- Latin name
- Cyperus papyrus
- Family
- Sedge family (Cyperaceae)
- Origin
- Egypt; in perfume mostly an accord
- Parts used
- rhizomes and stems
- Raw materials
- papyrus oil (rarely), woody-earthy accords
- Extraction
- steam distillation; the accord — synthesis
- Olfactory group
- woody (dry, smoky)
- Position in the pyramid
- heart and base
- Synthetic substitutes
- cypriol, vetiver, woody molecules
Papyrus is a tall marsh grass from the Nile valley, used in ancient Egypt to make the famous “paper”. In perfume “papyrus” is mostly an accord inspired by the plant's dry stems and roots, although a rare natural oil also exists.
How it smells: dry, woody, slightly smoky and earthy, with shades of vetiver, old paper and warm sand. Papyrus sounds calm, intellectual and minimalist.
Papyrus is a relative of cypriol (nagarmotha), and in perfumery they sound alike: both give a dry woody-earthy character. That is why papyrus often appears in modern niche fragrances that aim to evoke silence, old libraries and the desert.
What it pairs with: with vetiver and cedar — dry woody compositions, with incense — quiet “temple” smoke, with iris — powdery dryness, with leather — elegant “library” classics, with bergamot — a fresh, dry opening.
Good to know: the Egyptians made not only “paper” from papyrus but also boats, baskets, sandals and rope.
