What is Cedarwood Essential Oil?

Cedarwood Essential Oil is extracted from the wood of the Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), a majestic conifer that grows in the high, cool mountain regions of the Himalayas. That's where our cedarwood oil comes from. The tree can live for hundreds of years and has been considered sacred in India for centuries.

The scent is warm, woody and balsamic, with a slightly sweet and soft resinous undertone. Himalayan cedarwood is slightly sweeter and has stronger middle notes than its relative, Atlas cedar. The oil itself is light yellow to amber-colored with a somewhat viscous consistency.

The main components are sesquiterpenes, particularly alpha- and beta-himachalene. These give cedarwood its characteristic warm, dry woody scent that is so beloved in perfumes, skincare products and aromatherapy.

How is Cedarwood Essential Oil Made?

The oil is extracted by steam distillation of cedar wood. The wood material is heated with steam, and the volatile aromatic compounds travel with the steam and condense into a liquid. The essential oil floats on top, which is what you find in this bottle.

Because the fragrance compounds are deep in the wood, a considerable amount of material and time is needed for a small quantity of oil. Cedarwood oil is often extracted from the waste wood and sawdust left over from wood processing, so very little is lost.

What is the Difference Between Himalayan and Atlas Cedarwood?

Both oils come from true cedars from the genus Cedrus, but from different tree species and from different parts of the world.

Himalayan cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) comes from the Himalayan mountains and has a slightly sweeter, rounder scent with stronger middle notes. This is the cedarwood you'll find in this bottle.

Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) originally comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and has a somewhat drier, sharper woody scent.

Note: there is also so-called Virginia cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), but botanically it is a juniper and not a true cedar. The scent and composition differ accordingly.

Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil

For oily and blemished skin
Cedarwood is a beloved addition to skincare for oily and blemished skin. The oil is often incorporated into facial oils and balms for skin that tends to shine.

For the scalp and hair
Cedarwood has traditionally been a popular addition to hair care. A few drops in a carrier oil or mixed into your shampoo create a lovely nurturing ritual for your scalp.

For grounding and calm
The warm, woody scent has a grounding effect and is often used during meditation and at the end of a busy day. A fine choice for your diffuser.

For a warm atmosphere in the home
The scent of cedarwood is reminiscent of a crackling fireplace and old wooden chests, and creates a warm, cozy feeling in the home.

How do you Use Cedarwood Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil before applying to skin in a carrier oil or butter. For homemade skincare we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Suitable carriers include jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.

In a diffuser
Add 4 to 6 drops to an aroma diffuser for a warm, grounding atmosphere. Beautiful combined with lavender and frankincense for deep relaxation.

In a facial oil for oily skin
Add 1 percent cedarwood to a light carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Jojoba is similar in composition to your skin's natural oil and therefore feels light.

In your hair care
Add a few drops to a carrier oil for a scalp massage, or mix it into a neutral shampoo or conditioner.

In a woody fragrance blend
Combine cedarwood with sandalwood, vetiver or frankincense for a warm, earthy blend in the diffuser or as a roll-on on your wrists.

What Makes Cedarwood So Special?

Cedars are among the oldest aromatic trees used by mankind. In ancient Egypt, cedarwood oil was used in embalming and incorporated into salves and cosmetics. The precious, fragrant and durable wood was used for temples, ships and sarcophagi.

The name of our Himalayan cedar, deodara, comes from the Sanskrit devadaru and means something like wood of the gods. In India, the tree is considered sacred and was traditionally planted around temples. Thus cedarwood carries a long history of calm, ceremony and security.

Tips for Using Cedarwood Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat.
• Always close the bottle tightly after use. Contact with air can cause the oil to lose its scent and effectiveness more quickly.
• Test first on a small area of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Important Notes

Always use Cedarwood Essential Oil diluted, never pure on the skin. Our practical working dosage for homemade skincare is 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). This way you stay well within safe limits, even if you combine multiple essential oils in one recipe.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consulting an expert. Keep out of reach of children. If in doubt or if you have sensitive skin, always test on a small area first and wait 24 hours before using it on larger areas.