Ruh khus

Say itROO KUS

Deep damp-soil earthiness with quiet sweetness and smoky, aged-sandalwood undertones.

What it is: Natural oil from wild vetiver roots from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, distilled in copper degs, Kannauj.
When you smell it: Dry-down: hours later.
What perfumers do with it: Rare, intensely earthy vetiver for artisanal and attar-style perfumery; tiny doses add grounding depth.
Worth knowing: In Indian summers, mats of khus roots are hung and soaked to cool homes, scenting the air as water evaporates.
Rules: Limited. Supplier's IFRA 51 calculation caps it at 1.2% in fine fragrance.
Also called: Wild North Indian vetiver oil; 'soul of khus'

Not on the label of any of the 232 perfumes read so far.

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