Patchouli fragrances

Patchouli is a mint-family leaf from Southeast Asia that smells nothing like mint: dark, earthy, woody, faintly sweet like cocoa and damp cellar in the best possible way. It is one of perfumery's strongest natural materials, a little anchors an entire composition, and modern fractionated patchouli has shed the head-shop reputation almost completely. Its signature move is grounding brightness: the citrus-rose sparkle of Coco Mademoiselle and the pineapple of Aventus both stand on patchouli floors. It also makes scents last dramatically longer. If you want to isolate the note, smell the drydown of Coco Mademoiselle three hours in, then compare it with Sauvage's base: that shared dark, dry depth is patchouli working.

Designer fragrances built with Patchouli. 47 perfumes that feature the note, from top to dry-down.

Back to the scent finder · Fragrance buying guides