Cedarwood (Atlas) vs Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu)
Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) are both woody essential oils. Cedarwood (Atlas) carries a base note (dry, warm), while Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) sits as a base note (soft, woody). For topical use, keep Cedarwood (Atlas) at or below 5% and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) at 10%.
| Attribute | Cedarwood (Atlas) | Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Cedrus atlantica | Santalum austrocaledonicum |
| Aroma family | Woody | Woody |
| Perfumery note | Base | Base |
| Aroma | dry, warm | soft, woody, creamy, nutty |
| 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 |
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu)?
Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) are both woody essential oils. Cedarwood (Atlas) carries a base note (dry, warm), while Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) sits as a base note (soft, woody). For topical use, keep Cedarwood (Atlas) at or below 5% and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) at 10%.
Can you blend Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) together?
They can be combined, but Cedarwood (Atlas) and Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) aren't a classic pairing — start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Which is better during pregnancy, Cedarwood (Atlas) or Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu)?
Sandalwood (Pacific/Vanuatu) 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.