Palo Santo

What Does It Smell Like?

Palo Santo smells like walking through a sun-drenched forest after rain. Imagine warm, resinous wood—not harsh like fresh-sawn timber, but smooth and honeyed, with a gentle spiciness reminiscent of incense or the lingering smoke from a campfire. There's a subtle sweetness underneath, almost creamy, mixed with whispers of citrus zest and subtle pepper. It's woody yet approachable, grounding without heaviness, like holding a piece of polished wood that's been warmed by sunlight.

Origin & History

Palo Santo comes from South American trees, primarily found in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. The name means "holy wood" in Spanish—locals have burned it ceremonially for centuries. The essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of aged heartwood; crucially, the tree must die naturally before harvesting (ethical sources wait 7-10 years after felling). The wood's complexity develops during this ageing process, creating deeper, more refined aromatic compounds than fresh wood alone.

In Perfumery

Perfumers prize Palo Santo as a sophisticated woody base note that bridges oriental and fresh scents. It anchors fragrances without dominating, adding warmth, longevity, and subtle sweetness. Often paired with florals, resins, or citrus, it elevates compositions with an understated spirituality and natural elegance, grounding top notes whilst allowing middle notes to breathe.

Pairs Beautifully With

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