How to Use Patchouli Oil as Perfume
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:
| Top Notes | Middle Notes | Base Notes |
| Bergamot | Ginger | Cedarwood |
| Pine | Chamomile | Cinnamon |
| Grapefruit | Coriander | Clary sage |
| Jasmine | Geranium | Clove |
| Lavender | Myrrh | Frankincense |
| Lemongrass | Rose | Oakmoss |
| Mandarin | Cypress | Sandalwood |
| Neroli | Pepper, Black | Vetiver |
| Orange | Rosemary | |
| Spearmint | Ylang Ylang | |
| Basil | ||
| Tangerine | ||
| Bay Laurel |
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:
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.
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.
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