PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL
A rich, earthy aromatic oil with deep woody, sweet and spicy notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin
Common Name: Patchouli
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin of Plant: Tropical Asia; widely cultivated
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the dried leaves
Note: Base
Colour: Amber to orange-brown
Aroma: Rich, earthy, woody, sweet and spicy
About This Essential Oil
Patchouli Essential Oil is steam distilled from the dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin. Its deep, persistent aroma is widely used in natural perfumery, incense-inspired blends, soaps and carefully formulated body products. Patchouli is especially valued as a base note and fixative, helping provide depth, warmth and longevity to aromatic compositions.
Key Benefits
• Provides a rich, earthy and woody aroma
• Adds depth and longevity to natural perfumes
• Popular in soaps and body-care formulations
• Creates a calm and grounded aromatic atmosphere
• Complements products for dry or mature-looking skin
• Blends readily with floral, resinous and woody oils
History
Patchouli has long been used across Asia in incense, fragrance and scented household preparations. During the nineteenth century, shawls, textiles and carpets exported from India were often packed with dried Patchouli leaves, helping protect them from moths while giving them a recognisable scent. Patchouli later became associated with 1960s counterculture and remains an important perfumery material because its persistent base note helps anchor fragrance blends.
Main Chemical Components
50% Sesquiterpenes, 33% Alcohols
Aromatic Characteristics
• Earthy and woody
• Rich and sweet
• Warm and spicy
• Persistent base aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Anchors natural perfume compositions
• Adds depth to soaps and body-care products
• Complements incense-inspired diffuser blends
• Suitable for carefully formulated skincare products
• Softens floral, citrus and resinous combinations
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as grounding and centring
• Opens with rich earthy and woody notes
• Develops sweet, spicy and balsamic nuances
• Strong and best used sparingly in blends
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or medical conditions.
• Follow product-specific dermal limits and supplier safety data.
• Use sparingly because its aroma can dominate a blend.
• Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
