Woody

Cedar

Note Profile

Natural 1508 perfumes

Also Known As

Atlas Cedar, California Cedar, Cedar Needles, Cedarwood (Atlas), Chinese Cedar, Lebanon Cedar, Moroccan Cedarwood, Red Cedar, Sicilian Cedar, Texas Cedar, Virginia Cedar, Virginian Cedar, White Cedar, White Cedar Extract, White Cedarwood

About

Dry, pencil shaving cedar

Scent Profile

Cedar has a dry, woody aroma with distinct notes reminiscent of pencil shavings, freshly cut wood, and a subtle resinous undertone. It can also display faintly smoky or peppery facets, evolving to a soft, lingering warmth as it dries down. The scent is clean and linear, providing structure and clarity within a fragrance.

Citrus 0%

Floral 0%

Fruity 0%

Green 0%

Sweet 0%

Warm 0%

Woody 85%

Earthy 15%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 15%

Origin

Cedarwood oil is primarily obtained from the wood of trees in the Cedrus, Juniperus, and Thuja genera, with major sources including the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and Virginia cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Extraction is typically done through steam distillation of the heartwood and sawdust. The resulting oil varies slightly in character depending on the species and region of origin.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use cedar mainly as a base note to impart dryness, longevity, and a woody backbone to compositions. It blends well with other woods, spices, florals, and citrus notes, and is a key component in both masculine and unisex fragrances. Cedar also helps anchor volatile top notes and balance sweeter or more floral accords.