Spice Insights: Vetiver Perfume

Despite being a grass, why is vetiver categorized as a woody fragrance? Vetiver, also known as khus or vetiveria zizanioides, is a commonly used fragrance ingredient in perfumery. While it’s a grassy plant, natural vetiver exudes a distinct woody aroma, often accompanied by citrusy, earthy, and smoky notes. Hence, the Vetiver Perfume falls under the category of woody fragrances.

In the 19th century, a French perfumer had a stroke of genius when he added vetiver to his fragrance blend. He noticed that the perfume acquired a more stable and woody scent profile. Since then, vetiver has become a staple in fragrance compositions. Different regions produce vetiver with subtle differences, but the varieties from Haiti and Réunion Island are favored in the perfume industry for their fruity undertones.

Vetiver essential oil is primarily extracted from the plant’s roots through distillation, boasting a higher yield compared to most fragrance ingredients. The natural essence of vetiver is incredibly complex, containing over 100 chemical compounds. Consequently, there’s yet to be an artificial fragrance that can fully replicate its scent. Moreover, due to its slow evaporation rate, vetiver also serves as a fixative in perfumery, prolonging the scent’s longevity.

When paired with other fragrance notes, vetiver exhibits various olfactory styles. For instance, in Tom Ford’s Grey Vetiver, it presents as a cool, damp earthiness; in Guerlain’s Vetiver, it carries smoky and leathery undertones; in Hermès’ Terre d’Hermès, it transforms into a dry, sandy aroma; while in Guerlain’s Vetiver, it resembles juicy plant roots.

If you’re curious about vetiver’s scent, explore Lalique Encre Noire and Tom Ford Grey Vetiver on branddecant. Experience the natural essence of vetiver firsthand.