Cedar

What Does It Smell Like?

Cedar smells like walking into a freshly opened wooden chest or a pencil sharpener's distinctive aroma—dry, slightly spicy, faintly sweet. Imagine the interior of a cedar wardrobe, that clean, almost resinous scent that repels moths. There's a subtle bitterness too, like the bark of the tree itself, combined with a warm, almost smoky undertone. It's earthy without being dirty, woody without smelling like fresh sawdust. The experience is grounding and slightly nostalgic—many recall childhood pencils and hope chests.

Origin & History

True cedar comes primarily from the Atlas cedar (*Cedrus atlantica*) in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, though Virginian cedarwood (*Juniperus virginiana*) and Himalayan varieties are also used. The essential oil is steam-distilled from wood chips and sawdust, taking weeks to fully extract. Cedarwood has been treasured for millennia—ancient Egyptians used it in mummification and temple incense. Modern perfumery also employs synthetic molecules like cedrene and cedrol, which isolate and amplify specific facets, offering consistency and sustainability.

In Perfumery

Cedar typically anchors fragrances as a base or mid-note, providing warmth and longevity. Perfumers employ it to add woody depth, sophistication, and a "grown-up" quality to compositions. It pairs beautifully with florals (softening their sweetness), citrus (grounding brightness), or spices. A touch of cedar elevates a fragrance from pretty to refined.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 573 Fragrances