Vetiver
Also known as Vetivert, Khus, Khus-khus, Chrysopogon zizanioides
About Vetiver
What it is
A tall tropical grass. Perfume uses its root, a dense tangle of thin fibres that grows deep into the soil and is distilled into a thick amber oil.
Where it comes from
Originally from India. Haiti is now the largest producer, with Java, Réunion, India and Brazil also supplying oil. Where it grows changes how it smells more than almost any other material.
What it smells like
Dry, earthy and woody, like damp soil, cut grass stems and burnt wood together. It starts sharp and rooty, then settles into a quiet, clean woodiness that stays on skin for many hours.
In perfumery
A natural extract used as a heart and base material. It adds structure and dryness to softer, sweeter partners and helps them last.
Scent profile
Our read of the note, not a measurement.
Where it sits
Mostly a heart and base note.
Kinds of Vetiver
Clean and fresh, with grapefruit and a touch of pepper. The reference most perfumers start from.
Haitian Vetiver page
