Woods

What Does It Smell Like?

Woody notes smell like the heart of a forest distilled into liquid form. Imagine walking through an ancient woodland after rain—that deep, earthy richness underfoot, mixed with the slightly resinous warmth of tree bark and aged timber. There's a dryness to it, reminiscent of pencil shavings or cedar chests, yet simultaneously warm and comforting, like sitting by a fireplace in a cabin. Not sharp or medicinal, but grounding and structural—the olfactory equivalent of solid wood supporting a building.

Origin & History

Woody notes come from tree resins, heartwood, and bark—primarily cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and oud from regions like India, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally extracted through steam distillation or solvent extraction, these ingredients have been prized for millennia in incense and medicine. Modern perfumery also employs synthetic woody molecules like iso E super and Hedione, which replicate or enhance natural woody characteristics, offering consistency and sustainability whilst capturing the complex, lingering dry-down quality that defines the family.

In Perfumery

Woody notes form the structural backbone of fragrances, providing longevity and depth. They anchor volatile top notes, support heart accords, and create the lasting dry-down that lingers for hours. Perfumers layer them strategically to add sophistication, warmth, and an almost masculine grounding—woody fragrances feel substantial and enduring rather than fleeting.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 122 Fragrances