Cedarwood

What Does It Smell Like?

Cedarwood smells like walking into a freshly constructed wooden cabin on a crisp autumn morning. It's warm, dry, and slightly spicy—reminiscent of pencil shavings, aged timber, and a whisper of incense. There's an almost powdery quality, with subtle earthiness underneath. Unlike the bright cheerfulness of citrus, cedarwood feels contemplative and grounded, like the smell of old furniture polish mixed with the resinous warmth of a cedar chest that's held winter clothes for generations.

Origin & History

True cedarwood comes from several cedar species, primarily Atlas cedar from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and Virginia cedar from North America. The essential oil is steam-distilled from wood chips and sawdust, a labour-intensive process that yields precious drops of fragrant resin. Historically, cedar has been prized for millennia—ancient Egyptians used it in embalming, whilst medieval monks burned it as incense. Today, perfumers also use cedarwood isolates and synthetics like Iso E Super to capture its woody character sustainably.

In Perfumery

Cedarwood is the fragrance world's steadying anchor. Perfumers use it as a base note to provide longevity and depth, grounding more volatile top notes. It softens florals, complements spices, and adds sophistication to fresh compositions. Its dry warmth bridges masculine and feminine fragrances, making it incredibly versatile. Rather than dominating, it whispers support, creating coherence and elegance.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 727 Fragrances