Ingredient Guide
Cypriol, also called nagarmotha (and sometimes rendered as shipuriōru in Japanese), is a type of sedge that grows on beaches and in rice fields. Its essential oil is extracted from the roots. It is also called nut grass in English. Incidentally, papyrus belongs to the same sedge family, Cyperaceae.
Its scent has the earthiness and woodiness of vetiver, with a slightly spicy oriental character reminiscent of frankincense and cinnamon.
The first perfume to use it is said to have been Tom Ford for Men (2007, Yves Cassar). Since around 2017, there has been a substantial increase in perfumes using it alongside oud. Examples include Frédéric Malle’s Promise (2017), Extreme Oud (Kilian, 2014), and Loubicroc (Christian Louboutin, 2020).
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
In perfume, cypriol provides a warm, wild woodiness reminiscent of damp earth, dry roots, smoke, and leather. Natural cypriol essential oil is steam-distilled from the roots of Cyperus scariosus and combines earthy, dry, smoky, and spicy facets. Cypriol Heart is a partially refined grade produced by molecular distillation of the same natural essential oil. It is more transparent than the regular oil, and its animalic nuances emerge differently. It is a material that adds dry depth and a long-lasting trail to woody and chypre compositions.
Choosing Cypriol Fragrances
For cypriol’s dry woody and root-like character, look for fragrances with cedar or vetiver. Oud and leather suit those who also enjoy denser woods. If you want softness alongside smoke, a pairing with vanilla, as in Eau Duelle below, is another option.
Fragrances to Explore
Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette (Diptyque)
Vanilla is layered with the brightness of calamus and the smoky character of cypriol. An eau de toilette combining vanilla’s rounded softness with a dry, smoky shade.
Find Your Next Fragrance
To explore more fragrances through the notes you enjoy, open our Fragrance Finder. Choose “Favorite fragrances & notes”, then search under “Favorite notes”. Select from the suggestions shown and press “Next”. You can start with notes even if you do not have a favorite fragrance.
