The Best Sandalwood Colognes For Men: Our Top Picks

Sandalwood is a versatile and popular scent that can be used in a variety of fragrances. It has a woody aroma with warm, spicy, and musky notes, making it a favourite among many. While it is commonly used as a base note, it can also be a lead player in a fragrance. Sandalwood is often associated with elegance, confidence, and sensuality, making it a popular choice for colognes.

Some popular sandalwood colognes include Le Labo Santal 33, Loewe Pour Homme EDT, Creed Original Santal, Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum, and Acqua Di Parma Sandalo Eau de Parfum. These colognes offer a range of interpretations of sandalwood, from fresh and citrusy to warm and spicy.

In addition to the colognes mentioned above, there are numerous other options available, such as those offered by brands like Truefitt & Hill, Montblanc, Tom Ford, and Aesop. With its versatility and popularity, sandalwood is a key player in the world of fragrances, and its unique aroma continues to captivate and entice.

Best sandalwood colognes for men

Sandalwood is a woody, spicy, and warm fragrance that is a classic in the world of perfumes. It is a versatile note that can be used anywhere in a fragrance pyramid and pairs well with spices, citrus, and florals. The best sandalwood colognes for men include:

Most Popular Sandalwood Cologne: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

This distinctive and popular fragrance has a smooth, woody, and leathery vibe with hints of green and floral notes. It is like the blue jeans of fragrance—a staple that everyone can wear.

Best Fresh Sandalwood Cologne: Loewe Pour Homme EDT

This subtle and masculine scent has a hyper-fresh top note and a floral middle note, with sandalwood shining through at the base, giving it a smooth and grounding finish.

Best Warm Sandalwood Cologne: Creed Original Santal

This sandalwood fragrance from the House of Creed is richly layered and elegant. It opens with a spray of ginger and coriander, with some fresh citrus, before smoothing out with sandalwood and lavender. The warm, creamy base notes of tonka bean and musk round out this inviting and cozy cologne, perfect for colder weather.

Best Citrus Sandalwood Cologne: Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum

This fresh and "blue" scent dials up the citrus factor with a dash of spice. The Eau de Parfum differs from the original Eau de Toilette by being more wood-forward, with base notes of sandalwood coming through strongly. It adds a masculine touch and longevity to the fragrance.

Best Clean Sandalwood Cologne: Acqua Di Parma Sandalo Eau de Parfum

This elegantly masculine scent evokes the feeling of a traditional barbershop, with soapy lavender and fresh citrus giving way to smooth sandalwood and tonka bean. It gives the impression of a man who is refined and modern yet subtle.

Best Subtle Sandalwood Cologne: Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum

Although Tom Ford fragrances are typically bold, Santal Blush has a surprisingly low projection. It opens with a spicy top note, followed by floral middle notes, and ends with a rich, deep base of wood, musk, and oud. It is a deftly crafted symphony that is attention-grabbing yet understated.

Best Floral Sandalwood Cologne: Boy Smells Woodphoria Eau de Parfum

This fragrance has an underlying sweetness that amps up the woodiness. Sticky fig, sweet jasmine, and subtle lily-of-the-valley play off the sandalwood and cedarwood base, creating an inviting scent that is light enough for the day but sexy enough for the night.

Best Woody Sandalwood Cologne: Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Parfum

The sandalwood in this fragrance acts as a smooth, warm bridge between the floral top note and the wood-heavy base of rosewood and cedar. The addition of white musk makes this very woody fragrance more wearable.

Best Smoky Sandalwood Cologne: Caswell-Massey 2571 Eau de Parfum

With fresh top notes of bergamot and cardamom that give way to woody cypress and sandalwood, this fragrance captures the essence of the forest. It has an earthy, smoky quality that is both familiar and surprising.

Best Musky Sandalwood Cologne: Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur

This deep, rich, and elegant fragrance delivers a sensual draw with a hefty dose of musk. The sandalwood, along with tonka bean and amber, creates a smooth, warm feeling, making it the ultimate sexy fragrance.

Best Everyday Sandalwood Cologne: Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum

This scent has a misleading simplicity, with a kick of spice from the pepper in the top note and a luxurious resinous quality from the double dose of frankincense. The base of sandalwood gives it a warm, smooth, and woody longevity that lingers for hours.

Best Designer Sandalwood Cologne: Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum

A bolder version of the original, this fragrance retains the fresh, blue quality but dials up the warmth with a generous amount of sandalwood. The warm, woody quality lingers on the skin for hours, making it a welcome take on a classic.

Most popular sandalwood colognes

Sandalwood is a woody-spicy aroma with a warm, musky base. It is one of the most popular scents in the world and is a classic fragrance. Here are some of the most popular sandalwood colognes:

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

This is arguably the most popular sandalwood fragrance of our time. It has a smooth, woody, leathery vibe that dries down to reveal more greens and florals without losing the hip, wood-forward aspect that makes it so popular. It is available in 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, and 3.4 oz sizes and includes notes of sandalwood, leather, papyrus, Virginia cedar, cardamom, violet, iris, and amber.

Loewe Pour Homme EDT

This subtle and masculine scent is a great example of how well sandalwood works with almost any fragrance family and notes. Here, the sandalwood shines through at the base with a smooth, grounding finish to a hyper-fresh top note and floral middle, bringing to life a natural vibe that’s cool, hip, and anything but traditional. It includes notes of lemon, basil, lavender, tangerine, geranium, lily-of-the-valley, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, and amber.

Creed Original Santal

Everything the House of Creed does is richly layered and exceedingly elegant, and this sandalwood fragrance is no exception. It dials up the warmth of the note with a opening spray of ginger and coriander (along with some fresh citrus) before smoothing everything out with sandalwood and lavender. Interestingly, the sandalwood is in the middle note here, which is okay because it sticks around even once the warm, creamy base notes of tonka bean and musk come through. It’s a cozy, inviting cologne that’s perfect for colder weather and is available in 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz, and 8.4 oz sizes.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum

This is a very fresh, "blue" scent with a dash of spice. The main difference between this Eau de Parfum and the original Eau de Toilette is that this one is more wood-forward, which is where the base notes, including sandalwood, shine through. It blends well with the fresh citrus and spices of the top and middle notes and adds a masculine vibe, not to mention longevity, to the entire concoction. It is available in 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, and 5 oz sizes and includes notes of grapefruit, lemon, mint, pink pepper, bergamot, aldehydes, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, jasmine, melon, incense, amber, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, amberwood, and labdanum.

Acqua Di Parma Sandalo Eau de Parfum

This elegantly masculine scent is reminiscent of a barbershop, with soapy lavender and fresh citrus clearing the way for smooth sandalwood and tonka bean. It gives the impression that you’re the kind of guy who gets regular barber shaves and definitely knows his way around a safety razor. It’s traditional and masculine yet modern and subtle at the same time. It includes notes of Calabrian bergamot, orange, lemon, petitgrain, lavender, cardamom, sandalwood, tonka bean, and amber.

Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum

Tom Ford doesn’t do subtle very often, and even with this one, there is a lot going on. The spicy opening, the floral middle notes, and the rich deep base of wood, musk, and oud all sound like they’re going to overwhelm the senses. However, in practice, everything intermingles like a symphony, and the result has surprisingly low projection, but is still attention-grabbing enough that people will notice and want to come in closer for a better whiff. It includes notes of spices, cinnamon, caraway, fenugreek, carrot seeds, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, sandalwood, benzoin, Virginia cedar, musk, and oud.

Best fresh sandalwood colognes

Sandalwood is a versatile scent that can be used in a variety of fragrances, from fresh and clean to warm and spicy. Here are some of the best fresh sandalwood colognes for men:

Loewe Pour Homme EDT

This cologne is an excellent example of how sandalwood can be used to create a fresh and masculine scent. The top notes of lemon, basil, and tangerine give it a bright and lively feel, while the floral middle notes add a subtle twist. The base note of sandalwood shines through, providing a smooth and grounding finish that lasts.

Caswell-Massey 2571 Eau de Parfum

This cologne opens with fresh top notes of bergamot and cardamom, but quickly reveals its woody character with cypress and sandalwood. It captures the essence of the forest, with an earthy and smoky quality that is both familiar and surprising.

Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum

This cologne has a misleading simplicity to it, with a kick of spice from the black pepper in the top note and a luxurious resinous quality from the double dose of frankincense. The base of sandalwood gives it a warm, smooth, and woody longevity that lingers on the skin for hours, like a comfortable staple.

Truefitt & Hill Sandalwood Cologne

This cologne is a fresh take on a classic scent. It has soft base notes of sandalwood, tonka, and cedarwood, with delicate middle accords of lavender, thyme, and jasmine. The fruity twists of pineapple and melon, along with top notes of lemon and bergamot, complete the fragrance.

Acqua Di Parma Sandalo Eau de Parfum

Acqua Di Parma's Sandalo Eau de Parfum is an elegantly masculine scent that evokes the feeling of a traditional barbershop. The soapy lavender and fresh citrus top notes give way to smooth sandalwood and tonka bean, creating a clean and modern fragrance that is also subtle and timeless.

These colognes showcase the versatility of sandalwood and how it can be used to create fresh and inviting fragrances. Each cologne has its unique blend of notes, but the sandalwood provides a smooth, warm, and grounding element that is simply irresistible.

Best woody sandalwood colognes

Woody sandalwood colognes are a great way to bring a warm, woody, and spicy aroma to your fragrance collection. Here are some of the best woody sandalwood colognes to consider:

Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

One of the most popular and distinctive fragrances, Santal 33 by Le Labo, offers a smooth, woody, and leathery vibe. With its woody-forward aspect, it has become the staple fragrance that everyone can wear. The scent includes notes of sandalwood, leather, papyrus, Virginia cedar, cardamom, violet, iris, and amber.

Loewe Pour Homme EDT

This subtle and masculine scent by Loewe showcases the versatility of sandalwood, which shines through at the base with a smooth and grounding finish. The fragrance features notes of lemon, basil, lavender, tangerine, geranium, lily-of-the-valley, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, and amber, creating a natural and modern vibe.

Creed Original Santal

Creed's Original Santal is a richly layered and elegant sandalwood fragrance. It opens with a warm and spicy blend of ginger and coriander, along with fresh citrus notes, before smoothing out with sandalwood and lavender. The middle note of sandalwood lingers even as the warm and creamy base notes of tonka bean and musk emerge. It's a cozy and inviting choice for colder weather.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum

Chanel's Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum is a fresh and "blue" scent with a dash of spice and a prominent woody character. This version differs from the original Eau de Toilette by being more wood-forward, allowing the base notes of sandalwood to shine through. The fragrance combines fresh citrus and spices with the warmth of sandalwood and other base notes, resulting in a masculine and long-lasting scent.

Acqua Di Parma Sandalo Eau de Parfum

Acqua Di Parma's Sandalo is an elegantly masculine fragrance that evokes the feeling of a traditional barbershop. It opens with soapy lavender and fresh citrus notes, followed by smooth sandalwood and tonka bean. This scent gives the impression of a man who appreciates classic barber shaves and knows his way around a safety razor.

Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum

Although known for bold fragrances, Tom Ford's Santal Blush offers a subtle and surprising experience. Despite its spicy opening, floral middle notes, and rich base of wood, musk, and oud, the scent intermingles harmoniously. It has low projection but is still attention-grabbing, inviting others to come closer to appreciate its complexity.

Boy Smells Woodphoria Eau de Parfum

Boy Smells' Woodphoria Eau de Parfum stands out with its underlying sweetness that enhances the woodiness of the fragrance. It combines sticky fig, sweet jasmine, and subtle lily-of-the-valley with sandalwood and cedarwood, creating an intriguing contrast between earthy and airy notes. The addition of skin-scent musks makes it a deeply inviting scent for both daytime and nighttime wear.

Best musky sandalwood colognes

Sandalwood is a woody-spicy aroma with a warm, musky base. It is one of the most popular scents in the world and has been used in perfumes, incense, and other products for a long time. Here are some of the best musky sandalwood colognes for men:

Mid-Range Options

Geo. F. Trumper Sandalwood Cologne is a high-quality, affordable fragrance. Although it opens with a complex blend of sharp, spicy citruses, herbs, floral notes, and woods, it eventually smooths out into a warm, sweet, and creamy sandalwood and vanilla scent. This sophisticated and classy fragrance is best suited for mature men and can be worn all year round, with careful application in high summer.

Atelier Cologne Santal Carmin is a spicy-sweet, leathery vanilla sandalwood fragrance. It opens with bergamot citrus, warm spicy saffron, and dark woody notes, settling into a smooth, creamy sandalwood and vanilla combo with a kick of saffron and a hint of smokiness. This unisex fragrance is best worn in fall, winter, and cooler spring days and is suitable for all occasions.

Lorenzo Villoresi Sandalo is a rich, warm, and comforting scent. It opens with sharp citruses, spicy lavender, and resinous rosewood, drying down into a full, dark, rich, and slightly sweet sandalwood with hints of incense. This very masculine scent is perfect for mature gentlemen and can be worn all year round, except in high summer heat.

Escentric Molecules Molecule 04 is a straightforward, authentic warm creamy sandalwood fragrance with no other notes. This unisex scent is hyper-versatile and can be worn in all seasons and situations. Although it doesn't scream for attention, it lasts for 6-8 hours.

Perris Monte Carlo Santal Du Pacifique EDP is a straightforward, uncomplicated fragrance where creamy sandalwood is the star. It opens with a slight carrot vibe and whispers of spices and violet leaves, drying down into a smooth, sweet, creamy sandalwood with clean white musk, vanilla, and florals. This unisex scent is incredibly luxurious and can be worn all year round, except in high summer heat.

Serge Lutens Santal De Mysore is a unique and spicy fragrance. It opens with sweet Indian spices, including cumin, and heavy, dark, smoky sandalwood, drying down into a rich, deep, smoky, sweet, and creamy sandalwood. This unisex scent, which leans slightly masculine, is best used in cooler weather and is suitable for formal situations and special occasions.

Premium Options

Tom Ford Santal Blush is a soft, creamy sandalwood fragrance with touches of spicy cumin and cinnamon. Although it is marketed towards women, it smells pretty much like pure sandalwood and is totally unisex. This super-versatile fragrance can be worn in all seasons and situations, except in high summer heat.

Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule is a spicy, woody chocolate fragrance with a hint of rose. It opens with spicy sandalwood, bittersweet dark cacao powder, and powdery rose, drying down into a warm, spicy, semi-sweet, creamy sandalwood and cacao vibe. This unisex scent is more suited to the mature crowd and can be worn all year, except in high summer.

Floris Santal is a sophisticated and classy unisex fragrance that leans masculine. It opens with bitter fresh bergamot and lemon citruses mixed with soft, spicy, peppery sandalwood, drying down into smooth, creamy sandalwood with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. This fragrance can be worn all year, except in high summer heat, and is perfect for formal wear and special occasions.

Acqua Di Parma Sandalo is a fresh citrusy sandalwood fragrance. It opens with fresh bergamot and orange citruses and lavender, drying down into a soft, sweet, creamy sandalwood with spicy cardamom. This hyper-versatile unisex scent, which leans masculine, has good lasting strength and projects well for the first few hours.

Diptyque Tam Dao EDP is the Holy Grail of sandalwood fragrances for many. It opens with spicy cedar and sandalwood, lime citrus, and whispers of ginger, drying down into a dusty, warm, buttery sandalwood with hints of vanilla and spices. This unisex scent, which leans slightly masculine, is best worn in spring, fall, and winter and can even be worn on cooler summer nights.

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