Woody

Palo Santo

Note Profile

Natural 86 perfumes

About

Sacred South American wood with mint, citrus, and resin facets

Scent Profile

Palo Santo presents a distinctive woody aroma with pronounced resinous undertones, complemented by fresh mint and citrus nuances. Its scent evolves from a crisp, slightly herbal opening to a warm, balsamic drydown with subtle smoky and creamy facets. The complexity of its profile lends both freshness and depth to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~10h lasting

Origin

Palo Santo is sourced from the heartwood of Bursera graveolens, a tree native to South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador. The wood is typically harvested from naturally fallen branches and logs, then aged to concentrate its aromatic oils before steam distillation or dry distillation is used for extraction.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use Palo Santo primarily as a heart or base note to impart a spiritual, meditative quality and to add complexity to woody, aromatic, and incense-inspired fragrances. It blends well with citrus, incense, amber, and other woods, as well as herbal and spicy notes for layered compositions.