Cedarwood is one of those oils that almost everyone likes on the first try. It is warm without being heavy, woody without being sharp, and it makes a room feel calmer and a little cozier the moment it starts to diffuse. As the days get shorter, it is the bottle we reach for most.
Here is what cedarwood essential oil is, why not every "cedarwood" is the same, and the simplest ways to use it.
Not Every Cedarwood Is the Same
"Cedarwood" on a label can mean several different trees, and they do not smell alike.
- Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) comes from a true cedar that grows in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It is warm, soft, and slightly sweet, with a honeyed, balsamic edge.
- Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) is not a true cedar at all, but a juniper from North America. It smells drier and sharper, a lot like a pencil shaving.
- Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) is a close cousin of Atlas, with a similar warm character.
Our Cedarwood Essential Oil is 100% pure Atlas cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica. If you ever compare two bottles that both say cedarwood, check the botanical name first.
What Does Cedarwood Smell Like?
Atlas cedarwood is woody, warm, and a little sweet, with notes of honey and dry resin. It is a base note, which means it evaporates slowly and stays noticeable long after brighter oils have faded.
That makes it a natural anchor in a blend: a drop or two of cedarwood gives lighter oils something to rest on and helps the whole blend last.
How to Use Cedarwood Essential Oil
- In a diffuser: cedarwood on its own is soft and woody. With two or three drops of Sweet Orange it turns into a bright, cozy winter blend. Try 3 drops cedarwood and 3 drops sweet orange in one of our diffusers.
- On an aromatherapy bracelet: because it lasts so long, cedarwood is one of the best oils for the lava stones on an aromatherapy bracelet. One or two drops can carry the aroma for days. We explain how they work in our post on aromatherapy bracelets.
- As a personal scent: in a 10 ml roller bottle, add 2 drops cedarwood and 2 drops Lavender, then fill with Golden Jojoba. That is about a 2 percent dilution, and a lovely evening blend.
- In the shower: if you would rather not mix anything, our Cedarwood Bar Soap brings the same aroma to your morning routine.
Two Oils That Pair Well With Cedarwood
You do not need many oils to make cedarwood shine.
- Lavender: soft and floral, for a calm, easy blend at the end of the day.
- Sweet Orange: bright and cheerful, for a blend that feels warm and fresh at the same time.
Once you have those, Frankincense is a good third oil to try with cedarwood, for something deeper and more resinous.
A Note on Care
Cedarwood is gentle as essential oils go, but it is still concentrated. Dilute it before it touches your skin, patch test a new blend on a small area first, and keep bottles away from children and pets. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before using essential oils.
Where to Start
If you only try one thing, put three drops of cedarwood and three of sweet orange in a diffuser on a cold evening. It is the easiest introduction there is.