EARTHY NOTES

Earthy notes evoke soil and the textures of the ground, from a dry, woody impression to something darker and damp. They are a family of sensory effects, not one plant or a single extract. In a perfume, earthiness can give a floral scent a rougher edge, deepen green notes or set up a contrast with sweet fruit. The effect may be subtle rather than a literal smell of mud.

Different materials show this range. IFF describes its Patchouli Heart N.3 extract with a lightly earthy, humid facet, while its Piconia fragrance compound has a drier woody character with pine and patchouli associations. Neither defines every earthy accord. The note label does not establish that soil, moss or a particular root was used, and it does not guarantee a calming effect or a fixed wear time.