Patchouli and home fragrance, follow the guide
Patchouli is a dense scent that Estéban likes to introduce in more or less generous touches in its fragrance compositions. Patchouli scent is, however, often misunderstood. Forget the old-fashioned image associated with it; we have gathered everything important you need to know about this distinctive scent. Follow the guide and discover our home fragrances with patchouli notes, classified from the strongest to the softest intensity: Cedar, Légendes d'Orient, Ambre, Teck & Tonka, Néroli.
What is patchouli?
Patchouli is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and Indonesia. The broad, velvety leaves of patchouli, about one meter high, have a strong characteristic odor due to chemical compounds present in the leaves: sesquiterpenes, patchoulols, and norpatchoulenes, among others. An essential oil commonly used in perfumery is extracted from these leaves.
Along with citrus, patchouli is one of the most widely used natural raw materials. Patchouli leaves are harvested by hand, usually early in the morning when the oil content is highest. After being bruised, the leaves are placed in a still and steam-distilled. The steam passes through the leaves, carrying with it the essential oil. The steam is then cooled, and the essential oil is collected.
Patchouli, a scent recognizable among thousands
The distinctive scent of patchouli (a trail with dense, extremely rich accents) makes it an easily identifiable ingredient. Patchouli contains woody, earthy, amber, and sometimes even smoky notes that give it its full personality.
Due to its strong olfactory presence, it is often used as a base note in perfumes, to give depth, warmth, and richness to fragrance compositions.
Patchouli in perfume olfactory families
Patchouli is a woody raw material often used in the composition of chypre perfumes.
According to Le Trésor de la Langue Française, the name "chypre" comes from the Mediterranean island of the same name. However, in the perfumery world, many associate this exotic name with François Coty's perfume, named Chypre, released in 1917.
Chypre perfumes combine an oakmoss note, which defines this olfactory family, and a blend of notes including bergamot, lemon, mandarin, patchouli, and labdanum. Chypre perfumes, and by extension, patchouli, which is often associated with them, are magnetic and full of character, often considered sophisticated and elegant.
However, patchouli is not limited to the chypre olfactory family; it can also be associated with other families and combined with a wide variety of notes.
Thus, the patchouli scent is often used as a base note in perfumes to bring an earthy, dark, and camphoraceous depth to the compositions (often woody or oriental) that contain it. Blended with citrus, patchouli can be used in fresh or hesperidic perfumes, while when associated with floral notes, it can be used in floral, softer perfumes, without losing its magnificence.
Patchouli: properties and use
Patchouli is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy for its soothing properties. It is often used for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties, as well as to improve blood circulation, digestion, and skin health. It is also used as an insect repellent. It was for this specific efficacy that it was brought back to Europe: patchouli leaves were once slipped into cashmere shawls to prevent the merchandise from being attacked by moths during their sea journey from India. Patchouli is also considered a natural aphrodisiac and is often used in perfumes for its stimulating effect on the senses.
The heady accents of patchouli can easily dominate other notes present when combined with other ingredients. Thus, patchouli is used in relatively low concentrations in perfumes. However, it can be found in extremely concentrated and long-lasting forms, as the main note of a patchouli home fragrance.
Patchouli and home fragrance
Patchouli is a frequently used note in home fragrances. Its earthy, woody, rich, and sensual scent helps create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Due to the intoxicating accents of the patchouli scent, the ingredient is used by Estéban in small touches, as a heart or base note in our home fragrances, thus anchoring and enhancing lighter notes. Its many olfactory facets, from the freshest to the most sensual, allow perfumers to adapt it as desired, giving free rein to their creativity. Home fragrances containing patchouli can be found at Estéban in the form of scented candles and diffusers, room sprays, or even mist diffusers.
Discover below each of our collections of home fragrances with patchouli notes, classified from the strongest to the softest intensity: Cedar, Légendes d’Orient, Ambre, Teck & Tonka, Néroli.
In the Cedar collection, heart notes are built around patchouli, which provides a pleasant woody scent.
In the Légendes d’Orient collection, the patchouli scent makes this spicy and amber fragrance even more sensual and rich.
Our warm and suave Ambre collection also includes patchouli among its base notes. Its woody and voluptuous facet contributes to the deep and elegant trail of this collection.
Associated with tonka bean, patchouli adds creaminess to the powerful trail of our Teck & Tonka collection, made of spices, burning balms, and warm woods.
Finally, the patchouli note is present in our emblematic Néroli collection, contributing to its unique trail that fills the house with an elegant, sensual, and enveloping halo.
Light a scented candle with patchouli notes and let yourself be transported into the comfortable and enveloping atmosphere of a sweet evening. The Ambre and Légendes d'Orient room sprays with heart or base notes of patchouli are perfect for refreshing the air, while home fragrance diffusers with patchouli essential oil are incomparable for a successful sensory journey.
Patchouli is a timeless and essential ingredient in Estéban home fragrances. The richness of its facets adds depth to compositions for a unique olfactory experience.
