Patchouli Oil is often recognised for its deep colour and distinctive aroma. However, through different processing approaches, Patchouli Oil with the same PA specification can have a different overall character.
Previously, we produced Patchouli Oil PA 65% with a darker appearance. This time, we developed Patchouli Oil PA 65% through molecular distillation (MD), resulting in a lighter appearance and a softer aroma.

PA 65%, but not exactly the same
Patchouli Alcohol (PA) is an important parameter when evaluating Patchouli Oil. However, the PA number does not describe the entire character of the oil.
Two Patchouli Oils with the same PA 65% specification can still differ in colour and aroma. This is related to the composition of other components naturally present in the oil and how the oil is processed. With our MD PA 65%, the difference is quite noticeable when compared with our darker PA 65% grade. It has a lighter colour, while the aroma is softer and less pronounced.
The role of molecular distillation
Molecular distillation is a separation process carried out under vacuum, using differences in the volatility of individual components. For Patchouli Oil, this process allows us to develop a different oil character while maintaining the targeted PA specification. The result is a PA 65% Patchouli Oil with a lighter colour and softer aromatic character.
Where can it be used?
This character can be considered by formulators looking for a Patchouli Oil with a lighter colour or a less dominant patchouli character in their formulation. For this reason, MD PA 65% can be an option for applications such as fragrance and personal care, particularly where colour and aromatic character are part of the formulation considerations.
In the end, choosing a Patchouli Oil is not only about the PA number. Colour, aroma, and the overall character of the oil can also matter depending on the final application. If you would like to learn more about our Patchouli Oil MD PA 65%, we would be happy to share the TDS and COA for your evaluation.
Please feel free to contact us at taru@taruwangi.com or wangi@taruwangi.com.