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.

Woody
92
Powdery
76
Warm spicy
55
Sweet
48
Citrus
46
Aromatic
46

Share of sandalwood-bearing fragrances carrying each accord.

CreamySmoothWarmSoftSubtle

Family

Pairs with.

Synthetic stand-in

Javanol, Bacdanol (sustainability alternatives)

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.

What Does Sandalwood Smell Like? 6,667 Fragrances | Scentsation