Vetiver

The root of a grass, vetiver is a staple in perfumery for its sharp, woody, smoky, earthy character, as well as its role as a fixative, prolonging longevity in fragrances.

Vetiver grows easily in a warm climate with high rainfall, and the best quality comes from Haiti, Reunion Island, India and Indonesia. The roots are dried and distilled to form an essential oil which can be further refined to highlight or remove certain facets.

It’s found mostly in aromatic and woody fragrances, and is often the star material, as with the iconic Guerlain Vetiver and Lalique’s Encre Noire.

Learn more about vetiver and its history, production and use in perfumery with NEZ's insightful Naturals Notebook on Vetiver.