Vetiver is a fragrant oil that has a fresh, grassy, earthy, woody, and balsamic scent. It is often associated with masculine colognes and is a popular ingredient in mens fragrances. Vetiver oil is used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of confidence, stillness, and tranquility, and to relieve nervousness and restore a sense of serenity. It is also believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Some of the benefits of vetiver oil include:
Positive:
- Removes stale odors and refreshes the air.
- Highly moisturizing and used to treat dry skin conditions.
- Low evaporation rate makes it an excellent extract for perfumery.
Negative: There are no negative effects associated with vetiver oil.
Vetiver oil is extracted from the sun-dried roots of the vetiver plant. The main constituents that influence its aroma are α-Vetivone, β-Vetivone, and Khusinol. Vetiver oil is thick and ranges in color from golden-brown to amber-brown to olive. It is used across all fragrance families for its unique scent as well as its fixative properties. Vetiver is considered one of the most popular extracts in modern perfumery and is used by many prominent brands, including Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. Some synthetic materials that are typically used for a vetiver note include Cedryl methyl ketone, called “Vertofix,” and veticol acetate. Vetiver is a base note and blends well with other oils like cedarwood, clove, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, and vanilla.
