The smell of patchouli: what does it smell like?

Patchouli is a perennial shrub originating from the tropics of Asia, West Africa, and South America. The plant belongs to the genus Pogostemon and has been used since ancient times:

• in medicine as a remedy for various skin diseases;
• in cosmetology as an ingredient of masks and creams for hair and skin care;
• in perfumery as one of the main ingredients of oriental, chypre, and floral perfumes.

Processed specially, patchouli leaves give off a distinct, attractive aroma. Because of this fragrance, the plant was highly valued by perfumers a few centuries ago. And modern perfumers still use patchouli leaves to extract essential oil from them.

Interesting fact: Fresh patchouli leaves are odorless. To obtain aromatic raw materials, the leaves of the plant are dried and then fermented.

However, if you ask a person who is not familiar with perfume production about what patchouli smells like, they will most likely not be able to clearly describe the smell. Thanks to the multi-layered nature of the fragrance, which contains spicy spices, fresh woody notes, and elegant fruity shades, niche perfumes with patchouli fragrance can be equally successfully attributed to the fruity, floral, oriental as well as chypre groups.

Interesting fact: The scent of patchouli in perfumery is long-lasting –after applying perfume, it lingers on the skin, clothes, and hair for several hours, moving from heart notes to the nuances of a tempting sillage.

What is patchouli in perfumery?

Patchouli is highly valued by perfumers for its properties. It is a natural aphrodisiac – a substance that stimulates sexual desire. Therefore, people who choose a patchouli-scented perfume will draw people"s attention even in noisy company.

Patchouli leaf essential oil is an ingredient that is used in the modern perfume industry in its original form. Thus, the use of a synthetic analog is not necessary. Therefore, if you happen to buy a perfume with patchouli, you can be sure that the people around you will "smell" the unique aroma that drove the French court of the nineteenth century crazy.

Interesting fact: Indian silk, which was supplied to Europe, was layered with dry patchouli leaves to protect it from spoiling during the long journey. While transported, the fabric was so saturated with an enchanting fragrance that it stimulated the imagination of girls, for whom designers sewed silk dresses later. This is how this incredible fragrance was discovered, which from then on began to be used in perfumery.

What does patchouli smell like in perfume?

In perfumes, patchouli is used as a base because the fragrance is highly long-lasting and perfectly preserves the entire composition. The complex scent of essential oil from the leaves of the tropical plant consists of herbaceous, earthy, and bitter-smoky notes. During storage, the liquid takes on a heavy aroma, where the cool dryness is replaced by tart nuances like the tannins of dark chocolate and sweet tropical fruits. Perfumers who add patchouli to their recipes are not risking at all as such compositions with patchouli as an ingredient turn out to be extremely interesting. They are compositions with a bold and brutal fragrance that at the same time are aristocratic and refined.

Interesting fact: The scent of patchouli is never secondary – it is always one of the main accents of any perfume composition. The description of the aroma varies greatly depending on the bouquet, as well as the specifics of the plant and the time of harvest of the raw materials. The most valued essential oil is extracted from 3-4 main pairs of mature leaves that have been steam distilled.

Depending on the other ingredients of the aromatic bouquet, patchouli reveals itself in different ways. In the woody and spicy aromas, the notes of the tropical plant indicate the self-confidence of its owner, readiness for discoveries, and determination. Such perfumes are most often perfumes for men. A floral and fruity perfumes for women with a patchouli scent emphasize the bright individuality of the wearer. Girls opting for such scents make passing men notice them.

Who is patchouli suitable for?

Any perfume product containing patchouli oil will indicate to others that this is a person with good taste, high ambitions, self-esteem, and a decisive character. People like to emphasize a bright temperament or create a brutal image, which is why niche patchouli perfumes always take the first places in the list of TOP fragrances.

Sexy women who are aware of their power over men and want to strengthen it are lovers of patchouli perfumes. The luxurious fougère, oriental, and chypre fragrances are suitable for emotionally mature women. They invariably add magic to the image and favorably emphasize sensual femininity in a good light.

Men who are used to manipulating others opt for perfumes with notes of patchouli. And that's not a bad thing at all. It is an ability that nature gives them, and that natural magic only emphasizes. An intoxicating, sensual, and bold men's perfume that combines patchouli and raw amber, cinnamon, and vanilla, attracts attention, take control over thoughts and feelings.

How to choose a perfume with a patchouli scent

Remember that patchouli in perfume is a powerful natural aphrodisiac that influences those around you. In each composition, the perfume draws attention to the person who wears it. If this is your goal, choose a bouquet that suits you:

• A men's patchouli perfume combined with citrus notes emphasizes the brashness and rebelliousness of the perfume owner.
• As part of an oriental bouquet, patchouli is the perfect option for a romantic date.
• If you use a perfume from the floral group with a patchouli scent, you can confidently count on the favor of others.

Interesting fact: It is rare for perfumers to offer perfumes with patchouli, in which patchouli essential oil is the only ingredient. The smell itself is not that interesting. It reveals its amazing sound only when surrounded by other shades of perfume.

Keep in mind that the scent of patchouli essential oil is quite long-lasting. It can last 8-10 hours, as in niche perfumes. Keep this in mind when applying perfume and use less perfume to prevent the sound of the composition from becoming too intrusive.

Patchouli fragrance by Sisters Aroma

Sisters Aroma, a Ukrainian manufacturer of niche perfumes, offers exclusive fragrances with a hint of patchouli in its compositions. Perfumes for men and women are bright and unforgettable. Let's talk about some of them:

• Black Moon is a thick, rich perfume that will remind you of all the guilty pleasures of your life. At first, it sounds sweet, smoky, and slightly tart, but then it opens with notes of spicy saffron and red thyme. At the end of the composition, there are deep notes of wood, delicate vanilla, and, of course, patchouli. Altogether this combination creates a unique composition that you'll want to breathe in again and again.

• Pur Pur is a juicy and bright fragrance, madness in the perfume bottle. There is a rich and sticky note of passion fruit, an aroma of ripe peach, and the sourness of blueberries. Gradually, these notes fade on the skin, leaving behind a sweetish-mild aroma. This composition is softened with a hint of lily of the valley, making the fragrance fresh and clean. At the end, there is a pleasant musk sillage, which gives the perfume sensuality and nobility.

Niche perfumes with a patchouli scent don't suit everyone. It is an exclusive perfume that can be appreciated by extraordinary personalities. If you want to get to know these compositions better, buy samples with delivery. We will help you with the choice of aroma – tell us a few words about yourself during a phone conversation with our consultant at the number of the online store or do it in person at one of the branded offline points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is patchouli essential oil?

It is an organic product with a dark green color and a musky, earthy scent, extracted from the dry leaves of a tropical shrub.

What are the characteristics of male patchouli scents?

Of all the aromatic ingredients in men's perfumes, patchouli is the most common. These multifaceted notes are used in a variety of combinations and compositions. They are often surrounded by accents of spices, bergamot, coriander, rosemary, and cedar. Such a perfume sounds luxurious and noble.

What patchouli combinations are popular in women's perfumes?

For the composition of women's perfumes, perfumers use bouquets in which notes of patchouli are surrounded by aromas of cloves, roses, jasmine, and citrus fruits.

Why, of all the ingredients in the perfume world, does patchouli stand out so much?

This ingredient is valued for its attractant properties, as well as its long-lasting, potency, and ability to sound differently in different combinations.