Cedarwood
A dry, pencil-sharp wood with quiet strength. Cedarwood is one of the oldest materials in perfumery, valued for its clean, composed character and excellent longevity.
Fragrance Pyramid
Olfactive Character
Dry, clean, and composed. Cedarwood has a distinctive pencil-shaving quality that is immediately recognisable. It is quietly strong, never loud, and provides structure to any composition.
Origin & Harvest
Several species are used in perfumery. Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) from Morocco and Virginia cedar (Juniperus virginiana) from the United States are the most common. The oil is typically steam-distilled from the wood.
Key Molecules
Cedrol and cedrene are the primary aroma compounds. Alpha-cedrene provides the dry, woody character. Thujopsene adds depth. Atlas cedar is richer in atlantone, giving it a warmer profile.
Safety & Regulation
Generally well tolerated. Virginia cedarwood oil has very low sensitisation potential. Compliant with IFRA guidelines. One of the safest natural materials in perfumery.
In Perfumery
One of the most used base notes in all of perfumery. Found in Bois des Iles by Chanel and Fahrenheit by Dior. Pairs with nearly everything. In KIDA KYO, cedarwood provides structural clarity.
History
Cedar was used in ancient Egypt for embalming and temple construction. The cedars of Lebanon were legendary in antiquity. In modern perfumery, cedarwood became a workhorse base note in the early 20th century.
