Homegrown Ingredients Dominating Global Fragrance Game

While multiple international perfume houses have made their way to India with their one-of-its-kind fragrances, not many would know that some of the leading ingredients in these perfumes have their origin in India

- By Sukriti Shahi

If you’ve ever sprayed on a luxury cologne and felt a sense of belongingness, chances are you've just been caressed by sandalwood-something that might remind you of your maternal grandmother's house. Or may be the smoky edge of vetiver reminded you of monsoon-soaked earth. The truth is, some of the most powerful ingredients in today’s high-end fragrances come not from the hills of Grasse, but the soil of India.

While the global fragrance industry often credits itself with discovering new olfactory frontiers, India has been bottling these for over 5,000 years. From sacred rituals to royal attars, our scent culture has always been deep, layered, and rich. So, what exactly makes Indian ingredients so special and why are they showing up in everything from luxury designer fragrances to niche artisanal scents? Let’s deep dive into some of India's finest contributions to the world of perfume.

SANDALWOOD
From: Mysore, Karnataka
Smells like: Creamy, woody, warm, calming

There's something almost sacred about real sandalwood. This creamy, grounding wood has been used in Indian temples, ayurvedic oils, and rituals for years. The variety grown in Mysore is revered for its exclusivity and quality. Global fragrance houses started using it as early as the 19th century, thanks to its incredibly smooth, long-lasting aroma. In a modern scent, it’s often the base note that ties everything together—warm, sensual, and elegant. If your favourite cologne has a soft, almost meditative aftertone, chances are sandalwood is doing its magic there.

VETIVER (KHUS)
From: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
Smells like: Earthy, smoky, cool, green