Patchouli: Harvest, Origin...
Patchouli, scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin, is harvested for its leaves rich in essential oil. This raw material thrives in hot and humid climates, preferring well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. Harvesting is done by hand, after which the leaves are dried and fermented to develop their distinctive odor.
What Does Patchouli Smell Like in Perfumery ?
Patchouli essence, from the woody moss olfactory family, offers a characterful, woody, earthy, resinous, and smoky fragrance. Its complex bouquet evokes notes of moss, leather, and often even dark chocolate. Patchouli is used as a base note to give stability to compositions. Its various facets allow for the creation of different olfactory accords around the same note. It is often associated with ambery accords and is a cornerstone of chypre perfumery.
Chypre is an ancient structure dating back to the early 20th century, originally composed of 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 defined by patchouli and elements that replace oakmoss. Patchouli has long been associated with hippies. Indeed, in the 1960s, a major hippie movement swept the world. Hippies perfumed themselves with pure patchouli, associating it with the hippie movement.
Patchouli is one of the most commonly used base notes in perfumery due to its unique and intense odor, which provides a significant sillage. When combined with musks, it creates a clean effect, while with balsamic and vanilla notes, it brings an ambery background. 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 odor molecules. Additionally, patchouli leaves are allowed to dry before extraction, resulting in an earthy and smoky scent.
The Best Patchouli Perfumes
There are numerous perfumes, eaux de parfum, eaux de toilette, colognes, perfume extracts, skincare products, cosmetics, etc., featuring patchouli (niche and selective perfumes). Indeed, this intense and timeless base note is recognizable for its earthy, smoky, and powerful facets. It is found in a wide variety of perfumes associated with various olfactory families. Patchouli is used in perfumery in men's and women's fragrances alike. It is also a note commonly found in men's grooming products such as shaving products, aftershave, and others (facial care, shower gels, etc.). Patchouli can also be used in home fragrances for its potency and comforting scent. Here is a selection of perfumes containing patchouli that can help you choose a perfume if you like this note, whether you are looking for an iconic perfume or seeking exclusivity for a rare perfume.
• 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 unisex. It has thus been worn by both men and women over time. This perfume is available in eau de toilette and eau de parfum to offer a more or less intense sillage.
• Patchouli, Reminiscence:Reminiscence Patchouli seduces with its powerful signature, blending patchouli, vanilla, and musk. This emblematic fragrance captures the bohemian spirit of the 1970s. It could be described as a solo note because the scent of patchouli is perfectly recognizable when smelled.
• White Patchouli, Tom Ford: Tom Ford's White Patchouli eau de parfum is a modern interpretation of patchouli for women. Combined with floral notes such as orange blossom, rose, coriander, and cedarwood, patchouli is soft and enveloping.
• Coco Noir, Chanel: Chanel's Coco Noir eau de parfum for women skillfully blends patchouli, rose, spices, tonka bean, and geranium, creating a sensual and addictive fragrance. Launched in 2012, this olfactory masterpiece embraces Chanel's bold codes and offers an intense patchouli trail. Coco Noir is available in eau de parfum and perfume extract.
• Patchouli 24, Le Labo: Le Labo's Patchouli 24 eau de parfum offers an amber and woody interpretation of patchouli with 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 perfume is suitable for both men and women.
• Eau Sauvage, Dior: Dior's Eau Sauvage blends 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, gracing the skin of men and women from different generations. Eau Sauvage is based on a modernized cologne inspiration called eau fraîche.
• Coromandel, Chanel: Chanel's Coromandel from Les Exclusifs creates a solo note effect around patchouli. This eau de parfum for men and women combines patchouli, benzoin, and cedar, creating a rich skin fragrance with a unique sillage.
• Tuxedo, Yves Saint Laurent: Yves Saint Laurent's Tuxedo eau de parfum captivates with its seductive blend of patchouli, vetiver, and bergamot. This sophisticated perfume captures the timeless spirit of the tuxedo.
• Portrait of a Lady, Frédéric Malle: Frédéric Malle's Portrait of a Lady offers a floral interpretation of patchouli, with notes of rose, blackcurrant, and sandalwood. This eau de parfum enjoys great success thanks to its intense patchouli trail contrasted by the powdery rose at its heart.
• Black Opium, Yves Saint Laurent: Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium fruity floral amber eau de parfum highlights a patchouli and coffee accord. It has become a reference in women's perfume with a coffee note.
• Angel, Thierry Mugler: Thierry Mugler's Angel eau de parfum contains an overdose of patchouli, which signs the fragrance and gives an intense sillage to the fruity and gourmand 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 is very limited, it is now replaced by synthetic moss and a significant amount of patchouli. Thus, For Her contains a significant amount of patchouli combined with deep musks.
• Acqua Di Gio, Armani: This men's perfume is a marine fragrance that has been very successful 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 restrained by woody benzoin.
A spicy and aromatic top of pepper and incense captured by neroli. In the heart, a delightful clash between chili pepper and the floral facet of the fragrance. A generous base of smoky patchouli, earthy vetiver, and balsamic benzoin.
• 501 - Bon Parfumeur: A very gourmet praline saved by a smoky patchouli.
A top that announces gluttony with fresh green hazelnut lifted by citrus. A praline and crunchy heart. In the heart, iris balances the fragrance and holds back the dessert aspect. A coulis of musks and licorice in the background. Woody notes of patchouli.
• 101 - Bon Parfumeur: The floral power of rose challenged by characterful patchouli.
A fresh whirlwind at the top. The freshness of bergamot, the cold spicy aspect of cardamom, and the aromatic touch of lavender. In the heart, rose dominates. The floral and delicate notes of lily of the valley and sweet pea calm the fragrance. Smoky patchouli stands up to the floral bouquet.
• 803 - Bon Parfumeur: A sea breeze drying damp earth.
The sea spray is refreshed by the lively spices at the top and becomes creamy when it meets the anise and ylang-ylang duo. The sea spray is joined by damp patchouli and ambergris, the last elements of this mineral loop.
• Candle 03 - Bon Parfumeur: A powerful and enveloping accord of leather, patchouli, and tonka bean.
In the world of perfume, elegance and refinement play a crucial role. Choosing a perfume is much more than a simple gesture; it's an expression of oneself, a way to leave a mark. Perfumes for men and women offer a range of choices that reflect each individual's personal preferences. Some prefer woody and spicy fragrances, while others opt for floral and fruity notes. Body care products, like perfumes, have become an essential part of daily routines, offering a unique sensory experience. Patchouli perfumes, with their luxurious raw material, embody excellence and sophistication. When seeking the best patchouli perfume, it is essential to consider one's own preferences and lifestyle. Perfume gift sets are also an excellent option, offering a varied selection of fragrances for every occasion.
In summary, patchouli is more than just a note in the world of perfume. It is a symbol of travel, personal choices, and timeless elegance. Whether for an ordinary day or a special occasion, patchouli perfumes offer an unforgettable olfactory experience enriched with memories and emotions.
