Patchouli is one of the most polarizing scents among the plethora of options available. This musky-sweet aroma is either adored or disliked. We belong to the old camp. If you fall into the latter category and are a skeptic, you’ve come to the correct spot.

If you’re intrigued by patchouli, let us alter your opinion and explain why our version will defy your assumptions.

What inspired us to develop Patchouli & Copal? 
Following the positive response to our Palo Santo & Frankincense combination, we developed a minor fascination with all the deep, woody, earthy scents. The natural next step was a patchouli and copal mix.

The final combination includes patchouli, copal, and frankincense essential oils, as well as tonka bean seed extract for that extra something. Patchouli & Copal is a calming woody balsamic scent with a smokey sweetness.

How does patchouli smell?

 
If you’ve never smelled patchouli before, you may be wondering what it smells like. Patchouli is an earthy, woody, musky fragrance that is very rich and deep. Many people like the muskiness, but it also contains delicious sweet-herbaceous and spicy overtones.

A Scent’s Anatomy 
To understand why patchouli is so polarizing, we must first grasp the structure of a smell. Similar to how a glass of wine takes you on a sensory trip, scent is a multi-layered experience. These layers are referred to by perfumers as the top, heart, and base.

Patchouli is a base note that is often used in fragrances as a fixative. This implies that it is used to make a perfume last longer. If you’ve ever spilled patchouli oil on a piece of clothing, you know how long it lasts. And if patchouli isn’t your cup of tea, pure patchouli may be repulsive to your senses.

Blending begins…

The appeal of combining 

Many Humble Brands scents are created by combining two or more essential oils with plant extracts. The genius of producing a bespoke blend is that it enables us to create something unique while still striking the proper balance of aromatics for universal pleasure.

To temper patchouli’s innate intensity, we’ve discovered that the more moderate aromatics of copal, which are sweet, woody, and faintly spicy-peppery, match the deep earthy fragrance well. A little touch of frankincense, which is related to patchouli and copal in many ways, adds pine-like notes while also bringing its own silky resinous characteristics. The enticing fragrance of tonka bean extract is our secret to amplifying the sweetness. The end product is a deep and subtle perfume that strikes all the right notes.

Learn more about our smell creation process here: Our Scent Creation Process.

The odors that have been used have changed.

Because of your body’s unique chemistry and ambient variables, a perfume applied to your skin might smell drastically different than it does in the box. Everything from the pH of our skin to hormones and pheromones can mix with fragrance to make our own unique smell.

Heat and moisture on the skin (such as the area under your arms) may increase the loudness of a smell. So, when you need it the most, your favorite deodorant will be boosted, making you smell fantastic.

Remember this when you smell someone else’s aroma. What smells good on a buddy may not smell good on you, and vice versa. Patchouli & Copal may surprise you with how well it suits you.

Read our blog article, You Might Be Wearing the Wrong Perfume, for additional information on finding the perfect scent.

Patchouli and copal sourcing. 

What exactly is patchouli? 

Patchouli oil is derived from a Southeast Asian perennial plant. Our black patchouli is sourced from Indonesia, where the gathered leaves are shade cured and aged before distillation to maximize richness and production. Metal stills are specially employed to guarantee the final product’s warm, dark tone.

Patchouli is known as the “scent of the sixties,” but it also has a rich history as a favorite of elite perfumers for decades. It is surprising how frequently it is in today’s fragrances.

What exactly is copal? 

Copal is a balsamic resin that is hand-harvested from trees in Brazil. It takes many days to harvest from a single tree using a tap. The holes are filled with clay when the taps are removed. Typically, trees are let to rest for three years between extractions.

For generations, copal has been venerated as a ceremonial incense in Mexico, particularly during Dia de los Muertos. It’s also a traditional shamanic oil for spiritual cleansing and cultivating a serene heart.

Want an even more rich background on our ingredients?

Find out more about frankincense. 
Discover the tonka bean. 
Learn more about our guarantee of basic ingredients.

Patchouli and cinchona have aromatherapeutic effects. 

Patchouli is said to provide grounding, balancing, soothing, and mood-balancing properties. Copal’s comforting, pleasant scent has long been used to produce sensations of relaxation and centering. We hope this fragrance mix provides you with moments of serenity, harmony, and quiet throughout your day.

Patchouli & Copal may be the right match if you’re looking for a warm, earthy aroma that will last all day. Get all the carefree sensations without the overpowering aromatics that give it a poor name.