The 12 Best Patchouli Perfumes for an Earthy, Woody, and Sweet Signature Scent

Patchouli is one of those scents that has a lot of mystery associated with it. Once thought of as a pungently sweet fragrance worn by flower children in the 1960s, today you can find patchouli in some of the world’s biggest luxury perfumes. Patchouli is a type of plant (it’s classified as part of the mint family) that originated in Southeast Asia and grows best in tropical climates. But, due to its widespread use as a personal fragrance, it’s now cultivated worldwide. The perfume industry isn’t the only one on board with patchouli; in fact, it’s used in spiritual and alternative medicinal practices and as a natural bug repellent.

Musky, sweet, and dark, patchouli is one of the most popular notes found in perfume. To help you narrow down the best patchouli fragrance, I tapped several experts and tried top-rated options for myself. I paid special attention to the top, heart, and bottom notes, and even considered each fragrance’s longevity and dry down. The result: An expertly curated list of patchouli perfumes perfect for date night. 

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Perfumehead Canadian Tuxedo Extrait de Parfum at Bergdorfgoodman
• Best Woody: Byredo Bibliothéque Eau de Parfum at Nordstrom
• Best Fresh: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne at Sephora
• Best Floral: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum at Sephora
• Best Earthy: Henry Rose Dark is Night at Nordstrom
• Best Fruity: Tom Ford Bitter Peach Eau De Parfum at Sephora
• Best Smoky: Le Labo Patchouli 24 Eau de Parfum at Nordstrom
• Best Unisex: Diptyque Tempo Eau de Parfum at Diptyqueparis
• Best Eco-Friendly: Eau So Vert Boozy Patchouli at EASUO.com
• Best Perfume Oil: Lumira Cuban Tobacco Perfume Oil at atelierlumira.com

Best Overall

Perfumehead Canadian Tuxedo Extrait de Parfum

$425 at Neiman Marcus View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Fragrance Family: Spicy | Key Notes: Coriander, Cumin, Patchouli, Peru Balsam, Tonka Bean | Sizes: 1.7 oz

What We Like: Boozy and earthy, and smells understatedly expensive.

What to Consider: Not the most affordable.

Boozy and earthy are two words Byrdie commerce writer Alyssa Kaplan used to describe this fragrance upon first whiff. “It reminds me of a jazz club or a chic boutique hotel,” she explains, which makes sense, given that neither has much in common except for being synonymous with understated luxury. Perfumehead’s Canadian Tuxedo is quite literally opulence in a bottle; and at almost $500, it should be. Top notes of coriander, orange flower, and bay leaf introduce the fragrance before it dries down and highlights the heart notes of cumin, patchouli, and cedarwood, and leaves behind a sillage of tonka bean, Peru balsam, and cistus absolute. 

Best Woody

Byredo Bibliothéque Eau de Parfum

$225 at Nordstrom View on Byredo.com

Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Plum, Cinnamon, Leather, Violet, Birch Wood, Patchouli, Vanilla  | Sizes: 1.7, 3.4 oz

What We Like: Subtle patchouli notes, and velvety and woody.

What to Consider: Can skew powdery.

Initially released as a candle, fans of Byredo’s Bibliothèque begged for it to be released in perfume form. They got their wish—and ironically turned this fragrance into one of the brand’s top-selling perfumes. What sets this scent apart from other patchouli fragrances is its unique can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it notes that create a sexy cross between flowers and leather-bound books. Top notes of plum and cinnamon lend a sweet touch to the otherwise woody and intense blend of leather, violet, birch wood, patchouli, and vanilla, capturing the attention of anyone you pass by. Take our word for it, a spritz or two of this perfume will attract compliments and admirers. 

Best Fresh

Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne

$30 at Sephora View on Opensky.com

Fragrance Family: Fruity floral | Key Notes: King William Pear, Freesia, Patchouli | Sizes: 1, 1.7, 3.4 oz

What We Like: Fresh and fruity, and layerable and versatile.

What to Consider: Patchouli can get lost underneath the top notes.

Described as a traditional chypre fragrance—one that is warm, dry, and built around a woody, mossy accord (in this case patchouli)—Jo Malone’s English Pear & Freesia is great for those who love brighter, fruitier scents. It highlights top notes of King William pear, which offers a mellow yet juicy scent, and crisp, clean freesia. Fresh and invigorating, this fragrance is a lot lighter than the other options on this list and lends itself well to sunshine, time spent outside, and sophistication. 

Best Floral

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum

$39 at Sephora $168 at Ulta View on Gucci.com

Fragrance Family: Fruity floral | Key Notes: Italian Mandarin, White Gardenia, Jasmine, Frangipani Flower, Patchouli, Brown Sugar | Sizes: 0.25, 1, 1.6, 3.3 oz

What We Like: Gorgeous bottle that comes in four sizes, and comforting, familiar, and feminine.

What to Consider: Might be too sweet for some.

Encased in a gorgeous (pun intended) new bottle, Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia has received quite the makeover. When I first sniffed this perfume, I was instantly struck by a feeling of nostalgia, and after a quizzical text to my mom, she reminded me that this is very similar (if not identical) to the brand’s original Flora fragrance that she wore often when I was a child. The fragrance is built entirely around the gardenia flower, which is a flower that has long been admired as a source of elixirs and magic potions. This modern floral features top notes of Italian mandarin, blossom accord, and red berries, along with heart notes of white gardenia, jasmine absolute, and frangipani flower. In terms of base notes, the perfume includes a touch of patchouli and brown sugar accord, adding a subtle sweetness and lots of depth to its sillage. 

Best Earthy

Henry Rose Dark is Night

$35 at Nordstrom View on Henryrose.com View on Credo Beauty

Fragrance Family: Earthy | Key Notes: Green grass, Vetiver, Freesia, Patchouli, Vanilla Bean | Sizes: 0.27, 1.7 oz

What We Like: Complex and smells different on everyone, and starts off earthy but turns sweet on contact with skin.

What to Consider: Doesn't last as long as we'd like.

With just the right amount of patchouli, Dark is Night from Henry Rose is one of our favorites in this category. This scent leans on the woodiness of patchouli while notes of green grass, vetiver, freesia, and vanilla bean round it out and make it complex yet not overpowering. It smells the best once it’s had time to meld with your skin—doing so makes it feel like the fragrance is tailor-made just for you. 

Best Fruity

Tom Ford Bitter Peach Eau De Parfum

$80 at Sephora $103 at Walmart $395 at Nordstrom

Fragrance Family: Fruity | Key Notes: Peach of the Grapevine, Blood Orange, Patchouli | Sizes: 0.33, 1, 1.7 oz

What We Like: Unique note pairing, and pretty lacquered bottle.

What to Consider: Can be very strong if too much is used.

Another great option for those who love sweeter scents, Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach is intoxicating and addicting. Featuring a blend of pêche de vigne (aka peach of the grapevine), a very rare type of peach that flourishes during the last weeks of summer in France, plus Sicilian blood orange oil, this perfume is as juicy as it gets. What’s more, notes of rum-infused davana oil, patchouli, and sandalwood offer a sultry, sensual vibe that’s completely unmatched. 

Best Smoky

Le Labo Patchouli 24 Eau de Parfum

$322 at Nordstrom

Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Leather, Patchouli, Birch, Tar, Vanilla | Sizes: 1.7, 3.4 oz

What We Like: Iconic, potent, and a little goes a long way.

What to Consider: Opens up slowly.

Despite being a key olfactory note, patchouli goes under the radar in this perfume from Le Labo. Instead, a smoky blend of leather, birch, and tar takes the lead, making this a heavier, more sensual scent. But if you’re not into that kind of thing, don’t worry; to sweeten things up, vanilla makes an appearance. This is really one of those scents that surprises you when you first smell it—because yes, you pick up that smoky black tar—but it opens up slowly to this sweet, complex fragrance that you’ll never get tired of. Plus, it comes in two sizes: a standard 1.7-ounce bottle and a larger 3.4-ounce bottle that, I swear, lasts forever. 

Best Clean

The 7 Virtues Patchouli Citrus Eau de Parfum

$19 at Sephora

Fragrance Family: Fresh floral | Key Notes: Cassis, Rose Geranium, Patchouli | Sizes: 0.33, 1.7 oz

What We Like: Clean, hypoallergenic, and planet-positive, and fresh, floral scent.

What to Consider: Can be too strong for some.

I love when a fragrance has a good story behind it, like this one from The 7 Virtues. Formulated with planet-positive essential oils harvested by families in nations rebuilding after war or strife, this fragrance is the physical embodiment of the brand’s “make perfume, not war” mantra. This particular scent highlights the freshness of sweet peony and rose geranium along with ethically sourced patchouli essential oil from Rwanda. Even after a few hours of lingering on the skin, you can expect this perfume to smell elegant and fresh. 

Best Unisex

Diptyque Tempo Eau de Parfum

View on Diptyqueparis.com

Fragrance Family: Woody | Key Notes: Patchouli, Maté, Clary Sage, Violet | Sizes: 2.5 oz

What We Like: Woody and classic, and mysterious but inviting.

What to Consider: Can be intense.

Honoring the roots of patchouli, Diptyque’s Tempo contains three different patchouli extracts, giving it an elegant and woody smell that’s hard to ignore. All of that could be intense, but thanks to violet leaf, it’s a little more complex and multidimensional. It has a cool aesthetic that looks great on any vanity or countertop and each spritz offers a mysterious aura that’s nothing short of inviting. 

Best Eco-Friendly

Eau So Vert Boozy Patchouli

View on Eauso.com

Fragrance Family: Woody spicy | Key Notes: Italian Bergamot, Lemon, Pink Pepper, Neroli, Patchouli, Turkish Rose, Amber | Sizes: 1.7 oz

What We Like: Biodegradable and sustainable, and boozy, citrusy, and striking.

What to Consider: Might lean powdery to some noses.

Powered by patchouli and a squeeze of citrus, this must-try fragrance from Eauso Vert is striking. It’s rich, woody, and spicy while also being incredibly light thanks to a twist of lemon, making it a spectacular starting point for someone looking to dip their noses into the world of patchouli. As if there wasn’t already so much to love, the brand also utilizes a “luxury that gives a damn” philosophy that ensures the formula, packaging, and supply chain practices are done with sustainability in mind. This particular fragrance boasts 97.8% biodegradable elements and a recyclable glass bottle. We’re also huge fans of experiences, so the fact that the brand curates Spotify playlists to suit the vibes of each perfume only makes us love it more.

Best Perfume Oil

Lumira Cuban Tobacco Perfume Oil

View on Atelierlumira.com

Fragrance Family: Smoky | Key Notes: Cardamom, Clove Bud, Tangerine, Tobacco, Patchouli, Musk | Sizes: 0.3 oz

What We Like: Affordable, and sustainably sourced.

What to Consider: Not as long lasting as eau de parfum.

In order to truly appreciate this perfume oil, allow me to paint you a picture. Imagine you’re standing in Havana, breathing in smoky cigars, eyeing playful colors, and sensing the ghosts of the area’s glamorous past. If you could bottle that up, it would smell vibrant, intoxicating, and worthy of obsession, right? Well, that’s where Lumira’s Cuban Tobacco Perfume Oil comes in. This sustainable perfume oil captures the energy of Cuba with warm notes of cardamom and clove bud, while tangerine gives it a little tang. Once the oil has had time to mingle with the skin, it mellows down and offers a subtle hint of tobacco, patchouli, and musk. “It has a great balance between freshness and spice,” Kaplan says. “I use it as a nighttime fragrance year round.” 

Best Affordable

Snif Sweet Ash

$65 at Amazon View on Snif.co

Fragrance Family: Earthy | Key Notes: Juniper, Bergamot, Fir Balsam, Tonka, Vanilla Bean, White Moss, Patchouli | Sizes: 0.3, 1 oz

What We Like: Great trial period, and woody and rich with a sweet finish.

What to Consider: Doesn’t last as long as some other fragrances.

Fragrances are a luxury item, but that doesn’t always equate to spending a ton of money. Sweet Ash from Snif is a fantastic budget-friendly option that smells a lot more expensive than it actually is. The sweet yet rich and woody perfume is one of my favorites, and it’s because of how complex the fragrance is. When spritzed, the perfume is inviting and warm thanks to notes of moss, patchouli, and fir balsam, which are balanced by hints of tonka and vanilla bean. As the day goes on, the fragrance gets sweeter and subtler. The cherry on top is the brand’s free trial period, which allows you to test out the fragrance in your own home before buying it.

What to Look for When Buying a Patchouli Perfume

• Type of Fragrance: There are different categories of fragrances, each with distinct scent concentrations. Parfums have the highest scent concentration, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. Perfume oils have high scent concentrations but don’t last as long and are more potent for the wearer than for those around them.
• Notes: One of the most important factors to consider before buying perfume is the notes. Within the world of fragrance, scents are categorized as fruity, floral, woodsy, or clean, and the notes you’re most drawn to are ultimately up to you. While, obviously, all of these fragrances feature patchouli, the other notes in a perfume differentiate them from one another. “Patchouli is an unsung hero that can be paired with most types of accords, from a floral all the way to a spicy or musk,” says fragrance expert and brand consultant Keta Burke-Williams. To get a better idea of which fragrances smell best to you, I recommend trying a sample first or even sniffing the fragrance in a store. 
• Quality: Another element to think about is quality. Perfumes are definitely a luxury item, which means the price you pay depends on the ingredients and factors like packaging (or even the brand name itself). Less expensive perfumes often contain fewer notes (and lots more sweet-smelling florals, which are easy to source, and thus, cheaper to create). Pricier options lean on rare essences that are harder to extract and distribute. While I love a good dupe, alternatives almost never replicate the scent just right, and if they do, the staying power isn’t usually as long-lasting. 
  

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. She is an avid product tester that likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and fashion to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not. She tested all of the fragrances on this list over the course of two weeks. She spoke to several experts, including:

• Keta Burke Williams is a fragrance expert, founder and CEO of fragrance brand Ourside, and brand consultant.
  
• Nina Friede is a fragrance expert with experience in luxury scents, specifically for retail, hospitality, and personal use.
• Guillaume Flavigny is a luxury perfumer who has worked on fragrances from Tom Ford, Valentino, Guess, and more.