Notes Atlas/Sandalwood
Sandalwood heartwood · Creamy, Smooth · 6,667 fragrances
Sandalwood.
6,667
Fragrances
1900
Earliest use in catalog
base
Typical position · 90%
Woody
Reads as
In the heart of perfumery, sandalwood anchors scents with its warm, woody embrace, a grounding element that has kept its place in over four thousand fragrances.
Woody · Notes Atlas
Profile
What it reads as.
Share of sandalwood-bearing fragrances carrying each accord.
Family
Pairs with.
Synthetic stand-in
Javanol, Bacdanol (sustainability alternatives)
Where to wear it
The fragrances that wear it best.

Rosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions
Rosendo Mateu Nº 6 Jasmin, Sandalwood, Oriental Musk
★ 4.16

Giorgio Armani
Emporio Armani Stronger With You Sandalwood
★ 4.38

Elizabeth Arden
Arden Men Sandalwood
★ 4.04

Sana Jardin
Sandalwood Temple
★ 4.18

Rosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions
Rosendo Mateu Nº 1 Bergamot, Tea Leaf, Sandalwood
★ 4.15

Alfred Dunhill
Indian Sandalwood
★ 4.26
The Story
Sandalwood in perfumery.
Sandalwood, sourced from the heartwood of trees native to India and Indonesia, carries a rich, creamy aroma that is both smooth and slightly sweet. Its scent is often described as warm and woody, with a powdery undertone that adds depth and complexity to any composition.
In perfumery, sandalwood serves as a versatile base note, providing longevity and a soft, enveloping warmth that can soothe or energize depending on its companions. Commonly paired with musk for added sensuality, bergamot for freshness, jasmine for floral notes, amber for richness, vanilla for sweetness, and rose for romantic depth, sandalwood enhances the overall character of each fragrance.
Today, sandalwood can be found in a range of notable fragrances such as Emporio Armani Stronger With You Sandalwood by Giorgio Armani, Rosendo Mateu Nº 1 Bergamot, Tea Leaf, Sandalwood by Rosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions, and Indian Sandalwood by Alfred Dunhill. Despite a slight dip in its share of new releases from 29.1% to 25.4%, sandalwood remains an essential component in the perfumer's palette.
The Story
How it behaves in a bottle.
Sandalwood lives in the base and heart, providing creamy foundation. It's persistent but never loud, lasting 6-8 hours.
Creates warm, skin-like compositions (Le Labo Santal 33, Tom Ford Santal Blush)
Sandalwood provides smooth, creamy depth that feels close to skin. It's rarely the star but almost always improves a composition by softening edges and adding warmth.