Vetiver is a grass native to India, is highly used in perfumers for its unique, earthy scent. It is cultivated for its roots which are aged before being distilled to extract the oil.
Vetiver adds a deep, woody and smoky aroma to fragrances which is both grounding and refreshing. It has been used in traditional medicine and perfumery for centuries, particularly in Asia and West Africa.
Its scent is fairly complex and can range from dry and smoky to sweet and leathery. It is often used as a base note in fragrances due to its strong fixative properties which help to anchor lighter top and middle notes. Its versatility makes it popular in both masculine and unisex fragrances, blending well with citrus, floral and spicy notes.
Natural or Synthetic?
Natural Vetiver oil is extracted through steam distillation of the washed, soaked, dried, and chopped roots and rootlets of the Vetiver plant. This process yields an oil with a complex, rich, and earthy fragrance profile. However, the extraction process is labor-intensive, and the yield can vary, which sometimes makes Vetiver oil expensive. Synthetic versions, like vetiveryl acetate (a chemical compound derived from Vetiver oil), are used to provide a similar woody, earthy scent in a more consistent and cost-effective manner.
Fragrance Families Vetiver Most Commonly Found In
Show fragrances that contain Vetiver as a note