Clearwood (Patchouli Note)

Clearwood is a modern perfumery material with the scent of “clean” patchouli, produced by biotechnology: microorganisms process a sugary plant feedstock rather than patchouli leaves. This gives perfumers a consistent note that does not depend on the harvest.

How it smells: clean, woody and soft: pale patchouli wood without the heavy earthiness, a light ambery and faintly creamy shade. Clearwood sounds more transparent and modern than natural patchouli — like patchouli with its dark shadows removed.

Natural patchouli oil has a dense, earthy, slightly damp character that not everyone likes. Clearwood keeps its noble woody core but sounds lighter, so it is loved in fresh, clean modern compositions.

What it pairs with: with citrus — a fresh woody base, with iris — powdery wood, with rose — a modern chypre, with vetiver and cedar — clean dry woody fragrances, with musk — transparent skin-like compositions.

Good to know: Clearwood is one of the first perfumery materials created by biotechnology: instead of a patchouli field, it is “grown” in a bioreactor.