Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a earthy essential oil with a earthy, deep aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from leaf, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Cedarwood (Atlas). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 10%.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an earthy essential oil, steam-distilled from the leaf, produced in Indonesia and India. Its aroma is earthy, deep, sitting as a base note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Cedarwood (Atlas), Frankincense (Carterii). Keep topical use at or below 10% — everyday blends are usually 1-3%. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Earthy |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | leaf |
| Origin | Indonesia, India, China |
| Blending factor | 5 |
| Volatility index | 5 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 48.0 |
| CAS number | 8014-09-3 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~2 years) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Evidence: Traditional — Traditional use for skin and perfumery; Pogostemon cablin review (Swamy & Sinniah, 2015).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Get the right drops-per-bottle with the drops & dilution calculator.
Blends well with
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Compare Patchouli with
Frequently asked questions
What does Patchouli smell like?
Patchouli has a earthy, deep aroma, classed as a earthy oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Patchouli?
For topical use, keep Patchouli at or below 10%, and 5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Patchouli safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Patchouli. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Patchouli safe to use around children?
Patchouli is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 2 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Patchouli safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Patchouli blend well with?
Patchouli pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Cedarwood (Atlas), Frankincense (Carterii), Vetiver.