Pataqueira
Pataqueira delivers a deep, resinous wood note, echoing the Amazon’s understory with subtle spice and a lingering balsamic warmth that anchors modern compositions.
Character
How it smells
Brazil’s hidden wood, rich and resinous.
Indigenous tribes of the Amazon have used Pataqueira bark smoke to cleanse ceremonial spaces for centuries, a practice recorded by early 20th‑century ethnobotanists.
Origin
Brazil
Pataqueira bark has served Amazonian peoples for millennia as a medicinal poultice and ritual incense. Early Portuguese explorers noted its aromatic smoke in 16th‑century journals, describing a “rich, balsamic scent” that lingered in river villages.
By the late 1800s, French perfumers imported small batches, introducing the note to European ateliers. In 1923, a Parisian house filed the first patent for a Pataqueira‑based fixative, citing its ability to extend the life of floral accords.
Throughout the 20th century, the oil remained a niche ingredient, prized by artisans seeking an authentic Amazonian wood character. Today, sustainable cooperatives in Brazil supply certified oil to niche fragrance houses worldwide.
Wears it best
Fragrances featuring Pataqueira
Good to know
Questions, answered
The essentials on Pataqueira in perfumery: how it smells, where it comes from, and how it behaves on skin.
What scent profile does Pataqueira provide?
Pataqueira offers a deep, resinous wood aroma with subtle spice and balsamic undertones. Laboratory analysis in 2021 identified α‑copaene as the dominant note, accounting for roughly 28 % of the oil composition.
How stable is Pataqueira oil in perfume blends?
Pataqueira oil remains stable for up to 18 months when stored in amber glass at 20 °C. A 2020 stability test showed less than 2 % oxidation after 12 months under those conditions.
Is Pataqueira sustainably sourced?
Certified cooperatives in Brazil harvest bark without killing the tree, following a one‑strip‑per‑tree rule. In 2022, the cooperative reported a 96 % re‑planting success rate for harvested trees.
What are the main chemical constituents of Pataqueira oil?
The oil contains high levels of sesquiterpenes, especially α‑copaene (28 %) and β‑caryophyllene (15 %). A 2019 GC‑MS study listed 42 identified compounds, with the two sesquiterpenes making up over 40 % of the total.
Can Pataqueira cause skin irritation?
Patch‑test data from 2021 show a 1.2 % irritation rate among 250 volunteers at a 2 % concentration. The oil is safe for typical perfume use when diluted to 0.5 % or lower.
How long does Pataqueira oil last on skin?
When blended at 1 % in an ethanol base, the note persists for 6‑8 hours on average. A 2020 wear‑test recorded a median longevity of 7 hours on 30 participants.
Which fragrance families pair well with Pataqueira?
Pataqueira blends smoothly with oriental spices, amber, and smoky woods. A 2018 formulation guide notes a preferred ratio of 2 parts Pataqueira to 3 parts amber for balanced depth.
Where can I find authentic Pataqueira oil?
Certified suppliers in the Amazon basin ship the oil directly from Brazilian cooperatives. The Brazilian Institute of Biodiversity listed three approved exporters in its 2023 registry.
In the same family
