Seamus Hammond
Cedar is a fragrance that has been used for centuries, with a rich and deep aroma that brings a sense of power and elegance to perfumes. The scent is extracted from the wood and leaves of cedar trees, with different species of cedarwood resulting in unique scent profiles. The most commonly used types of cedarwood include Atlas Cedarwood, Virginian Cedarwood, and Texas Cedarwood, each with their own distinct fragrance notes. Cedar is often associated with masculine fragrances but has been increasingly used in women's perfumes as well, providing a warm and lively base note.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common chemicals in cedarwood oil | Cedrol, ∀-cedrene, himachalene, d-alpha-atlantone, thujopsene |
| Scent compounds | Varies depending on the source of the oil |
| Source of the oil | Wood, leaves, juniper, cypress species |
| Main species used in perfumery | Virginian, Red, Texas, Atlas |
| Aromatic notes | Dry, vibrant, woody |
| Olfactory families | Citrus, floral, oriental, chypre |
| Main fragrances containing cedar | Sylvaine Delacourte Paris compositions, Vangelis, Virgile, Vanilla Collection, Orange Blossom, Musk, Vanilla Collections |
| Other fragrances containing cedar | Katy Perry Indi, Sarah Jessica Parker Stash, Gap, Mugler Womanity, Givenchy Gentleman, Roberto Cavalli Black, Paco Rabanne Black XS, DKNY Men, Versace Man Eau Fraiche, Mugler B*Men, Serge Lutens Iris Silver |
| Scent | Warm, woody, balsamic, spicy, resinous, sweet, smoky, pungent, sharp, herbal, fresh, invigorating |
| Effect | Relaxant |
| Region | Morocco, North America, Texas, Middle East, North Africa, Himalayas, Lebanon, Algeria, Turkey, Siberia |
| Extraction method | Steam distillation, solvent extraction |
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What You'll Learn
Cedar's fragrance history
Cedar has been valued for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, resistance to decay, and distinctive fragrance. The word "cedar" comes from the Latin "cedrus", meaning "resinous tree", borrowed from the ancient Greek "kedros". Cedar has been used as a building material, in shipbuilding, and for embalming the dead, and was a symbol of strength and prosperity in antiquity.
In the Middle Ages, cedar was introduced to Europe and became a symbol of prestige and wealth. Its fragrant, resinous wood has been used in perfumery for centuries, particularly in woody fragrances for men, such as Givenchy Gentleman, Roberto Cavalli Black, Paco Rabanne Black XS, and Ralph Lauren Polo Explorer. Cedar is also used in some women's fragrances, such as Lancôme Magnifique and Mugler Womanity.
The cedar tree is majestic, reaching heights of up to 40-50 meters, and is mainly grown in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Lebanon, Algeria, and Turkey. Atlas cedar, native to Morocco, is widely used in perfumery for its warm, woody fragrance. Virginia cedar oil, on the other hand, has a dry and almost "nervous" effect in fragrances. Texas cedar oil, which is not a true cedar but a type of juniper, has a sweet, smoky scent and is also commonly used in men's fragrances.
Harvesting cedar for perfumery is a delicate process that requires expertise to preserve the wood's quality and fragrance. Mature trees are felled during the winter months when they are dormant, then carefully cut and sorted to avoid cracks and damage. The wood is cut into small chips or thin planks and distilled to extract the essential oil, usually through steam distillation or solvent extraction.
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How cedar oil is extracted
Cedar oil, or cedarwood oil, is a fragrant essential oil that is commonly used in perfumery and aromatherapy. It has a distinctive warm, woody scent and is known for its various therapeutic properties. The oil is extracted from the wood and leaves of cedar trees, as well as from related juniper and cypress species.
The process of extracting cedar oil typically involves harvesting the wood from mature cedar trees, which are carefully selected and cut during the winter months when the trees are dormant. The wood is then cut into small chips or thin planks and dried slowly in a well-ventilated area. Once the wood is prepared, the essential oil is extracted through distillation, most commonly via steam distillation or solvent extraction.
During distillation, the wood chips or planks are subjected to high temperatures, causing the oil to evaporate and separate from the wood. The steam carries the oil vapour through a condenser, where it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid form, resulting in the extraction of pure cedar oil.
The specific distillation methods and techniques can vary, and sometimes the process is preceded by chemical pulping or alkali maceration, which can affect the final scent of the oil. Additionally, the source of the cedar wood, including the type of tree and the region it is grown in, can also influence the unique olfactory characteristics of the extracted oil.
Cedar oil has a long history, with ancient civilisations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Romans utilising it for various purposes beyond perfumery, including embalming, paint bases, and building materials. Today, cedar oil is valued not only for its aromatic qualities but also for its therapeutic benefits, such as its insecticidal, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Types of cedarwood
Cedarwood is a versatile and durable domestic hardwood that grows on both the East and West coasts of the United States. It is known for its weather and insect resistance, pleasant scent, and aesthetic appeal. While there are many different types of cedar trees, the ones most commonly used for lumber include:
Eastern Red Cedar
Also known as Aromatic Cedar, this type of cedar is known for its rustic charm, aromatic scent, and natural resistance to pests. It has a reddish-brown colour with occasional purple tinges and reddish-brown streaks. Eastern Red Cedar is a popular choice for both practical and decorative purposes, commonly used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and as a roofing material.
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is a versatile and popular type of cedar, known for its beautiful appearance and durability. It has a deeper reddish-brown colour with subtle to well-defined wood tones and an inherent luster. This type of cedar is often used for clear coating to showcase its natural wood tones. It is also commonly used for cedar shingling and roofing.
Northern White Cedar
Northern White Cedar, also known as Juniperus virginiana, is a member of the cypress family. It grows throughout the eastern United States and is usually referred to as "aromatic cedar" due to its pungent natural oils. Northern White Cedar is commonly used to line closets and hope chests to ward off insects, and is a favourite among pencil makers and producers of wooden novelties.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is found from the California-Oregon border north to Southern Alaska. It is known for its distinct colour, durability, and resistance to moisture, making it well-suited for outdoor applications such as building decks.
Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar, or Cedro, is widely distributed in tropical America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It is favoured for its attractive appearance, pleasant aroma, and natural resistance to insects. Spanish Cedar is commonly used in millwork, cabinetry, decorative veneers, trim, and siding. However, it is considered vulnerable to extinction due to the environmental impacts of harvesting and transportation.
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Cedar in women's fragrances
Cedar has been a key ingredient in perfumery for centuries, with its fragrant, resinous wood creating fragrances with a warm, woody character. Cedar is mainly grown in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Lebanon, Algeria, and Turkey, and its name comes from the Latin 'cedrus', meaning "resinous tree". The tree has a long history, with its wood being used by the Romans as a building material, and the Egyptians using its essential oils to embalm their dead.
In perfumery, cedar is used to create a sense of power and elegance in aromatic compositions. Its distinctive fragrance and versatility make it an essential base note in many refined, timeless perfumes. The process of harvesting and treating cedar for perfumery is meticulous, requiring expertise to preserve the wood's quality and fragrance. The trees are carefully cultivated and harvested sustainably to guarantee the preservation of this natural resource.
Cedar oil is commonly used in perfumery, with different varieties offering unique olfactory characteristics. Atlas cedar oil, native to Morocco, is widely used as a fixative and base component in woody and flowery fragrances. It is known for its warm, woody fragrance and is relatively inexpensive. Texas cedar oil, on the other hand, has a dark-orange colour and a woody-sweet, slightly smoky scent with a "pencil shavings" undertone. It has become a top performer in the market, with around 1.5 thousand tons of its essential oil produced annually.
Cedar is often used as a base note in women's fragrances, adding depth and warmth. For example, the perfume Feminite du Bois by Shiseido, created by Serge Lutens, Pierre Bourdon, and Christopher Sheldrake, features an 8% concentration of Texas cedar oil. Other perfumes with notable amounts of Texas cedar oil include Lancôme Magnifique (6%) and Mugler Womanity (9%). Katy Perry's Indi fragrance also contains cedar, setting it apart from typical sugary celebrity perfumes.
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Cedar's fragrance versatility
Cedar has been a key ingredient in perfumery for centuries, with its fragrant, resinous wood used to create warm, woody fragrances. The cedar tree, which can reach heights of up to 50 metres, is mainly grown in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Lebanon, Algeria, Turkey and Morocco. The wood and leaves of the tree are used to extract cedar oil, which contains different scent compounds depending on the source.
The versatility of cedar is evident in its ability to be used as both a top and base note in perfumes. Its fragrance can be described as warm, balsamic, spicy, and slightly sweet, with hints of pine forests. The different species of cedarwood, such as Atlas, Virginian, and Texas cedarwood, offer unique scent profiles. For example, Virginian cedarwood has a sharper, more herbal scent compared to Atlas cedarwood, while Texas cedarwood has a more pungent aroma.
Cedar is also known for its versatility in enhancing other fragrances. It blends well with citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, and can be combined with other woody notes such as patchouli, vetiver, and sandalwood. In addition, the molecules isolated from cedar, such as cedryl acetate and cedrol, can enhance and sublimate other notes in a composition.
The use of cedar in perfumery is a meticulous process that requires expertise and respect for the environment. The trees are carefully cultivated and harvested sustainably, and the wood is treated and processed to preserve its natural fragrance while transforming it into a high-quality essence.
Cedar's versatility extends beyond perfumery, with a rich history in various cultures. It has been used in construction, ship-building, and embalming, and was considered a symbol of strength, prosperity, and prestige in ancient times. Today, cedar remains a popular choice in fragrances for both men and women, adding depth and elegance to modern perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cedar has a warm, woody, and balsamic scent with subtle hints of spice. It is reminiscent of pine forests and is both comforting and grounding. The scent can vary slightly based on the species of cedar tree, extraction method, and location of growth.
Some of the most commonly used types of cedar in perfumery include Atlas Cedarwood, Virginian Cedarwood, and Texas Cedarwood. Other types include Siberian Cedarwood and Chinese Cedarwood.
Cedar is often associated with masculine fragrances and is commonly used as a base note in perfumes. Fragrances that contain cedar include Givenchy Gentleman, Roberto Cavalli Black, Paco Rabanne Black XS, DKNY Men, Versace Man Eau Fraiche, Mugler B*Men, Cartier Declaration, Acqua di Parma Cipresso di Toscana, Ralph Lauren Polo Explorer, Diptyque Tam Dao, Nasomatto Black Afgano, Lancôme Magnifique, Mugler Womanity, and Katy Perry's Indi.
