Woody · Natural material · Base notes
Akigalawood
Akigalawood is a Givaudan perfume material made from patchouli oil residues with the help of enzymes. It smells like a spicy wood, peppery at first, with a patchouli side and a hint of oud, or agarwood. In perfume, akigalawood usually sits in the base notes.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does akigalawood smell like?
Akigalawood smells warm, woody and spicy, with a peppery note up front. Behind it there is an earthy patchouli side and a touch of oud, or agarwood. Compared with ordinary patchouli oil, akigalawood feels drier and brighter.
Because it is both spicy and woody, akigalawood suits blends that want to feel woody and spiced without turning sweet. It has a full body, so it comes through clearly even from the base of a perfume.
How is akigalawood made?
Akigalawood was developed by Givaudan's biotechnology team in Switzerland and joined its perfumers' palette in 2014. It is made from patchouli oil residues treated with enzymes produced by fermentation. The enzymes transform part of the patchouli oil, creating a new, spicier scent.
Givaudan classes akigalawood as a natural material, a complex mixture rather than a single molecule. It is also a captive, which means Givaudan holds the rights to use it. Its starting material is patchouli oil, and Indonesia produces more than 90 percent of the world's patchouli oil.
Akigalawood's role in a perfume
Akigalawood usually sits in the base notes. It gives a spicy, warm woody base and adds an oud-like effect to the blend. Because it sits in the base, akigalawood evaporates slowly and comes through most once the opening fades. Longevity still depends on your skin, the weather and the concentration.
Common partners are patchouli and oud, then pink pepper or saffron for spice. Akigalawood also pairs with rose for rose-and-wood blends, or with vanilla for a sweeter base.
When to wear a perfume with akigalawood
A perfume with akigalawood feels warm and full of character, so it fits late afternoon, evening and air-conditioned rooms. In hot weather, choose blends that pair it with citrus or fresh pepper so it does not feel too dense.
