Patchouli is a complex and versatile fragrance that is often described as earthy, woody, musky, and slightly sweet. It has a dark, musky-earthy aroma profile, reminiscent of wet soil. The scent of patchouli contains the same earthy element that is also present in vetiver, making it a dark and rich scent. Patchouli is characterized as having an olfactory profile thats sometimes associated with animalistic, sensual undertones. It is woody, warm, and slightly intoxicating. Patchouli carries a musky smell, which is very grounding and deeply embedded in the overall aroma profile. Some people find the muskiness most pronounced, but it also has delightful sweet-herbaceous and spicy notes. Patchouli smell has been used for hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac, stimulating estrogen and testosterone to provide a libido boost for both sexes.

Patchouli oil has a characteristic scent that might be described as woody, sweet, and spicy. It’s often used as a scent additive in products like perfumes, cosmetics, and incense. Patchouli oil mixes well with many other essential oils, where it contributes its rich, spicy aroma. Some examples of good oils to blend patchouli with include cedarwood, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, rose, and sandalwood.

Patchouli is often used as a base note in chypre, oriental, and powdery fragrances, marrying particularly successfully with sweet floral tartness of bergamot, chilly sweetness of lavender, voluptuousness of rose, and smoothness of sandalwood. Patchouli scent is a popular aromatherapy ingredient for good reason. According to one study, patchouli dramatically reduced stress and increased compassion levels when breathed by emergency department nurses.

Patchouli is a natural ingredient that is often used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy products. It has a unique and complex scent that is characterized as earthy, woody, musky, and slightly sweet. Patchouli oil has many uses, from treating dry skin to use as an antifungal agent.