Cedarwood essential oil is a warm, woody oil distilled from Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) that is prized for its calming aroma and its purifying, balancing feel in skin, hair and home-care products. Azlok's cedarwood oil is steam-distilled in India and comes in a light yellow to yellow liquid with a characteristic woody scent, making it a versatile pick for diffusers, DIY cosmetics and candle or soap making.
What is cedarwood essential oil?
Cedarwood oil is obtained through steam distillation of high-quality cedarwood. It has been used since ancient times for its grounding, inviting fragrance. Because the profile is soft, woody and slightly sweet rather than sharp, it blends easily and works as a base note that anchors lighter oils in a perfume or blend.
A few quick specifications worth knowing: botanical name Cedrus deodara, CAS number 8000-27-9, specific gravity around 0.961, refractive index 1.513, and a shelf life of roughly two years. It is soluble in alcohol, which matters when you are making sprays or perfumes.
Common uses
- Aromatherapy and diffusing: The woody scent is calming and helps create a settled, cosy atmosphere, especially in the evening.
- Hair care: Often added to scalp oils and shampoos for its clean, balancing character.
- Skincare: Included in toners, creams and cleansers for its purifying reputation.
- DIY perfumery: A reliable base note. It blends beautifully with rosewood, jasmine grandiflorum, clary sage, ylang ylang and bergamot.
- Candles and soaps: A grounding fragrance that pairs well with citrus and floral notes.
- Natural insect deterrent: Cedarwood is traditionally used to keep wardrobes and drawers smelling fresh.
How to use it
Cedarwood essential oil is concentrated, so it should almost always be diluted before it touches your skin.
- For massage or body oil: Add 2 to 3 drops per 10 ml of a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba.
- For a scalp treatment: Mix a few drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil, massage in, leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash out.
- For diffusing: Add 4 to 6 drops to your diffuser's water reservoir.
- For a room spray: Combine with a little alcohol first to help it disperse, then top up with distilled water and shake before each use.
- For soap and candles: Follow your recipe's recommended fragrance load and test a small batch first.
Safety notes
Essential oils are potent, so a little care goes a long way.
- Always dilute before applying to skin, and do a patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before wider use.
- Do not ingest the oil.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition, check with a doctor before use.
- Store away from open flames; the flash point is around 115 degrees Celsius.
Buying and storage
Azlok offers cedarwood essential oil starting at ₹399, in sizes from 100 GM up to 25 KG, so both hobbyists and small businesses can buy what suits their needs. For occasional home use, a small pack is plenty; for regular soap, candle or cosmetic production, the larger bulk sizes are more economical.
To keep the oil fresh through its two-year shelf life, store it in a tightly closed, dark glass bottle, away from heat, direct sunlight and humidity. A cool, dark cupboard is ideal. Always close the cap firmly after use, since air and light slowly degrade the aroma. Ask for the COA and MSDS if you are formulating products for sale.
FAQ
Can I apply cedarwood oil directly to my skin?
No. Dilute it in a carrier oil first, usually 2 to 3 drops per 10 ml, and patch-test before regular use to avoid irritation.
What does cedarwood essential oil smell like?
It has a warm, woody, slightly sweet scent that is grounding and calming. It works well as a base note in perfume and candle blends.
Which oils blend well with cedarwood?
It pairs nicely with rosewood, jasmine grandiflorum, clary sage, ylang ylang and bergamot, as well as most citrus oils.
How long does it last once opened?
Cedarwood essential oil has a shelf life of about two years when stored in a sealed dark bottle away from heat and light.
Is Azlok cedarwood oil suitable for candles and soaps?
Yes. It is commonly used in candle and soap making. Follow your recipe's fragrance load and test a small batch before scaling up.