The best patchouli perfumes

Patchouli: Harvest, Origin…

Patchouli, whose scientific name is Pogostemon cablin, is harvested for its leaves, which are rich in essential oil. This raw material is grown in warm, humid climates. Patchouli thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. Harvesting is done by hand, then the leaves are dried and fermented to develop their distinctive scent.

What does patchouli smell like in perfumery?

Patchouli essence, from the woody-moss olfactory family, offers a fragrance with character: woody, earthy, resinous, and smoky. Its complex bouquet evokes notes of moss, leather, and often even dark chocolate. Patchouli is used as a base note to add staying power to compositions. Its different facets allow for the creation of different olfactory accords around this same note. It is often associated with amber accords and is one of the cornerstones of chypre perfumery. Chypre is an ancient structure dating back to the early 20th century, originally containing bergamot, oakmoss, and patchouli. The heart of chypre perfumes was often floral and/or fruity. Today, oakmoss is no longer used, so chypres are primarily composed of patchouli and elements that replace oakmoss.

Patchouli has long been associated with hippies. In fact, in the 1960s, a major hippie movement swept across the world. Hippies perfumed themselves with pure patchouli, which led to its association with the hippie movement.
Patchouli is one of the most widely used base notes in perfumery due to its unique and intense scent, which provides a strong trail. When combined with musks, it creates a clean effect, with balsamic and vanilla notes, it provides an amber base. It can also be combined with woods to enhance its woody, smoky facets or to give it new facets.

Why does patchouli smell good?

Patchouli owes its intoxicating scent to its complex chemical composition, particularly its odorant molecules. Additionally, the patchouli leaf is allowed to dry before extraction, resulting in an earthy, smoky scent.

The best patchouli perfumes

There are many perfumes, eaux de parfum, eaux de toilette, colognes, perfume extracts, skincare products, cosmetics, etc. based on patchouli (niche perfumes and selective perfumes). Indeed, this base note with an intense and timeless trail is recognizable by its earthy, smoky, and powerful facets. It is found in a wide variety of perfumes associated with notes from various olfactory families. Patchouli is used in perfumery in men's perfumes as well as in women's perfumes.
This is a note that can be found in many men's care products such as shaving products, aftershave or others (facial care, shower gels, etc.).

Patchouli can also be used in home fragrances for its powerful and comforting scent. Here's a selection of fragrances containing patchouli, which can help you choose a scent if you love this note, whether you're looking for an iconic scent or want to explore the secrets of a rare fragrance.

• Mitsouko - Eau de Parfum , Guerlain : Mitsouko is the first fruity chypre. Its juicy peach notes combined with patchouli give it a modern and timeless effect. This perfume was intended for women but is very androgynous. It has thus been worn by both men and women over time. This perfume is available as eau de toilette and eau de parfum to offer a more or less intense trail.

• Patchouli , Reminiscence : Reminiscence's Patchouli seduces with its powerful signature, blending patchouli, vanilla and musk. This iconic fragrance captures the bohemian spirit of the 70s. It could be called a solinote because you can perfectly recognize the scent of patchouli when you smell it.

• White Patchouli , Tom Ford : Tom Ford's White Patchouli Eau de Parfum is a women's eau de parfum offering a modern interpretation of patchouli. Combined with floral notes such as orange blossom, rose, coriander and cedarwood, patchouli is soft and enveloping.

• Coco Noir, Chanel : Coco Noir by Chanel, a women's eau de parfum, skillfully combines patchouli, rose, spices, tonka bean, and geranium to create a sensual and addictive fragrance. Launched in 2012, this olfactory masterpiece embraces the bold codes of the house of Chanel and offers an intense trail of patchouli. Coco Noir is available as eau de parfum and extrait de parfum.

• Patchouli 24 , Le Labo : Le Labo's Patchouli 24 eau de parfum offers an amber and woody interpretation of patchouli thanks to its vanilla and balsamic notes. Indeed, styrax brings a resinous note contrasted by the smoky facets of patchouli which are reinforced by birch. This unisex fragrance is aimed at both men and women.

• Eau Sauvage , Dior : Eau Sauvage by Dior combines the depth of patchouli with the freshness of citrus and the transparency of a jasmine note. Launched in 1966, this timeless classic has evolved over time, appearing on the skin of men and women of the different generations it has known. Eau Sauvage is based on a modernized eau de cologne inspiration called eau fraîche.

• Coromandel , Chanel : Coromandel from Exclusifs de Chanel gives a solinote effect around patchouli. This eau de parfum for men and women combines patchouli, benzoin and cedar, creating a rich skin scent with a unique trail.

• Tuxedo , Yves Saint Laurent : Tuxedo Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent seduces with its alluring blend of patchouli, vetiver, and bergamot. This sophisticated fragrance captures the timeless spirit of the tuxedo.

• Portrait of a Lady , Frédéric Malle : Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle offers a floral interpretation of patchouli, with notes of rose, blackcurrant and sandalwood. This eau de parfum is very successful thanks to its intense trail of patchouli contrasted by the powdery rose of its heart.

• Black Opium , Yves Saint Laurent : The fruity floral amber eau de parfum Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent features an accord of patchouli and coffee. It has become a benchmark for women's perfume with a coffee note.

• Angel , Thierry Mugler : Angel eau de parfum by Thierry Mugler contains an overdose of patchouli which is the signature of the fragrance and gives an intense trail to the gourmand and fruity heart of the composition.

• For Her , Narciso Rodriguez : Narciso Rodriguez's For Her eau de parfum is one of the first neo-chypres. Since the use of oakmoss was very limited, it is now replaced by a synthetic moss and a significant dose of patchouli. Thus, For Her contains a significant amount of patchouli combined with deep musks.

• Acqua Di Gio , Armani : This men's fragrance is a marine fragrance that has been a great success since its creation. Its trail is marked by a woody base of patchouli and vetiver that contrasts with the marine and zesty freshness.

Bon Parfumeur perfumes with Patchouli

• 602 - Bon Parfumeur : The freshness of spices held back by woody benzoin. A spicy and aromatic top note of pepper and incense overtaken by neroli. In the heart, a delicious clash between chili and the floral facet of the fragrance. A generous base note of smoky patchouli, earthy vetiver and balsamic benzoin.

• 501 - Bon Parfumeur : A very gourmand praline overtaken by a smoky patchouli. A top note announcing the gourmandise with the green and fresh hazelnut enhanced by citrus. A praline and crunchy heart. In the heart, the iris is the counterbalance in the fragrance and retains the dessert side. A coulis of musk and licorice in the base. Woody notes of patchouli.

• 101 - Good Perfumer : The floral power of rose challenged by characterful patchouli. A fresh whirlwind at the top. The freshness of bergamot, the cool spiciness of cardamom and the aromatic touch of lavender. In the heart, rose asserts itself. The delicate floral notes of lily of the valley and sweet pea calm the fragrance. Smoky patchouli stands out against the floral bouquet.

• 803 - Bon Parfumeur : A sea breeze that dries a damp earth. The sea spray of the heart is refreshed by the lively spices of the top and becomes creamy when it meets the duo of anise and ylang ylang. The sea spray is joined by damp patchouli and ambergris, the final elements of this mineral loop.

• Candle 03 - Bon Parfumeur : An enveloping and powerful accord of leather, patchouli and tonka bean.

In the world of perfume, elegance and refinement play a key role. Choosing a fragrance is more than just a gesture; it's a way of expressing oneself, a way of making a lasting impression. Men's and women's fragrances offer a range of choices that reflect each person's personal preferences. Some prefer woody and spicy scents, while others opt for floral and fruity notes. Body care, like perfumes, has become an essential part of the daily routine, offering a unique sensory experience. Patchouli perfumes, with their luxurious raw material, embody excellence and sophistication. When looking for the best patchouli perfume, it's essential to consider your own preferences and lifestyle. Perfume sets are also an excellent option, offering a diverse selection of fragrances for every occasion.

In short, patchouli is much more than just a note in the world of perfume. It's a symbol of travel, personal choice, and timeless elegance. Whether for an ordinary day or a special occasion, patchouli perfumes offer an unforgettable olfactory experience, enriched with memories and emotions.