When you’re on the hunt for your next signature scent, or simply a new fragrance to add to your collection, one of the first concepts you’ll encounter is that of the fragrance families.
Although there’s no defined group of fragrance families (in fact, there’s some debate in the perfume world about how many there are and how to define them), woody fragrances are one of the most diverse groups.
As you might have guessed from the name, woody scents are derived from different woods. That being said, there’s a lot of variety in this group, and knowing about some of the different woody scents can make it easy to find your next go-to fragrance.
In this guide, we’ll break down what woody scents are and some examples, the fragrances they pair well with, and a few suggestions of our favorite woody scents from the Snif collection.
What Are Woody Scents?
First things first, we have to start by defining what makes a woody scent a woody scent. These fragrances come from the bark, resin, roots, and leaves of trees as well as some grasses that have a naturally earthy smell.
Usually, woody fragrances have a deep, rich quality and, depending on how the essential oil is extracted, can be slightly smoky.
The depth of their scent makes them an ideal base note in fragrances and is part of the reason they’re usually associated with the colder months of the year. Warm and round, a woody scent is what you’ll reach for when you’re craving something that’s comforting and dreamy.
Earthy scents are found within the woody fragrance family and are having their moment right now due to their calming, subtle nature. Some earthy scents you might come across during your search include vetiver, oakmoss, or any ingredient that comes from plant matter.
What Are Some Examples of Woody Scents?
You’ve got the low-down on woody scents, which means it’s time to talk specifics. In this section, we’ll take a close look at three of the most popular woody fragrances used in perfumery: sandalwood, cedarwood, and oakmoss.
Sandalwood
One of the stars of the woody fragrance family is sandalwood. This is one of the creamier woody fragrances and is often described as sensual and smooth. Depending on how sandalwood essential oil is made (the kind of wood that’s used and if it was aged or not), it can have undertones of vanilla or balsamic.
Given that sandalwood has a sweet undertone, it’s usually paired with floral or gourmand fragrances that are also naturally sweeter.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood is a classic woody fragrance and is what most people imagine when they think of the smell of wood. It has a dryness that can have a smoky edge depending on the extraction method used.
Cedarwood is also aromatic and spicy, making it a favorite for perfumers looking to create a warm, complex fragrance.
Oakmoss
Although it’s not derived from a tree, oakmoss still falls into the woody scent family because it’s an earthy fragrance. Oakmoss has a subtle, musky smell that has an almost instantaneously calming effect.
What Smells Do Woody Scents Pair Well With?
We’ve already mentioned that woody scents make exceptional base notes, which is why they’re usually paired with middle and top notes that add a light or sweet twist to their depth.
You’ll often see woody scents paired with aromatic, citrus, floral, fruity, and sweet fragrances. Aromatic scents are any scents derived from herbs such as lavender, sage, and rosemary. When combined with woody scents, the result is a clean, spa-like fragrance that feels effortlessly elegant.
The blend of woody and citrus scents is another fragrance duo to die for. Citrus adds a playful, energizing edge to a woody fragrance, which helps them avoid being too heavy and overwhelming, one of the most common pitfalls when it comes to woody scents. Some citrus oils that are normally combined with woody scents include mandarin, bergamot, and grapefruit.
Another way perfumers ensure that woody fragrances aren’t too rich is by combining them with floral notes. Rose, ylang ylang, and lily of the valley are all examples of floral fragrances that can be combined with woody notes to give them a more sensual, romantic vibe.
Although fruity notes might feel too far from the woody family to work, this combination is proof of the age-old theory that opposites attract. The juicy sweetness of fruity fragrances, such as peach or cherry, can pair well with the rich sweetness of a woody fragrance and give it a fresher feel.
Speaking of sweet, the last woody fragrance pairing that you’re sure to come across is the unbeatable blend of woody and sweet fragrances. Vanilla and tonka bean pair perfectly with woody fragrances because they add even more creamy richness to the fragrance.
What Are Some Fragrances To Try With Woody Notes?
Now that you know all about what woody scents are and what they pair well with, it’s time to talk specifics.
This section will break down the scent profile of three of our favorite woody scents from the Snif line: Snif Me, Suganami, and Sweet Ash Super.
Snif Me
Me is the ideal fragrance for you if you’re looking for something on the subtler side that will keep you coming back for more.
Featuring orris, plum, peach skin, white moss, musks, and sandalwood, this scent is designed to reflect your skin chemistry (which is just a fancy way to say it’ll help you smell like you, but better).
This fragrance is our contribution to the growing trend of skin scents. Designed to smell like your skin at its cleanest, these scents are low-key and will keep you smelling fresh all day without ever being overwhelming.
Suganami
When you want something woody that’s still on the light, powdery side, look no further than Suganami.
With a blend of angelica seeds, coriander, iris, rose, cypress, myrrh, amber, cedarwood, and creamy musks, this fragrance smells clean and creamy. One of the secret bonuses of Suganami? It comes packaged in 100% compostable materials. This means that you can feel good about yourself and the earth when you make this your next signature scent.
Sweet Ash Super
If you’re a fan of Sweet Ash, then you’ve got to try Sweet Ash Super. This is a highly concentrated take on one of our fan favorite fragrances.
Musk, sandalwood, milk, vanilla absolute, fir balsam, and cedarwood come together in this sophisticated, ambery scent. Given that it has a supercharged concentration of fragrance oils, this scent is a great go-to when you’re looking for something that will seamlessly transition with you from day to night, no reapplications needed.
On the Woody Side
If you think you’re ready to try out the woodier side of the fragrance world, choose from Snif Me, Suganami, or Sweet Ash Super and get ready to be instantly transported to your forest of choice.
With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into the woody fragrance family and find the scent that speaks to you.
FAQs
How are woody scents extracted?
Given that the woody family features a diverse array of fragrances, there are several different extraction methods used. Some of the most common methods include steam distillation, solvent extraction, CO2 extraction, fermentation, and dry distillation.
During the process of steam distillation, wood is placed in still water then exposed to steam. As the steam passes through the wood, it catches the aromatics in the wood. Once it’s cooled, the essential oil is separated from the water. This is the method most often used for popular woody scents like sandalwood and cedarwood.
Solvent extraction is a pricer way to extract essential oils from woods which is why it’s typically only used for woods that cannot undergo the process of steam distillation. This type of extraction involves soaking the wood in a solvent such as hexane.
Exposure to this solvent dissolves the aromatic compounds into a wax-like substance called concrete. Once the solvent evaporates away and only the concrete is left, it’s transformed into an essential oil.
How do woody scents impact mood?
Woody scents are reminiscent of moments spent in nature (think long walks through your favorite forest or afternoons spent reading in a hammock suspended in the trees). For this reason, they have a calming, grounded effect. Some people find that this feeling of groundedness can lower anxiety levels and boost confidence.
Along with these benefits, woody scents can also make people feel more grounded and secure because they provide the feeling of being connected to nature.
Sources:
The Effects of Essential Oils on the Nervous System: A Scoping Review | NIH
Essential Oils: Extraction Techniques, Pharmaceutical And Therapeutic Potential - A Review | NIH