Cedarwood Essential Oil

Warm, woodsy aroma with a soft, earthy character.

The cedarwood essential oil we use is 100% pure oil steam-distilled from Juniperus virginiana, commonly known as Eastern red cedar or Virginia cedarwood.

Produced in the United States, steam distillation captures the wood’s concentrated volatile aromatic compounds. The resulting oil can range from colorless to yellow-brown and has a slightly viscous texture.

Unlike a carrier oil, cedarwood essential oil is not a moisturizing oil. Because it is highly concentrated, we use it only in small, carefully measured amounts.

The Science

Virginia cedarwood essential oil is a complex mixture of naturally occurring aromatic compounds. Its primary components generally include:

  • Cedrene — a group of sesquiterpenes that contributes cedarwood’s characteristic dry, woody aroma

  • Thujopsene — an aromatic compound that adds earthy, warm, and slightly smoky notes

  • Cedrol — a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol that contributes depth and a soft balsamic character

  • Smaller amounts of widdrol, cuparene, and other volatile compounds that complete its distinctive aroma

The precise composition naturally varies according to the wood used and the distillation process.

In cosmetic formulations, cedarwood essential oil helps:

  • Give products a warm, recognizable woodsy aroma

  • Add an earthy and grounded botanical character

  • Create a calm, comforting sensory experience

  • Complement the rich natural aromas of tallow, butters, and botanical oils

Why We Use It

We use cedarwood essential oil to give selected products their warm, grounded woodsy aroma. Its understated scent offers a simple alternative to floral or citrus varieties.

Because cedarwood essential oil is highly concentrated, we carefully dilute it throughout each finished formulation rather than applying it directly to the skin.

On the Skin

Cedarwood essential oil does not moisturize or condition the skin by itself. Its role in our products is to provide aroma and a warm, comforting sensory experience.

The nourishing and conditioning qualities of the finished product come from its blend of tallow, butters, and botanical oils. These foundational ingredients help the skin feel soft, smooth, and comfortably nourished while cedarwood contributes its earthy botanical aroma.

Found In

Currently exploring new product formulations with Cedarwood EO.