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Patchouli Oil

PLANT OIL

Patchouli Oil

An aromatic leaf oil valued for its distinctive earthy, long-lasting scent and its traditional use in natural formulas.

Source

Patchouli leaves

Used for

Natural fragrance, earthy scent

How it works

Patchouli oil is steam-distilled from the dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin. Patchouli alcohol is its major constituent, alongside a wide range of other sesquiterpene compounds that give the oil its distinctive earthy scent.

In cosmetics, patchouli oil is used as a fragrance ingredient, valued for its earthy, long-lasting scent.

As an essential oil, patchouli is used at low concentration within a formula rather than applied undiluted, and those with known fragrance or essential-oil sensitivities may want to patch test a new product before regular use.
  1. 01

    Contains patchouli alcohol and other aromatic sesquiterpene compounds

  2. 02

    Used in natural formulas as a fragrance ingredient with an earthy scent

  3. 03

    A plant-derived aromatic alternative to synthetic fragrance

Questions

What is patchouli oil?
It is the essential oil of the leaves of patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, a herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its main constituents are sesquiterpene compounds, including patchouli alcohol (patchoulol), alongside pogostone, and the balance between them varies from plant to plant. (USDA GRIN; COSMILE Europe; Hu et al., 2006)
Why is patchouli used in perfumes and cosmetics?
Mostly for its scent. The European cosmetic ingredient database lists patchouli leaf oil as a fragrance ingredient, used to give a product its smell, and it is valued for its earthy character. (COSMILE Europe)

About the plant

Patchouli is a herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Philippines and grown as a crop in other warm regions, including Madagascar, the Seychelles and southern China. (USDA GRIN; Hu et al., 2006)

The leaves are the part used for the cosmetic essential oil, which is listed as Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil. (COSMILE Europe)

Good to know

Patchouli oil is a recognised fragrance allergen, so if your skin is sensitive to fragrance or essential oils, check the ingredient list and patch test a new product before regular use.

The research

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