris Oil. The Civet Oil, described as "a warm, sensuous, daring, oh-so-feminine fragrance," was a synthetic interpretation of the scent derived from the civet cat. Meanwhile, Ambergris Oil, marketed as "the alluring synthetic whale fragrance from the sea," added an exotic touch to their collection. RH Cosmetics envisioned these animalistic scents, along with their Musk Oils, as becoming staples in the fragrance industry. Priced affordably, half-ounce bottles retailed for $5, and quarter-ounce bottles for $3, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

The range of fragrances released by RH Cosmetics during this period was extensive, with notable launches including Mystic Musk Oil in regular, lemon, or strawberry varieties, Naked Musk Oil, Civet Oil, Ambergris Oil, Green Apple Oil, and Sonata Oil. Each scent offered something unique, catering to the varied preferences of their customers.

RH Cosmetics' success was immediate and impressive. In 1972, a representative for the company reported that a well-known department store in Washington, D.C., sold 1,500 units of their musk oil within just three weeks, all without any advertising. The product flew off the shelves purely through word of mouth, highlighting its widespread appeal. By the end of that year, RH Cosmetics anticipated nearly $4 million in sales, a testament to the overwhelming demand for their innovative fragrance offerings.

The clear glass bottles used by RH Cosmetics for their Mystic Musk Oil are characteristically simple yet functional, reflecting the minimalist aesthetic popular during the 1970s. The standard size for these bottles is 1/4 ounce, with each bottle standing at 2 3/8 inches tall. They are topped with practical white plastic screw caps, ensuring the fragrance remains securely sealed. In addition to the 1/4 ounce size, RH Cosmetics also offered a 1/2 ounce version, providing customers with a slightly larger option.

In 1974, RH Cosmetics expanded their product line by introducing the Mystic Musk Oil in a new format—a one-ounce spray bottle. This Natural Spray version offered a convenient and modern way to apply the fragrance, catering to the growing demand for ease of use and portability. The launch of the spray bottle marked a significant evolution in the brand’s packaging, aligning with contemporary trends and broadening the appeal of their iconic musk oil.

Among all the oils introduced by RH Cosmetics, their Musk Oil stood out as the most renowned and influential. Richard Soloman, president of RH Cosmetics, remarked on the unique success of this product, stating, "Musk oil is the most peculiar phenomenon in the fragrance industry's history." This sentiment captures the extraordinary impact and enduring popularity that Musk Oil had within the market.

The appeal of RH's Musk Oil extended to various scented variations, including the Lemon Musk. The back of the Lemon Musk label playfully encouraged users to "Drive everyone around you wild with this delightful, unusual fragrance which you cannot detect on yourself. Let your friends share it with you. Use it daily on wrists and behind ears." This marketing approach emphasized the scent's subtle allure and its ability to captivate those around the wearer, reinforcing its reputation as a provocative and enticing fragrance.

RH Cosmetics distributed their popular oils through major retailers, including May Company and I. Magnin department stores, ensuring widespread availability. Despite its initial success, the RH line of oils, including their iconic Musk, seems to have been discontinued around 1991. This marked the end of an era for a product that had once been a defining trend in the fragrance industry.

A 1974 ad reads:

“1975...the year you discover the allure of RH Mystic Musk Oil. A fresh, clean fragrance that’s totally in harmony with nature. But, use sparingly. A drop or two can strangely create a haunting and mysterious bond between a man and a woman. Although you’ll barely detect it on yourself, there are those who may become captive to this strangely haunting and mysterious fragrance…it’s just that potent! We think there’s never been a better time to try it now, while it’s at such a low price! But order early, this special is offered only for a limited time only. RH Mystic Musk Oil, the 1 oz size, a $9.00 value, special offer, now only $5. By RH Cosmetics Corp, NY 11203”

Another 1974 ad reads:

“RH Musk Oil…the scent that blends with her body chemistry to become as individual as she is. After all, she really can’t be defined by any aura but her very own. ¼ oz $3. ½ oz $5. 1 oz $9. Mystic Musk oil natural spray 1 oz $5."

 

 Amica:

In 1969, RH Cosmetics was doing business as Amica and it registered the Amica name at that time. Amica was a line used by RH Cosmetics as late as 1990. Musk wearers may recognize the name Amica as one of the makers of the very lovely Naked Musk Oil as well. I believe this is the same RH Cosmetics Musk Oil just branded under a different name. We do know that RH Cosmetics sold their musk oil in bulk to other companies. To me it sounds like the Amica brand was just one of their other divisions which helped expand their musk oil to the market. In 1979, RH Cosmetics was sued by Amica Mutual Insurance Corporation for using the name Amica. 

Amica Naked Musk Oil prided itself in using only synthetic musk products. I found the name Amica Naked Musk being advertised as early as 1972 in a newspaper ad for Macy's. Amica sold their Naked Musk in 1/6 oz brown glass bottles topped with a cork stopper. Amica also sold their Naked Civet and Naked Ambergris Oils as late as 1980.

Amica Cosmetics was located at Amica Cosmetics 80-39th St. , Brooklyn NY 11232 in 1980 and in 1984 at 736 Parkside Ave. Brooklyn , NY 11226 and also had a P.O. Box 81 Brooklyn , NY 11203.

 

Jovan:

Most of us know about Jovan's famous Musk Oil, which still stands up to the passage of time. Jovan claimed that their Musk Oil compared with the original formulas from Khiel's and Caswell Massey. They estimated that their sales would reach $2,000,000 by the end of 1972. 

Bernard Mitchell, president of Jovan Inc, said his company was about fifth down the line to get onto musk oil as a fragrance in itself and that it was "sheer luck" that Jovan was the first with widespread national distribution. "It was one of those crazy things," he said.  He explained that his executive vice president, Barry Shipp was in New York and ran into a friend who owned a small cosmetic company. The guy was selling musk oil in small medicine bottles as fast as he could supply it. "He told Barry,' Here's something you ought to look into,'" Mitchell said. "Needless to say, we regard him as a pretty good friend."

I have no doubt it that was RH Cosmetics who supplied Jovan with the musk oil. Mitchell went on to say that "When Barry told me about it, it was like a gut reaction. We didn't wait to check it out with market analysts. We went to work on it. You can't sell it like it comes out of the barrels. You have to sweeten it up a little."

Within a month, Jovan's product was on the market in a sleek bottle for $5 an ounce. Contrast that with the entire year it took to get its Mink & Pearls line into distribution. Mitchell said that "I was a little scared at first that some of the stores might back off because of the sexual implication. I'm a little stuffy myself about playing up sex...Instead they accepted it almost instinctively. We're producing 4,000 bottles a day now, and we've got to step up production. Basically, I know why it is. The sex part of perfume is very profound and deep. People wear perfume for two reasons - to make them feel better and fresher and because of the sexual implication. I don't know whether this kind of thing could have caught on three years ago, but I think it's going to start a whole new era of 'animal oil' fragrances." He called his musk oil "an olfactory phenomenon."

Mitchell was thinking of following up with civet and ambergris oils as an encore. Jovan released their Civet and Ambergris Oils in 1973. According to the manufacturer, that the molecular configuration of these long recognized aromatics has been synthesized to initiate an entirely new world of scent. The Civet Oil perfume was described as "tenacious enough to send the most potent of sensual signals. primitive and provocative yet with the cat-like subtlety that reveals its sources - the civet cat native to Abyssinia." The Ambergris Oil echoes the call of the sea.

"In ancient days, Cleopatra and Helen of Troy knew the hypnotic powers of musk oil, brought to them by traders in precious grains of musk from the tiny musk deer, lured from their haunts in the high Himalayas by the music of hunters playing primitive flutes. Today, of course, it's not necessary to capture the musk deer to make musk oil, and Jovan's new perfume is carefully compounded to enhance the enchanting, provocative and sensuous characteristics that bring out those basic animal instincts."

"We're not saying it's an aphrodisiac," said Barry Shipp, executive vice president of Jovan, "It's the people who are buying musk oil that are saying that. But there's no denying that Musk Oil is the most erogenous of all substances when you use it straight," he said.

Jovan originally sold most of its musk oil at May Company department stores. But soon, orders poured in from around the country from other chain stores such as JC Penney, Montgomery Ward, Walgreen's, Bergdorf Goodman, Robinsons, and Joske's.

The Jovan Musk Oil was a full strength scent, specially refined and formulated by Jovan's master perfumers and creators of the Mink & Pearls perfume and bath products. Jovan made use of the aroma chemical Galaxolide by International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) for its musk fragrances, it’s long lasting, powerful, soft and sensual.

Jovan's Musk Oil contains:

• Top notes: bergamot
• Middle notes: labdanum
• Base notes: musk, sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver

Dana Perfumes:

Dana Perfumes Corp. of New York, expected to gross $500,000 to $1,000,000 on Dana Musk Oil which they launched in 1972 and sold for $3.50 per half ounce. 

A 1972 newspaper ad reads: "The smell of musk oil turns people on. It's the smell of musk that comes from the male musk deer of Tibet, who produces it to attract the lady musk deer. Now it's attracting guys and gals from teens to seventies. The animal scent of musk gives people reactions by suggesting pleasure and warmth. Dana Perfumes' has created a musk oil and describes it as a warm, sensuous back-to-nature fragrance. The animal quality of musk stimulates the senses. The scent of musk has a powerful attraction to the human nose. Musk Oil by Dana is concentrated and is unmatched for lingering. One single drop on the wrist and then rubbed by the other wrist may last from duck to dawn. It's for men-women-young-old."

Houbigant:

The firm released their version of Musk Oil in September 1972. 

Bonne Bell:

Bonne Bell introduced their Skin Musk Perfume in 1972.

Max Factor:

In 1972, Alan Kurzman, vice president and marketing director for Max Factor said, "We are well aware of the interest in musk oil and are now exploring the best way to handle it as a fragrance." 

In the 1970s, Max Factor released their "Aromatic Body Potions" line which was comprised of several different perfumed body oils, which could be mixed to create personal scent blends. I have listed all of those that I could find, if I missed one, please let me know.

• Meadow Musk Perfume Oil
• Wild Strawberry Musk Oil
• Wild Musk Oil
• Wild Musk Violet Oil

Faberge:

Not one to be outdone by competitors, Faberge introduced their Musk Oil in 1972.

ApotheCare:

In 1972, ApotheCare marketed a product they described as "double-action Musk Essence." It was available in the following:

• Verdigreen Musk Essence, a green, earthy scent.
• Jessamine Musk Essence, a fantasy floral.
• Bittersweet Musk Essence, a classic modern.

Alyssa Ashley:

In 1972, Alyssa Ashley, Inc. introduced their Musk Oil. They were busy day and night bottling the fragrance so that they could start shipping it out by late August.

 is most noted for her Musk perfumes and musk perfumed products. "Alyssa Ashley introduces. A total concept in musk. Musk, evocative of you, for only with the warmth of your body does musk release its explosive, suggestive fragrance. Musk, the fragrance with a soft primitive temptation, Sure to stir up new beginnings. Be sure you get the genuine Alyssa Ashley Musk in the black and silver packages."

By 1978, the line included:

• Musk Oil in 1/4 oz and 0.48 oz sizes,
• Musk Spray in 1.5 oz
• Pure Musk Spray in 1 oz
• Musk Cologne in 2 oz
• Musk Dusting Powder
• Musk Hand & Body Moisturizer in 4 oz and 8 oz
• Musk Bubbly Milk Bath
• Musk Body Shampoo in 16 oz

 Helena Rubinstein:

By 1972, Helena Rubinstein was already selling a Musk Oil in stick form and a Lemon Musk Oil scent in spray form.

Loveland:

Musk Oil launched in 1972.

Valmor:

Sunshine Oils:

Lucien Lelong:

Musk Oil introduced in 1972.

Vivi:

Musk Oil

Fun Scents:

Here is a very obscure brand, in 1972, Fun Scents by From released their own musk line, Musk Body Oil Perfume, a woody musk scent available in a one ounce bottle or a rollerball.

Bourjois:

Musk Oil in 1972.

Satana:

In 1972, Satana was launching their Musk Oil.

Lactopine:

1973 Musk Oil

Village Bath Products:

Came out with a trio of scented bath oils in cans: Whale Oil (ambergris), Musk Oil and Mink Oil.

Young At Heart:

Latour Products:

In 1973, Latour Products created the Marton Freres Body Oils, non-alcoholic perfumes which, it claimed, had a longer lasting and truer scent than regular perfume, because, they are composed of 100% oils. They are available in four essences: Sea Moss, an outdoor scent that is primarily composed of Irish moss; American Beauty Rose which has a honey flavor; Sandalwood, closely ties with Oriental fragrances; and the fragrance which the company found most popular was Marton Freres Musk Oil. All are packaged in recycled paper board at $3 each.