Organic Patchouli Essential Oil — Steam Distilled, 15 ml
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Greenway Biotech · Hand-bottled in the USA since 1989
Deep, earthy patchouli.
The base note that ages like wine.
100% pure organic Pogostemon cablin, steam-distilled from Indonesian patchouli leaves and hand-bottled in a dark amber glass bottle. A rich, earthy, musky base note for grounding aromatherapy, skincare, natural perfumery, and DIY insect-repellent sprays. One of the few essential oils that genuinely improves with age.
See the details → How to use itHand-bottled in the USA · 90-day guarantee · For external use only
25-35%
Patchoulol content
15ml
~300 drops, amber glass
4-8yrs
Shelf life — improves with age
35+yrs
Family-owned in California
01 / The essentials
Everything at a glance.
One 15 ml bottle holds roughly 300 drops — and patchouli is potent, so it lasts a long time. Smells deep, earthy, and musky with sweet, woody, spicy undertones.
| Botanical Name | Pogostemon cablin |
|---|---|
| Plant Part | Dried leaves |
| Key Constituents | Patchoulol (25-35%), α-bulnesene (13-21%), α-guaiene (11-16%), seychellene, pogostol |
| Extraction | Steam distilled |
| Origin | Indonesia — certified organic |
| Aroma | Deep, earthy, musky — rich and sweet with woody, spicy undertones that deepen with age |
| Aromatic Note | Base note — evaporates slowly, providing lasting depth and a grounding anchor in blends |
| Bottle | 15 ml (~300 drops) in dark amber glass with euro dropper cap |
| Skin Safety | Non-phototoxic; max skin dilution 2.5% (gentler ~1% for the face) |
| Shelf Life | 4-8 years stored properly — one of the few oils that improves with age |
| Use | For external use only — aromatherapy, diluted topical, fragrance, and DIY repellent sprays |
02 / Ideal for
One deep note.
Many roles.
Patchouli is a versatile base note — grounding in the diffuser, a fixative in perfumery, and earthy in skincare. A little goes a long way.
Grounding Aromatherapy
Widely used in meditation and relaxation practice for its deep, earthy aroma. A popular choice for creating a calm, centered atmosphere.
Natural Fragrance
A prized base note and fixative in natural perfumery — it helps lighter top notes linger longer. 1-2 drops anchors a DIY blend.
Skincare
A popular addition to natural skincare routines, especially for dry or mature skin. About 5-6 drops per tablespoon of carrier for the face.
Massage
10-12 drops per tablespoon of carrier makes a deep, grounding massage blend — especially nice paired with lavender or sweet orange.
DIY Insect-Repellent Sprays
Traditionally used across Southeast Asia as a natural insect deterrent. A common addition to homemade repellent sprays for clothing and linens.
Collectors & Agers
One of the few oils that improves with age. A well-stored bottle deepens and smooths over 4-8 years — a unique trait among essential oils.
03 / Why this one
Indonesian patchouli,
built to age.
Origin, chemistry, and care all matter for a patchouli worth keeping. Here is what sets this one apart.
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Indonesian origin.
Sourced from certified organic farms in Indonesia, where patchouli is native and has been cultivated for centuries. Indonesian patchouli is widely regarded as the benchmark for depth and quality of aroma.
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Certified organic, 100% pure.
Pure organic Pogostemon cablin — no synthetic additives, fillers, fragrance oils, or carrier oils. Every bottle is steam-distilled patchouli leaf oil and nothing else.
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Patchoulol-rich (25-35%).
Patchoulol (patchouli alcohol) is the sesquiterpene alcohol that defines patchouli's character and is used industry-wide as the quality marker for the oil. Its slow evaporation is what makes patchouli such a lasting base note and natural fixative.
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Improves with age.
Unlike citrus oils that oxidize and fade, patchouli mellows and deepens over time — the sharper top notes soften and the rich, sweet undertones come forward. A well-stored bottle lasts 4-8 years or longer.
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Dark amber glass, euro dropper.
Packaged in dark amber glass that shields the oil from UV light. The euro dropper cap gives precise single-drop control — useful for a potent oil used a drop or two at a time — and limits air exposure.
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Hand-bottled and lot-coded.
Every bottle is hand-filled and inspected at our US facility and lot-coded for traceability, so each batch can be tracked back to its source.
04 / The science
Patchoulol, base notes, and why patchouli ages well.
25-35% patchoulol
Steam-distilled Pogostemon cablin leaf oil
Patchouli oil is steam-distilled from the dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin, a bushy herb in the mint family native to tropical Southeast Asia. Its character comes from a rich blend of sesquiterpenes — most importantly patchoulol (patchouli alcohol) at 25-35%, alongside α-bulnesene, α-guaiene, seychellene, and pogostol. Patchoulol is so central to the oil that the perfume industry uses it as the quality marker for patchouli.
Patchouli is a classic base note. Base notes are made of large, heavy molecules that evaporate slowly, so they linger far longer than the light molecules of citrus or herbal top notes. That slow evaporation is exactly why patchouli is prized in natural perfumery as a fixative — it anchors a blend and helps lighter scents hold on longer.
It is also one of the very few essential oils that improves with age. Where high-limonene citrus oils oxidize and turn harsh, patchouli mellows: over months and years the sharper notes soften and the deep, sweet, woody character becomes more pronounced. A well-stored bottle can last 4-8 years or longer, which is unusual among essential oils and part of patchouli's appeal to collectors.
On skin, patchouli is non-phototoxic and generally well-tolerated at recommended dilutions, though, like any concentrated oil, it should always be diluted in a carrier first.
Key Constituents
One ingredient — pure steam-distilled patchouli leaf oil. Its depth comes from the natural sesquiterpene profile below.
Patchoulol (25-35%)
The defining sesquiterpene alcohol and industry quality marker. Source of the deep, earthy character and the oil's slow-evaporating, fixative behaviour.
α-Bulnesene & α-Guaiene
Major sesquiterpenes (13-21% and 11-16%) that contribute to the woody, spicy depth and the way the aroma matures over time.
Seychellene, Pogostol
Minor constituents that round out patchouli's complex, layered, long-lasting scent profile.
Safety note: non-phototoxic and generally well-tolerated, but always dilute before topical use — high concentrations may irritate skin. Maximum skin dilution 2.5% (gentler ~1% for the face). For external use only. Patch test before first topical use.
Technical Snapshot
| Botanical Name | Pogostemon cablin |
|---|---|
| Plant Part | Dried leaves |
| Extraction | Steam distilled |
| Primary Constituent | Patchoulol, 25-35% |
| Secondary Constituents | α-bulnesene (13-21%), α-guaiene (11-16%), seychellene, pogostol |
| Aromatic Note | Base note |
| Origin | Indonesia — certified organic |
| Phototoxic | No |
| Sensitizer | Generally non-sensitizing at recommended dilutions |
| Max Skin Dilution | 2.5% |
| Net Volume | 15 ml (~300 drops) |
| Bottle | Dark amber glass, euro dropper cap |
| Shelf Life | 4-8 years; improves with age, no refrigeration needed |
| Bottled At | Greenway Biotech facility, USA — lot-coded |
What to Expect
First impression: Deep, earthy, musky, and unmistakable — patchouli is a polarizing scent that people tend to either love immediately or find intense. Sweet, woody, slightly spicy undertones sit beneath the earthiness.
In blends: A base note and fixative — it grounds brighter top notes and makes a blend last. Start with one drop; patchouli dominates quickly. It pairs beautifully with citrus, florals, and warm spices.
Over time: It gets better. The aroma deepens and smooths over months and years. No refrigeration needed; just keep it cool, dark, and sealed.
05 / How to use
Diffuse.
Dilute.
Anchor a blend.
Patchouli is potent and long-lasting — start low. Always dilute before skin use and patch test first. For external use only.
Start low: Patchouli is generally well-tolerated but very potent and long-lasting. Always dilute before topical use — undiluted oil or high concentrations may irritate skin. Non-phototoxic, so no UV-avoidance window is needed. Begin with 1-2 drops and build to preference.
Aromatherapy & Diffusing
Quick answer: 2-4 drops in the diffuser reservoir — start with 2, it is potent. Diffuse 30-40 minutes at a time.
- Add 2-4 drops to your diffuser's water reservoir. Start with 2 and adjust to preference — patchouli is strong.
- Diffuse for 30-40 minutes at a time, with breaks between sessions.
- For a grounding blend, combine with 2 drops Lavender and 2 drops Sweet Orange.
- For meditation or yoga, place 1 drop on a tissue near your practice space.
Diffuser Drops by Room Size
| Room Size | Drops | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Small (bathroom, closet) | 1-2 drops | 20-30 minutes |
| Medium (bedroom, office) | 2-3 drops | 30-40 minutes |
| Large (living room, kitchen) | 3-5 drops | 40-60 minutes |
Skincare, Massage & Bath
Quick answer: 5-6 drops per tbsp carrier for the face, 10-12 for the body. For baths, mix 5-8 drops into salts first — never straight into water.
| Application | Drops | Carrier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face & neck | 5-6 drops | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | ~1% — gentle for facial skincare |
| Body & massage | 10-12 drops | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | 2-2.5% (max safe concentration) |
| Scalp treatment | 5-8 drops | 2 tbsp (30 ml) | Massage in; leave 30 min, then shampoo |
| Bath soak | 5-8 drops | 1-2 cups bath salts | Mix into salts first; start low |
- For skin, add the drops to a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut), avoiding eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin.
- You can also add 1-2 drops to an existing moisturizer, serum, or lotion.
- Non-phototoxic — safe for daytime use with no UV restrictions.
- For baths, stir the drops into Epsom Salt or Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes first, then dissolve the salts in warm water. Start with fewer drops — patchouli lingers.
Patch test first: apply a diluted amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before broader use. Drop counts are approximate — actual drop size varies by dispenser.
Natural Fragrance & DIY Repellent Spray
Quick answer: 1-2 drops anchors a roll-on perfume; 10-15 drops per 4 oz water + emulsifier makes a repellent spray for clothing and linens.
- Perfume: as a base-note fixative, add 1-2 drops to a 10 ml roller bottle with your chosen middle and top notes, then fill with carrier oil. Classic pairings: Lavender, Geranium, Sweet Orange.
- Repellent spray: add 10-15 drops to a 4 oz spray bottle of water with 1 tsp castile soap or ½ tsp polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier.
- Shake well before each use. Spray on clothing, linens, or around doorways — not directly on skin unless diluted in a carrier oil.
- Reapply every 1-2 hours for outdoor use.
Please note: patchouli is traditionally used as a natural insect deterrent, and research suggests it may help repel some insects, but it is not a registered pesticide and should not be relied upon as your sole protection in areas with mosquito-borne illness. For meaningful protection in high-risk areas, use an EPA-registered repellent.
06 / Dilution & blending
Start low.
Let it anchor.
Store it cool.
Patchouli rewards restraint. A few principles keep blends balanced and skin happy.
-
01
Stay at or below 2.5%.
2.5% is the maximum skin dilution (about 10-12 drops per tablespoon of carrier). Use a gentler ~1% — about 5-6 drops per tablespoon — on the face. Always dilute; undiluted patchouli may irritate skin.
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02
One drop goes far.
Patchouli has a very low odour threshold — tiny amounts are detectable. Start with a single drop in any blend and build only if you want more depth.
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03
Use it as the anchor.
As a base note and fixative, patchouli sits beneath brighter top and middle notes and makes the whole blend last. Pair it with citrus (sweet orange), florals (lavender, geranium), or warm spice.
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04
Store it cool and dark — and let it age.
No refrigeration needed. Kept cool, dark, and sealed, patchouli improves over years rather than degrading. The amber glass protects it from UV.
Blend Ideas to Try
Deep Meditation: 2 drops Patchouli + 3 drops Lavender + 2 drops Sweet Orange.
Earthy Citrus: 2 drops Patchouli + 3 drops Sweet Orange + 2 drops Pink Grapefruit.
Spiced Earth: 2 drops Patchouli + 1 drop Cinnamon Leaf + 3 drops Sweet Orange.
Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For external use only.
07 / Compare
How patchouli sits
among the notes.
Essential oils are often described by their "note" — how quickly they evaporate. Patchouli is a base note, the foundation a blend is built on.
| Attribute | Patchouli (this oil) | Sweet Orange | Lavender | Geranium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aromatic Note | Base (slow, lasting) | Top (bright, fleeting) | Middle | Middle |
| Scent Profile | Deep, earthy, musky | Warm, sweet citrus | Soft, floral, calming | Rosy, green, floral |
| Role in a Blend | Anchor / fixative | Bright lift | Heart / balancer | Heart / balancer |
| Phototoxic | No | No | No | No |
| Max Skin Dilution | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Ages Well? | Yes — improves over years | No — use within 1-2 yrs | Stable a few years | Stable a few years |
08 / Decision
Is patchouli
the right oil for you?
A short fit-check so you can decide quickly.
A Great Fit If You
- Love deep, earthy, grounding scents
- Want a base note and fixative for DIY natural perfume
- Use grounding aromas for meditation or yoga
- Want an earthy note for dry or mature skincare blends (at proper dilution)
- Like the idea of an oil that improves with age
- Want a traditional addition to homemade insect-repellent sprays
Consider Another Option If
- You prefer bright, light, fresh scents — try Sweet Orange
- You want a soft floral centerpiece — try Lavender
- You find earthy, musky scents overpowering — patchouli is intense and polarizing
- You need reliable protection against mosquito-borne illness — use an EPA-registered repellent, not an essential oil
- You want a culinary product — this is for external use only
09 / Build the collection
The anchor.
These are the lift.
Patchouli is a base note that grounds a blend. These top and middle notes pair with it beautifully — plus the bath products that make ideal carriers for soaks.
Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
The classic pairing — lavender's calming floral middle note harmonizes with patchouli's earthy base for meditation and relaxation blends.
Essential OilSweet Orange Essential Oil
Bright, warm citrus lifts and balances patchouli's earthiness — one of the most popular and accessible essential oil pairings.
Essential OilGeranium Essential Oil
A rosy, balancing middle note that bridges patchouli's earthiness with floral elegance — lovely in skincare and perfume blends.
Bath CarrierEpsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
The ideal carrier for patchouli in a bath soak — mix the oil into the salt first, then dissolve for safe, even dispersal.
A "carrier oil" is any vegetable-based oil used to dilute essential oils before skin application — jojoba, sweet almond, and fractionated coconut are popular options. Browse the full Essential Oils Collection for more.
10 / Safety & handling
Well-tolerated —
but still concentrated.
For external use only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Topical: patchouli is generally non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing at recommended dilutions, and non-phototoxic (no UV restriction). Still, always dilute in a carrier (max 2.5%) and patch test before first use — undiluted oil or high concentrations may irritate skin.
- Insect repellent: traditionally used as a natural deterrent and studied for repellent activity, but it is not a registered pesticide and should not be relied upon as sole protection where mosquito-borne illness is a risk. Use an EPA-registered repellent for meaningful protection.
- General: for external use only — do not ingest. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin. Consult your healthcare provider before use if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
- Pets: cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils. Do not apply to pets; diffuse only in well-ventilated areas with an exit route for animals; consult your veterinarian first.
- Storage & first aid: store cool, dark, and tightly sealed — no refrigeration needed, and patchouli improves with age. For eye contact, flush with a carrier oil first (it disperses essential oil better than water), then rinse with clean water; seek medical attention if irritation persists. For skin irritation, apply carrier oil then wash with soap and water. If ingested, do not induce vomiting — contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention.
11 / FAQ
Common questions.
Honest answers.
If your question is not here, contact our team at questions@greenwaybiotech.com.
Is this patchouli oil organic?
Yes. It is 100% pure, certified organic Pogostemon cablin — no synthetic additives, fillers, fragrance oils, or carrier oils. It is steam-distilled from organically grown patchouli leaves in Indonesia and hand-bottled at our US facility.
What does patchouli essential oil smell like?
A deep, earthy, musky aroma with sweet, woody, and slightly spicy undertones. It is one of the most distinctive and polarizing essential oil scents — rich and complex, with a character that deepens over time. As a base note, its aroma lingers much longer than citrus or herbal oils.
Does patchouli oil really improve with age?
Yes — patchouli is one of the few essential oils that gets better with age. Over time the sharper top notes mellow and the deep, rich, sweet undertones become more pronounced. A well-stored bottle can last 4-8 years or longer, which makes patchouli unusual among essential oils.
How do I dilute patchouli essential oil for skin?
The maximum safe skin dilution is 2.5%. For body and massage, use 10-12 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil; for the face, use a gentler 5-6 drops per tablespoon (about 1%). Always dilute before applying — undiluted patchouli may irritate skin — and patch test before first use.
Is patchouli essential oil phototoxic?
No. Patchouli is non-phototoxic, so you do not need to avoid sunlight after applying it (diluted) to skin. It is fine for daytime topical use with no UV restrictions.
Can patchouli oil repel insects?
Patchouli has been used traditionally as a natural insect deterrent in Southeast Asia for centuries, and research suggests it may help repel some insects. Add 10-15 drops to a 4 oz spray bottle of water with an emulsifier and spray on clothing, linens, or around doorways. Reapply every 1-2 hours outdoors. It is not a registered pesticide and should not be relied upon as sole protection where mosquito-borne illness is a risk.
What carrier oils work best with patchouli?
Jojoba is excellent for facial skincare — lightweight and non-comedogenic. Sweet almond works well for massage. Fractionated coconut is ideal for roll-on blends and natural perfume thanks to its long shelf life. For bath soaks, use Epsom Salt or Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes as the carrier instead of oil.
Is patchouli essential oil safe for pets?
Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils because they lack the liver enzymes to metabolize certain compounds. Do not apply essential oils directly to pets, and ensure diffusing areas are well-ventilated with an exit route for animals. Consult your veterinarian before using any essential oil around pets.
How many drops are in a 15 ml bottle?
Approximately 300 drops using the standard euro dropper cap included with each bottle. The exact count varies slightly with oil viscosity and dispensing speed. Because patchouli is potent and used a drop or two at a time, a single bottle lasts a long while.
How should I store patchouli oil?
Store in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. Unlike most essential oils, patchouli does not require refrigeration and actually improves with age. Expected shelf life is 4-8 years or longer. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight; the dark amber glass protects against UV.
Why is patchouli oil so strong?
Patchouli is a base note with a rich sesquiterpene chemistry (particularly patchoulol) that evaporates slowly and has a very low odour threshold — meaning tiny amounts are easily detectable. Start with 1-2 drops in a diffuser or blend and increase to preference. Many people who initially find patchouli too intense grow to enjoy it at lower concentrations or blended with citrus or floral oils.
Can I ingest patchouli essential oil?
No. Our essential oils are formulated, tested, and labeled for external use only. Essential oils are extremely concentrated; the oil is not the same as the dried herb and should not be consumed.
Ready to get grounded?
One deep note. Endless blends.
A 15 ml dark amber glass bottle of pure organic Indonesian patchouli, hand-bottled in the USA — and one of the few oils that gets better the longer you keep it. Backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee.
Add to cart →Hand-bottled in the USA · 90-day guarantee · For external use only