Guaiacwood (Bulnesia sarmientoi) is a woody essential oil with a smoky, sweet-wood aroma and a base note. Steam distillation from wood, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Vetiver, Sandalwood (Australian), Rose. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Base |
| Aroma family | Woody |
| Chemical family | Sesquiterpenol |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | wood |
| Origin | Paraguay, Argentina |
| Blending factor | 5 |
| Volatility index | 4 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 20.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Frequently asked questions
What does Guaiacwood essential oil smell like?
Guaiacwood has a smoky, sweet-wood aroma, classed as a woody oil with a base note.
What is the safe dilution for Guaiacwood?
For topical use, keep Guaiacwood at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Guaiacwood safe to use during pregnancy?
Guaiacwood is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is Guaiacwood safe to use around children?
Guaiacwood is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Guaiacwood safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Guaiacwood blend well with?
Guaiacwood pairs well with Vetiver, Sandalwood (Australian), Rose, Geranium, Patchouli.