Cedarwood (Atlas) vs Sandalwood (Australian)
Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Australian) are both woody essential oils. Cedarwood (Atlas) carries a base note (dry, warm), while Sandalwood (Australian) sits as a base note (soft, creamy). For topical use, Cedarwood (Atlas) tops out at 5%, while Sandalwood (Australian) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Cedarwood (Atlas) vs Sandalwood (Australian) at a glance
| Attribute | Cedarwood (Atlas) | Sandalwood (Australian) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Cedrus atlantica | Santalum spicatum |
| Aroma family | Woody | Woody |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | dry, warm | soft, creamy |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpene | Sesquiterpenol |
| Max topical dilution | 5% | 10% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% | 5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Children | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Pets | Generally suitable (well diluted) | Generally suitable (well diluted) |
| Extraction | Steam distillation | Steam distillation |
Which should you choose?
Cedarwood (Atlas) leans dry, warm, while Sandalwood (Australian) leans soft, creamy — pick whichever aroma you want to lead the blend. For leave-on or sensitive-skin use, note that Cedarwood (Atlas) needs the tighter 5% topical limit. On safety, Sandalwood (Australian) is the safer choice around pregnancy (Cedarwood (Atlas) is best avoided). Always patch-test and dilute.
Work out exact drops with the dilution calculator for your bottle size.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Australian)?
Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Australian) are both woody essential oils. Cedarwood (Atlas) carries a base note (dry, warm), while Sandalwood (Australian) sits as a base note (soft, creamy). For topical use, Cedarwood (Atlas) tops out at 5%, while Sandalwood (Australian) tops out at 10%; everyday blends stay around 1–3%.
Can you blend Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Australian) together?
Yes — Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Australian) are commonly paired and complement each other in blends.
Which is better during pregnancy, Cedarwood (Atlas) or Sandalwood (Australian)?
Sandalwood (Australian) is generally considered more suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted, whereas Cedarwood (Atlas) is not recommended. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.