Patchouli Absolute — Pogostemon cablin | Dark Earthy Fixative | Origin Indonesia

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Patchouli Absolute — Earthy Depth at Its Most Concentrated

Patchouli is one of the most instantly recognisable and most revered materials in all of perfumery — and the absolute, solvent extracted from dried Pogostemon cablin leaves grown in Indonesia, is patchouli at its richest and most complete. Where the essential oil offers a familiar, well-loved earthiness, the absolute goes considerably further: a profoundly grounding, layered material of extraordinary complexity, revealing facets that distillation alone rarely captures.

Arctander himself considered patchouli one of perfumery's essential base materials, noting its extraordinary versatility across virtually every major fragrance family. This dark absolute honours that reputation fully — a dense, dark green liquid whose reputation only deepens with age, much like the finest vintage patchouli oils prized by collectors.

Scent Profile

The opening carries a rich, herbaceous earthiness — damp soil, sun-warmed wood, and a subtle green freshness that immediately marks it as genuine patchouli. As it unfolds, fruity nuances emerge alongside a soft balsamic sweetness, before settling into a velvety, dark cocoa-tinged depth of remarkable tenacity. This is patchouli with real weight and dimension — earthy without being harsh, sweet without losing its grounding character.

Perfumery Applications

Renowned above all for its fixative power, Patchouli Absolute anchors and elevates virtually any composition it touches. It blends seamlessly across florals, resins, woods, and spices, lending sophistication, depth, and remarkable longevity wherever it appears. It is foundational in Oriental bases, woody structures, fougères, chypres, and amber-opopanax accords — genuinely one of the most versatile base materials a natural perfumer can own.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with labdanum, vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, coumarin, oakmoss, geranium, clove, lavender, rose absolute, bergamot, neroli, orris, myrrh, opopanax, clary sage absolute, and pine.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.
• Common Name: Patchouli Absolute
• Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
• INCI Name: Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
• CAS Number: 8014-09-3
• Origin: Indonesia
• Plant Part: Leaves
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)
• Classification: Base note
• Appearance: Dark green liquid
• Odour Family: Earthy / Herbaceous / Fruity / Woody
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.