What Is Cedarwood?
Cedarwood is a fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to create woody, warm and slightly spicy scents. It is extracted from the wood of cedar trees and can come from various species such as the Atlas cedar, Virginian cedar, Texas cedar and others. Cedarwood oil has a strong, earthy and slightly sweet aroma, making it a popular choice for use in unisex, woody and amber fragrances.
Origin:
Cedarwood has a rich history in perfumery, originating in ancient Middle Eastern times where its oil was extracted from cedar trees for use in perfumes, incense, and medicine. Its popularity as a fragrance ingredient spread globally, including Europe and North America, where it remains a common ingredient in perfumes and personal care products. It is prized for its woody, balsamic aroma and long-lasting fragrance.
Function:
Cedarwood is typically used as a base note in perfumery, with a warm, woody, and balsamic aroma that is particularly long-lasting - making it an ideal base note ingredient. When incorporated into perfumes, cedarwood is often combined with other fragrances, such as floral, citrus, or spicy scents, to create a harmonious fragrance composition.
Ingredient Type:
Cedarwood used in perfume development can come in two forms: synthetic and natural. Synthetic cedarwood is made in a lab with chemical compounds and used as a budget-friendly option. Natural cedarwood, on the other hand, is derived from cedar trees via steam distillation and is favored for its genuine scent, especially in luxury fragrances. While both types can be utilized, natural cedarwood is deemed to have a superior quality and a more authentic aroma.
What Does Cedarwood Smell Like?
Cedarwood is a versatile fragrance ingredient, known for its warm, woody and balsamic aroma with subtle hints of spice. It has a grounding and comforting scent reminiscent of pine forests, with a long-lasting fragrance profile that evolves over time. Its aroma has the ability to enhance other fragrances and can vary slightly based on the species of cedar tree, extraction method, and location of growth.
Variations of Cedarwood in Perfumery:
In perfumery, different species of cedarwood can be used to achieve different aroma impressions, each with their own unique scent profile. Some of the most commonly used types of cedarwood include:
Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica): This species is native to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and has a warm, woody, and slightly sweet scent. It is one of the most popular types of cedarwood and is often used as a base note in perfumes.
Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana): Native to North America, this species has a slightly sharper, more herbal scent compared to Atlas Cedarwood. It is often used as a middle or top note in perfumes and provides a fresh, invigorating scent.
Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus ashei): This species is native to Texas and has a more pungent, spicy scent compared to other types of cedarwood. It is often used as a top note in perfumes and provides a warm and lively fragrance.
Siberian Cedarwood (Pinus sibirica): A native of Siberia, this species has a more balsamic and resinous scent compared to other types of cedarwood. It is preferred as a base note and provides a deep and rich fragrance.
What Fragrance Family is Cedarwood in?
Cedarwood belongs to the Woody fragrance family, a category characterized by its earthy, warm, and woody scents - making cedarwood a natural fit.
