How to Use Patchouli Oil as Perfume and What are the Alternative Uses

Patchouli essential oil is renowned for its potent and exotic aroma, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy, soaps, and cosmetics. Its reputation for improving moods and promoting relaxation is well-established, but patchouli also has a devoted following as a fragrance.

In this blog post, we will explore the use of patchouli as a perfume, and provide additional information about patchouli fragrances.

How Is Patchouli Used in Brand Perfumes?

Because patchouli has a very strong scent, in fact it is said to be the strongest of all the plant based scents, it is used very sparingly but is an important ingredient in many famous perfumes. Chanel, Givenchy and Gucci all have perfumes that use a note of patchouli, as well as many other well known brands.

Like a fine wine, patchouli matures with age, growing darker in color with a stronger, musky scent,

Combining patchouli with vanilla brings out the warm, Far East character, and in combination with Rose it becomes elegant and mysterious. In famous perfumes such as “Vie Est Belle” by Lancome it is used as a fixative, that is it extends the life of other ingredients.

Fixatives have the property of intensifying the fragrance of other ingredients and allowing them to last longer.

Vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar and frankincense are all fixatives. You can use any of these in your perfume to get a long lasting fragrance.

Fixatives come in many forms, and can be either natural or synthetic. Natural fixatives include ambergris, castoreum, musk and civet, myrrh, sandalwood, cedar, frankincense, labdanum, olibanum, patchouli etc. 

Using Patchouli Oil as Perfume

Patchouli essential oil has a woody, earthy scent and is ideal as a base for perfumes. It can be combined with floral essential oils to create a sweet, musky perfume.

The floral essential oils can be lime, lavender and geranium, or bergamot for a special scent. You can try experimenting to find your own unique fragrance as well.

The following list includes all the well-known oils that blend well with patchouli:

Using patchouli oil, you can create homemade perfumes in a very natural way.

Patchouli oil mixed with 3-4 essential oils can be used as perfume after it is diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.

Patchouli should be combined with other essential oils bit by bit, beginning with one drop and adding more until you like the scent.

Patchouli by itself can be really strong and overpowering. But it blends really well with other essential oils. However, be careful. If you use more than 5%-10% of patchouli you’re likely to end up with a drier scent.

Once you have chosen a patchouli fragrance, you can use it on your skin, in a diffuser.

Also, patchouli oil is one of the essential oils which have a sensual undertone. It is an aphrodisiac and makes your partner romantic.

The video below offers additional information on how to use patchouli oil perfume:

Why is Patchouli Essential Oil Good For Perfume?

If we check the history, the use of Patchouli essential oil is found especially among hippies as a fragrance. Along with a pleasant musky smell, this oil is associated with multiple physical and mental benefits. Its application helps a person gain inner peace and positive thinking and makes the environment cosy with its aroma. 

The following are the benefits that you can receive when using this oil as a perfume:

• The oil’s natural fragrance lasts for some days when you apply it to the skin.
• Its pungent sweet aroma makes it best to use in routine including for the office.
• Because of antibacterial components, it nurtures the skin and makes it smooth. 
• It is also best to use as an anti-ageing oil with its antioxidant nature. 
• By messaging the oil into the body, it relaxes the muscles and reduces the symptoms of stress.
• This oil is easy to blend with other oils to create a new fragrance. You can even do it yourself by trying some authentic methods. 

Later, we also mentioned the two most common and authentic methods of combining patchouli with other oils. So, read to the end.

Can Patchouli Be Applied Directly to the Skin?

Patchouli oil can be applied directly to the skin, but should be diluted with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil or avocado oil. This is simply to make it easier to apply – there are no known side effects of patchouli except that those who are unused to the fragrance may find it irritating at first. But there are no harmful effects on the skin, in fact it is claimed to relieve skin conditions like acne and dermatitis.

It is most famous of course as part of the “hippie” lifestyle of the 1960’s; although it had been in use for centuries, the “flower power” age brought it into prominence, as part of an attraction to Eastern mysticism and its grounding, calming and feelgood properties.

There are some thoughts that the scent of Patchouli was used to mask the smell of other not so legal herbs, and the odor of alcohol.

Whatever the reason, those early years brought Patchouli into general recognition and widespread use as a personal fragrance.

How Is Patchouli Used in Aromatherapy?

Another use of patchouli as a perfume is in aromatherapy by steam inhalation or in a diffuser. This is claimed to help with respiratory conditions and it encourages the release of the hormones serotonin and dopamine which ease feelings of anxiety and stress.

In aromatherapy, patchouli oil is traditionally used to reduce tension, anxiety, and insomnia.

Its aroma is said to function as an aphrodisiac and improve the mind’s concentration although all such claims are anecdotal and unproven scientifically.

It can eliminate other less pleasant odors for example from pets, and studies have shown there are no ill-effects on household animals. When diffused at night it can help to overcome sleep restlessness which improves waking mood and metabolism.

Other Uses of Patchouli Essential Oil

There are many other uses of this oil, including aromatherapy. Have a look at them to fruitfully utilize it in daily life:

Hair Care Products

You can add a few drops of this oil to your shampoo or you can add it to any carrier oil for messaging into hair. This mixture makes your hair smooth and silky,

Bath Products

Adding a few drops of oil to the water before the bath gives excellent results in terms of lesser muscle fatigue and inflammation. You can also search for soaps having oil drops for deep effects. 

Along with bath products, a mixture of peppermint essential oil and patchouli oil dropped into the water makes a perfect mouthwash solution. 

Steps of Using Patchouli Perfume

Whether you apply the oil directly to the skin for fragrance or use it with a diffuser to make the environment aromatic, you will notice significant effects. Check out the application steps to make this magical oil a must part of your routine:

Step 1. Using Carrier Oil for Dilution

Patchouli oil, in its original form, is quite thick and has a strong aroma. Applying it directly to the skin may result in allergies or redness, and some people find the aroma irritating as well. So, the best solution to all such problems is to dilute it with carrier oil. 

Carrier oils must have low or no scent to highlight the aroma of patchouli. Also, choose oils that have a long shelf-life to enjoy the combo for years. The ratio of carrier and patchouli oil is 8: 1 where carrier oil is added in more quantity. Some of the suitable options that you can consider to use as carrier oil are:

• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Coconut oil

Step 2. Application of the Combo

Right after mixing both oils, the combo is ready to be applied to the skin for fragrance. For maximum and durable fragrance, the wrist and neck are two of the most suitable spots on the body for perfume application. The body emits more heat in these spots, which helps activate perfume.

Use your fingertips to apply the oil and massage a little bit for deep penetration in a circular motion. With the heat generated from these areas, the oil will disperse and generate more aroma. Remember to use a few drops of oil, as overusing it will make the skin oily and cause irritation or spots on the clothes.

Step 3. Reapplication when Needed

This diluted form of oil is perfect for re-application when needed without making you feel irritated. However, it has a long-lasting fragrance, so you can enjoy it for maximum hours without re-application. We recommend applying a few drops in the morning and then applying it again in the evening for a durable aroma. 

DIY Patchouli Essential Oil Perfume Recipes

We have chosen two authentic methods of using two different oils to mix with patchouli to create a unique fragrance.  Before trying them at your home, keep in mind the following important things for best results:

• You need to choose patchouli essential oil in its purest form to give DIY perfume that musky scent. 
• Check the instructions of the carrier oil to see whether it is suited for dilution or not.
• Start with an unscented base oil and then add other essential oils in drops.
• Lastly, pour the patchouli oil in the mixture in drops until you get the desired fragrance. 

This is a general approach you need to follow for DIY perfumes. Let’s see the recipes:

Patchouli Essential Oil and Jojoba Oil

The following are the quantities you need for this recipe:

• 10 drops Patchouli essential oil
• 10 ml Jojoba Oil or less 

Take a 10 ml roller Bottle and add patchouli oil to it. Then, add jojoba oil to fill the roller bottle to the top. Ensure you leave enough room for the roller top. After sealing the bottle with a roller ball and cap, shake it to mix all the oils well. For the best result, let the mixture blend well overnight. 

Patchouli Essential Oil and Coconut Oil

The following are the quantities you need for this recipe:

• 16 drops Patchouli essential oil
• 24 drops of fennel oil
• 280 drops of coconut oil
• Coconut Oil – ¼ cup
• 10 dropsof  Patchouli oil 
• 7 drops rose geranium oil
• 4 drops of orange oil

Make perfume by mixing all the oils in these quantities in a roller bottle. Shake the bottle well for the best results. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What oils are suitable for mixing with Patchouli oil?

There are multiple essential oils that easily blend well with the patchouli oil giving unique yet sweet fragrances. Some of them are:

• Sandalwood
• Citrus
• Jasmine
• Rose oils

Is the DIY Patchouli essential oil recipe durable in fragrance?

Yes, in such recipes, patchouli oil is added as a base note which means it evaporates slowly and gives you a long-lasting fragrance. You will enjoy its warmth for hours. 

Is patchouli oil good for topical solutions?

This oil has many health benefits, such as muscle relaxation, improving skin texture, and so on, so it is highly recommended for topical application in diluted form. 

Parting Words

Patchouli is an essential ingredient in perfumes, known for its strong, deep scent and ability to act as an aromatic fixative.

Despite its intense aroma, it is a versatile fragrance that can be used in a variety of ways. Some enjoy its scent, while others do not.

In addition to being used to make incense, essential oils, and perfumes, patchouli can also be incorporated into candles and cooking.

Aromatherapists use patchouli oil to treat a range of conditions including mental disorders, digestive issues, and dermatitis, as well as in aromatherapy massages.

It is also used in massages and steam inhalation to alleviate stress and insomnia.

Additionally, patchouli incense is considered a useful tool for meditation.

There are many patchouli perfumes available on the market, which can make it difficult to find one that suits your preferences and budget.

However, patchouli fragrances are an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural and unique perfume. You can also purchase patchouli perfumes online on websites such as Amazon and eBay.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with patchouli fragrances before making a purchase.