Cedar

Woody · appears in 16 documented compositions

Dry, pencil-shaving woodiness; it gives structure and keeps sweet notes from turning syrupy.

Library uses

16

Dominant placement

base

Avg. longevity of hosts

9.7 h

Strongest season

Autumn

Origin & sourcing

Virginian cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) steam-distilled from wood.

What matters about it

  • Cedarwood oil is one of the most-used raw materials by volume in fine fragrance because it is stable and inexpensive.
  • Cedrol, its main constituent, is a low-volatility molecule that anchors a composition for many hours.
  • Virginian cedar reads sharper and drier; Atlas cedar reads softer and slightly camphorous.

How it behaves in a formula

Across this library, Cedar appears 2 times as a top note, 3 times in the heart and 11 times in the base. Placement is the single best predictor of what you will actually smell: top-note materials are high-volatility and gone within the hour, base-note materials are fixatives that define the final and longest phase of the wear.

Compositions containing Cedar in this library average 9.7 hours of documented longevity, and skew toward autumn and spring wear. Treat that as a tendency of the woody family rather than a property of the material alone — dose, supporting accord and concentration all move the result.

Fragrances built with Cedar

Shalimar by Guerlain fragrance bottle

Guerlain

Shalimar

1925

Amber Oriental · Women

Crafted by Jacques Guerlain in 1925 and inspired by the legendary love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, Shalimar stands as one of the absolute masterpieces of amber oriental perfumery. The fragrance opens with an intense, sparkling burst of citrus dominated by crisp lemon and bergamot, which rapidly transitions into a dark, powdery, and deeply resinous heart. The core is anchored by a generous overdose of natural iris and smoky vetiver, creating an intriguing tension between cool, earthy elegance and smoldering warmth. As it settles onto the skin, Shalimar reveals its true identity through a legendary dry-down of rich, animalic vanilla, smooth leather, opoponax, and incense. Rather than a modern, linear confection, this composition demands patience and skin chemistry interaction, shifting continuously over many hours. It is an unapologetically dramatic, opulent, and historical olfactory journey designed for those who appreciate complex vintage architecture and profound depth in fragrance.

10-14 hoursAutumn / Winter
Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani fragrance bottle

Giorgio Armani

Acqua di Gio

1996

Aromatic Aquatic · Men

Composed by master perfumer Alberto Morillas in 1996 and inspired by the pristine volcanic cliffs of Pantelleria island, Acqua di Gio revolutionized masculine fresh perfumery by establishing the benchmark for aquatic aromatics. The opening presents a sun-drenched collision of Mediterranean citrus fruits—crisp lime, lemon, and bergamot—immediately tempered by watery marine accords and synthetic calone that recreate the exact sensation of sea spray hitting warm skin. The intricate heart blends aromatic rosemary and crisp floral notes with green undertones, preventing the fragrance from becoming a simple aquatic clone. As time passes, the composition settles into a clean, unpretentious base of white musk, cedar, and subtle patchouli. It is an enduring classic praised for its effortless versatility, making it a reliable staple for warm weather wear without ever feeling intrusive or overly synthetic.

6-8 hoursSpring / Summer
Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance bottle

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Baccarat Rouge 540

2015

Amber Floral · Unisex

Created by Francis Kurkdjian to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the crystal manufacturer Baccarat, this modern phenomenon plays on the alchemy of crystal, fire, and minerals. The fragrance introduces itself with a sharp, medicinal, yet luminous touch of exotic saffron paired with transparent jasmine petals. Rather than relying on heavy traditional florals or sugars, the core features an ethereal, airy ambergris accord known as ambroxan, combined with rich amberwood that projects an unmistakable crystal-clear warmth. The dry-down introduces a contrasting woody backbone of resinous fir balsam and crisp cedar. Its paradoxical nature—simultaneously sweet, salty, airy, and dense—creates an optical illusion on skin where it seems to disappear and reappear to the wearer throughout the day. It has redefined contemporary luxury through its remarkable projection and singular chemical signature.

12+ hoursAutumn / Winter / Spring
Bleu de Chanel by Chanel fragrance bottle

Chanel

Bleu de Chanel

2010

Woody Aromatic · Men

Created by in-house Chanel perfumer Jacques Polge in 2010, Bleu de Chanel redefined modern masculine blue fragrances by combining crisp freshness with a sophisticated, dense woody-amber base. The composition opens with an energetic, effervescent burst of citrus fruits—grapefruit, lemon, and bergamot—accented by a sharp pinch of pink pepper and cooling mint. The heart transitions toward a clean, spicy warmth featuring fresh ginger and nutmeg. Unlike simpler fresh scents, Bleu de Chanel deepens significantly in its dry-down, introducing a smoky touch of incense, rich cedarwood, dry amber, and sandalwood. This deliberate contrast between an uplifting, bright opening and a mysterious, grounded base makes it one of the most reliable and universally praised versatile scents in contemporary perfumery.

7-9 hoursSpring / Summer / Autumn
Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana fragrance bottle

Dolce & Gabbana

Light Blue

2001

Floral Fruity · Women

Crafted by master perfumer Olivier Cresp in 2001, Light Blue captures the sensual, sun-soaked spirit of a Mediterranean summer along the southern Italian coast. The fragrance kicks off with an iconic, zesty splash of tart Sicilian lemon, crisp green apple, and playful bellflower that instantly revitalizes the senses. The heart softens into a clean, aquatic floral arrangement featuring tender bamboo, white rose, and subtle jasmine. The foundation rests on a clean, unobtrusive base of cedarwood, soft musk, and warm amber. Celebrated globally for its effortless charm and crisp, cooling persona, it remains the quintessential warm-weather fragrance for anyone seeking an uplifting, clean, and entirely unpretentious daily wear.

5-7 hoursSpring / Summer
Sauvage by Dior fragrance bottle

Dior

Sauvage

2015

Aromatic Fougere · Men

Composed by Francois Demachy in 2015, Dior Sauvage was inspired by wide-open spaces, rocky landscapes under a desert sun, and ozone-blue skies. The fragrance explodes with an intensely radiant and raw blast of juicy Calabrian bergamot paired with a sharp, crackling punch of black and pink pepper. The dynamic heart leans heavily into aromatic lavender, earthy vetiver, and a massive dose of spicy elemi resin. The foundation is dominated by an enormous quantity of ambroxan, creating a clean, mineral, slightly salty, and exceptionally persistent woody trail that grabs attention from yards away. It stands as one of the most commercially successful and widely recognized modern masculine compositions, defined by its high performance, striking contrast, and unapologetic projection.

8-10 hoursSpring / Summer / Autumn
J'adore by Dior fragrance bottle

Dior

J'adore

1999

Floral Fruity · Women

Created by Calice Becker in 1999, J'adore is an ode to absolute femininity, opulent floral bouquets, and golden luxury. The fragrance opens with a luminous, succulent fruit cocktail of crisp pear, sweet melon, peach, and sparkling bergamot, balanced by fresh magnolia blossoms. The heart is a grand, masterclass floral arrangement featuring rare Grasse jasmine, star-studded tuberose, lily of the valley, and damask rose. The dry-down settles into a soft, sophisticated base of clean musk, subtle vanilla, and warm cedar wood. It projects an aura of polished elegance and timeless sophistication, making it an iconic staple for formal events and high-end daytime wear.

7-9 hoursSpring / Summer
Lost Cherry by Tom Ford fragrance bottle

Tom Ford

Lost Cherry

2018

Amber Floral Gourmand · Unisex

Launched in 2018 under Tom Ford's Private Blend line, Lost Cherry explores the contrast between an innocent, luscious fruit note and a dark, decadent, liqueur-soaked underbelly. The fragrance opens with a mouth-watering burst of ripe black cherry candy infused with bitter almond and rich, boozy cherry liqueur. The heart introduces velvety plum, sweet Turkish rose, and deep jasmine sambac to elevate the fruit note into high-end perfumery. The complex dry-down features a warm, spicy bed of roasted tonka bean, rich vanilla, balsams, cinnamon, and woody notes. It delivers a playful yet seductive experience, offering a realistic, luxurious take on cherry that breaks away from juvenile fruit body sprays.

6-8 hoursAutumn / Winter
Y Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent fragrance bottle

Yves Saint Laurent

Y Eau de Parfum

2018

Aromatic Fougere · Men

Formulated by master perfumer Dominique Ropion in 2018, Y Eau de Parfum represents the drive of a modern generation of men who dare to follow their passions. The scent opens with a sharp, vibrant burst of crisp green apple, zesty ginger, and bright bergamot. The heart introduces a clean, herbal-aromatic bridge built around sage, crisp juniper berries, and fresh geranium. The dry-down features an intensely powerful, modern foundation of dark amberwood, sweet tonka bean, cedar, and resinous olibanum. Designed for high performance and exceptional crowd-pleasing appeal, it strikes an ideal balance between clean, shower-fresh brightness and rich, sweet, masculine sensuality.

9-11 hoursSpring / Autumn / Summer
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance bottle

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum

2017

Amber Floral · Unisex

Crafted by Francis Kurkdjian in 2017, the Extrait version amplifies and deepens the crystalline architecture of the original Eau de Parfum by leaning heavily into woody and almond facets. The fragrance opens with an intense, rich accord of organic bitter almond from Morocco, blending seamlessly with radiant Egyptian jasmine. The heart introduces a dense woody aura dominated by dry cedar and complex, resinous amber woods. The foundation rests on a heavy, enveloping cloud of salty-sweet ambergris and clean musk, creating a profound sillage that clings to clothes for days. It is an ultra-luxurious, dense, and richer iteration designed for those who find the original phenomenal but desire maximum longevity and deeper warmth.

14+ hoursAutumn / Winter
Gris Dior by Dior fragrance bottle

Dior

Gris Dior

2017

Chypre Floral · Unisex

Composed by Francois Demachy as part of the Maison Christian Dior collection, Gris Dior translates the iconic grey color of the historic Dior avenue boutique into an olfactory masterpiece. The fragrance opens with a sharp, sparkling burst of citrus led by bergamot. The heart reveals an elegant, crisp composition of Turkish rose laced with delicate fruit nuances, steering clear of excessive sweetness. The foundation is a classic modern chypre structure featuring clean patchouli, mossy undertones, and cedar. It is a minimalist, effortlessly chic creation that evokes tailored tailoring, clean lines, and quiet luxury for individuals who prefer understated sophistication.

7-9 hoursSpring / Autumn
Delina by Parfums de Marly fragrance bottle

Parfums de Marly

Delina

2017

Floral · Women

Formulated by perfumer Quentin Bisch in 2017, Delina is a modern regal floral fragrance inspired by 18th-century royal French elegance. The fragrance introduces itself with a vibrant, tart, and crisp explosion of juicy litchi, sharp rhubarb, and bergamot. The lush heart is anchored by heavy Turkish rose and luminous peony, softened by a touch of powdery petalia. The long-lasting dry-down introduces a textured, woody base of cashmeran, clean cedar, vetiver, and warm incense. It delivers an intoxicating balance of tart fruitiness and creamy, velvety floral grandeur, making it one of the most celebrated high-end feminine creations of the decade.

10-12 hoursSpring / Summer
Rose 31 by Le Labo fragrance bottle

Le Labo

Rose 31

2006

Woody Floral Musk · Unisex

Composed by Daphne Bugey in 2006, Rose 31 completely subverts traditional delicate rose perfumes by transforming the flower into a bold, assertive, and unisex creation. The scent opens with a provocative clash of spicy cumin and deep Grasse rose. The woody heart combines crisp cedar and earthy vetiver, resting on a dark foundation of guaiac wood, musk, and oud. It projects a smoky, confident, and deeply sophisticated urban edge.

8-10 hoursAutumn / Spring
Ani by Nishane fragrance bottle

Nishane

Ani

2019

Amber Floral · Unisex

Created by Cecile Zarokian in 2019, Ani is named after the ancient ruined medieval city of Ani and stands as one of the greatest modern vanilla-forward niche fragrances. The scent opens with a sharp, sparkling blast of fresh ginger, green notes, and bright bergamot. The spicy heart introduces rich cardamom and tart black currant. The magnificent dry-down reveals an opulent, buttery vanilla blended with warm amber and sandalwood. It is celebrated for its romantic complexity, velvety texture, and massive performance.

12+ hoursAutumn / Winter
Hacivat by Nishane fragrance bottle

Nishane

Hacivat

2017

Chypre Fruity · Unisex

Formulated by Jorge Lee in 2017, Hacivat is a tribute to elegance, kindness, and art, designed as a sophisticated woody-fruity chypre counterpart to traditional fresh standards. The fragrance opens with an explosive, ultra-crisp combination of juicy pineapple, sharp grapefruit, and bergamot. The refined heart introduces clean cedar, patchouli, and delicate jasmine. The deep foundation rests on a rich, mossy oakmoss base that gives it incredible masculine backbone and long-lasting presence. It is a powerhouse of fresh sophistication.

11-13 hoursSpring / Summer / Autumn
Herod by Parfums de Marly fragrance bottle

Parfums de Marly

Herod

2012

Amber Woody · Men

Formulated by Olivier Pescheux in 2012, Herod is a majestic, regal tobacco fragrance named after the legendary purebred stallion. The fragrance opens with a rich, inviting spice fusion of warm cinnamon and black pepper. The opulent heart introduces sweet tobacco leaves blended with smoky incense, fruity osmanthus, and labdanum. The warm, comforting dry-down wraps the wearer in a creamy blanket of rich vanilla, cedar, and musk. It is an effortlessly sophisticated and warm masculine masterwork.

9-11 hoursAutumn / Winter