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What Is Patchouli in Perfume?

Patchouli is not hippie.
It is structural earth.

Patchouli oil is distilled from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin.

It became widely used in 19th and 20th century perfumery.

Line illustration of Pogostemon cablin patchouli plants in bloom, showing the dense flower spikes and broad leaves of the tropical herb whose dried and fermented leaves are steam-distilled to produce patchouli essential oil for luxury perfumery

WHAT DOES PATCHOULI SMELL LIKE?

- Earthy

- Dark

- Slightly sweet

- Woody

- Damp

FUNCTION IN PERFUME

Patchouli:

- Anchors sweet compositions

- Extends longevity

- Adds depth to florals

Often used in chypre and oriental structures.

Chemical structure of patchoulol, the primary sesquiterpene alcohol responsible for patchouli essential oil's dark, earthy, woody scent, used as a long-lasting base note in oriental and chypre fine fragrances

TAKEAWAY

If a fragrance smells:

- Deep

- Earthy

- Slightly sweet but dark

Patchouli is likely structuring the base.

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