Patchouli | the divisive fragrance with a glamorous history

Earthy, deep, and sensual patchouli’s still got the reputation as having a hippie aura and is  known as ‘the scent of the 60s’. Surprisingly patchouli isn’t a wood, or a root:  it’s actually a delicate frilly green-leafed, purple-flowered member of the mint family, called pogostemon patchouli.

The name comes from the old Tamil words patchai (‘green’) and ellai (‘leaf’). These green fragile-looking leaves naturally produce a slightly sweet, nonchalantly spicy, weirdly smoky, cedarish and powerful scent. 

It all started from Patchouli being a fantastic insect repellent, effective against flies moths and other bugs. 

In the 19th Century a paisley shawl was the ultimate status symbol for a Parisian women. The shawls were shipped from India layered with patchouli leaves to keep them fresh and bug free in transit. As the ladies swathed themselves in these patchouli-scented shawls the Parisian Perfume houses were quick to embrace the scent and turn it into a desirable and sort after fragrance. 

A unisex fragrance and a year round bestselling scent at French Soaps the biggest decision is what to buy?

• A bright colour and bold perfume from our range of Market Soaps, this soap bar from La Maison du Savon de Marseille s a really popular choice amongst our customers who love it's retro vibe. 

• Savonnnerie Bleu Jaune's Patchouli is more subtle and a softer more sophisticated fragrance. They make this for us in a Marseille Liquid Soap formulated with coconut oil, as a standard or supersize soap bar, and an Eau du Toilette. We also stock their unisex shaving soap that is fragranced with Patchouli & Opium and formulated with pistachio oil.

• Le Chatelard's take on patchouli is a straightforward 'true' honest fragrance and features in their 'extra gentle' range formulated with Sweet Almond Oil. 

• Maison Berthe Guilhem's Organic Alpine Goat's Milk soap is a rare and really rather special soap, it is fragranced with Patchouli Essential Oil. This gives it an absolutely stunning fragrance that will not fail to delight any lover of this scent.  

• For your home Geodesis offer a fragranced candle to fill your room for hours on end! A great asset in Spring and Summer when the moths are around. On this note, do consider using your soap whole or sliced in draws and cupboards to gently fragrance your clothes whilst keeping the moths away!

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a fragrant herb from the mint family, native to tropical Asia. With its deep, musky, and earthy scent, it has become a staple in perfumery, aromatherapy, and natural skincare. But behind its unique fragrance lies a rich history and a range of benefits that make patchouli truly timeless.

Patchouli has been used for centuries in India, China, and Southeast Asia, both as a perfume and in traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, patchouli leaves were used to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and emotional imbalances. Its antiseptic and insect-repellent properties made it a practical addition to homes and temples alike.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, patchouli played a surprising role in global trade. Silk merchants from India would pack their fabrics with dried patchouli leaves to repel moths during the journey to Europe. European buyers associated the exotic scent with authentic Eastern silks, making patchouli a symbol of luxury and status.

In the 1960s and 70s, patchouli became the signature scent of the hippie counterculture. Its earthy aroma resonated with the era’s values of natural living, spirituality, and self-expression. It was used in perfumes, incense, and handmade body care products—securing its place in pop culture history.

• Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
• Balancing oily or acne-prone skin
• Soothing dry, irritated skin

Today, patchouli is prized in high-end perfumery as a base note that adds warmth and complexity. It's used in fragrances by brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, and Dior.

Patchouli reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It’s ideal for meditation and grounding rituals.

The scent helps ease anxiety and uplift emotional states, acting as a natural antidepressant.

Its strong aroma makes it a popular ingredient in natural bug repellents and outdoor skincare. Be Careful to buy proper Patchouli oil though, a 'parfum' won't have the same impact.

Often associated with the root chakra, patchouli symbolizes grounding, stability, and abundance in spiritual traditions.

We love using patchouli in our handmade soaps because it:

• Creates a deep, earthy scent that lingers
• Is ideal for outdoor/gardener’s soap due to its insect-repelling quality
• Blends beautifully with lavender, orange, and cedarwood

Patchouli is more than a scent—it's a cultural symbol, a healing herb, and a sensory experience. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient traditions or its timeless elegance, patchouli continues to ground us in nature and lift our spirits.

Love the grounding scent of patchouli? Discover our handmade soaps crafted with pure essential oils and natural ingredients.