Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

Vetiver reminds you that through nature, everything becomes clear because it is unhurried, unrushed, and over time, unrelenting in its will. Let the beginning of this year be a gentle reminder that a mindful pause to gain peace and clarity is always welcomed in our lives when we have tumultuous moments.

Vetiver, known as the oil of tranquility, is aged like a fine wine and was used in India’s ayurvedic and spiritual treatments but became popular in the use of fragrance around the 1980’s. Vetiver is often used in cologne as a base note, providing depth, stability and longevity to a fragrance. Because of vetivers earthy and woody qualities it is very versatile in which other scents and essential oils that it can be blended with.

Vetiver has long been used in both perfumery and aromatherapy to offer a distinctly soft but woody and earthy scent to popular men’s fragrances that is native to India but also produced in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Haiti. This tall, thin and flexible grass grows to about 5 feet tall and is harvested at about 18-24 months old for the roots which create the fragrant vetiver essential oils.

Due to the complexity of the oil there is no current dupe or synthetic compound to match its unique elements. It is thought to smell grassy and is closely related to the scents of lemongrass and citronella but the earthiness is deep and rich and bold. It is deep and earthy with woody/smoky notes which make it perfect for men’s cologne. It can be a very seductive and inviting scent which is why it’s in about 20% of all men’s colognes on the market today.

Creed, one of the most popular Vetiver fragrances around today by Olivier Creed, Sixth Generation and Erwin Creed, Seventh Generation, has key notes of Bergamot, bitter orange, mandarin, vetiver leaves, white pepper, coriander, pink berries, Mysore sandalwood, vetiver, ambergris, Tonkin musk. This fragrance uses all three parts of the plant to create this very fresh, long lasting, lingering fragrance.

Mindful Pause: Vetiver Vanilla by Bath and Body Works

The medicinal uses are quite vast and are still used today by those who practice holistic therapy in the alternative medicine field. Known to have calming effects on the nervous system, vetiver oil is used in massage therapy oils and creams to help combat symptoms of fatigue and depression which is always handy during the long and cold, dreary months. Massage oils aren’t the only way the oil can be used as it has many healing properties such as being anti-inflammatory and used for its antiseptic properties and components. The scent from this essential oil is safe to inhale and can also be used to make skin care.

Bath and Body Works’ Mindful Pause: Vetiver Vanilla salt body scrub is a great body polish to buff off rough, dry skin and add a scent of tranquility while you’re at it if you’re male or masculine. Their salt body scrubs are made with essential oils and find salt grains that leave your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. This soft and delicate scent of woodiness and warmth can also improve your sleep and help you stay relaxed much longer especially after you apply some thick and creamy body butter.

This scent was made for men and is not overpowering and would layer well under colognes because of the neutral scent. This scent is made for everyday wear and would be great for work or professional settings where you need to be mindful of your scent/aroma.

The aromatherapy line from Bath and Bodyworks offers a great selection of essential oil based products throughout the season but some are for a limited time only so we do our best to try out a few and have some on hand in case you miss them.

This scent didn’t get a lot of social boost because it is very light and for men so it wouldn’t have made waves but this is also why it is a great option for those that are strong scent adverse or sensitive. Vetiver Vanilla is very light but deep if that makes sense, kind of earthy but not musky but you understand it is for men. Vetiver Vanilla is reminiscent of what you would expect a masculine cocoa butter to smell like seeing as it’s not sweet but does have that hint of vanilla which blended with the vetiver easily. I would absolutely love to smell this on my partner just before bed. It is gentle and relaxing, calming, like the name says.

Indulge in the solace, stillness, and mindfulness of the Vetiver & Vanilla fragrance from Bath and Body Works. The fragrance notes are soothing, calming, and relaxing making it perfect for a mindful pause.

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Vetiver Types by Region

Types	Smells Like	Aromatic Use	Advantages	Holistic Use
Haitian Vetiver	Deep, heavy, slightly sweet resinous with potent smoky essence.	In niche & high-end branded cologne.	Adds depth and intensity.	Antiseptic Properties
Indian Vetiver	Earthy, Woody with a subtle sweetness.	Best used as a fixative in perfumes.	Increase fragrance longevity.	Anti-inflammatory and calming properties
Javanese vetiver	Lighter version of vetiver, with a mild citrusy nuance.	Good for balancing fragrance accords.	Soften the sharp and overpowering elements.	Aroma Therapy
Indonesian	Fresh clean scent with slightly sweet nuances	Delivers a soft, earthy depth that brings sophistication	Cleaner, smoother scent profile compared to vetiver from other origins. Cheaper in Price.	Stress relief and mental clarity
Martinique vetiver	Fresh and green aroma.	Use in aromatherapy.	Relaxing mind and soul.	Strong, natural pain relief, especially for chronic or inflammatory discomfort
Malaysian Vetiver	Sweet, blossomy smell.	A perfect option for base notes.	Uplift and energize the ambiance.	Soothing and uplifting effects in aromatherapy.