The patchouli fragrances we love From warm and enveloping to earthier and deeper

Patchouli is a staple note in perfumery. It pairs effortlessly with earthy and woody profiles, creating an olfactory sensation layered with hints of damp soil and incense. Back in the '70s, it was literally everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. Between hippies, rock concerts, vintage fashion, and bohemian aesthetics, everyone was obsessed. Extracted from the leaves of a tropical plant, patchouli shifts its character depending on what it's blended with. Here are five standout fragrances to discover every facet of this iconic note.

Patchouli: the fragrances we love

Cannabis Patchouli by Dries Van Noten

In Dries Van Noten’s Cannabis Patchouli, we find a crisp, sophisticated patchouli that weaves together green notes and rich woods. It opens with bright bergamot and cedar leaves, leading into a heart of sage and incense. At the base, patchouli blends seamlessly with vetiver and musk.

Vanillade by Maison Tahité

Maison Tahité’s Vanillade marries the sweet richness of vanilla with the grounded, earthy depth of patchouli. The fragrance opens with citrus zest, almond blossom, and coconut flower, before revealing a heart of vanilla flower and pure vanilla. The dry-down settles into patchouli wrapped in benzoin and soft musks.

Miss_U by Laboratorio Olfattivo

Laboratorio Olfattivo’s Miss_U offers a spicier, more cocooning take, perfectly in tune with the intimate philosophy of skin scents. It introduces itself with bergamot and yellow mandarin, followed by cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, ambroxan, and oud. The patchouli emerges softly at the base, paired with warm vanilla and guaiac wood.

333 Övernatur by L:a Bruket

Övernatur by L:a Bruket is a green, woody scent reminiscent of a forest floor right after the rain. It opens with crisp pine needles and spruce resin. The heart highlights patchouli and oakmoss, while the base unearths notes of wet earth, undergrowth, and damp woods.

Lord of Misrule by Lush

Lush’s Lord of Misrule serves up a signature sweet and earthy blend, balancing dark patchouli and warm vanilla with a sharp, spicy kick of black pepper.