Cedarwood Essential Oil 10mL
Cedarwood is not one oil. Atlas, Virginian, Texas and Himalayan cedarwood come from different trees in different families and smell noticeably different. Zea's is Cedrus atlantica, a true cedar from Morocco, distilled from the wood and led by himachalenes rather than the cedrol that dominates the American types.
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This oil is steam distilled from the wood of Cedrus atlantica, the Atlas cedar, in the Pinaceae family. It is a true cedar, which many oils sold under the name are not. The aroma is woody and balsamic with a slight camphoraceous edge, and it sits as a middle-to-base note rather than a top one.
From bush to bottle
Cedrus atlantica grows in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, at altitude and on poor rocky ground. It is a genuine Cedrus, unlike the junipers and cypresses that supply most of the world's cedarwood oil under the same common name.
As with all wood oils, the aromatic material is the heartwood rather than the foliage. The wood is chipped before distillation, because steam cannot work through solid timber and the surface area is what determines whether the oil comes out at all.
The chipped wood is steam distilled over a long run, since the heavy sesquiterpenes that carry the aroma come off late. Nothing is added afterwards and every batch is GC/MS tested.
Virginian cedarwood is Juniperus virginiana, a juniper. Texas cedarwood is Juniperus mexicana, also a juniper. Himalayan cedarwood is Cedrus deodara. Only the Atlas and Himalayan types are true cedars at all, and each of the four produces a distinctly different oil.
The chemistry follows the botany. The juniper types are built on cedrol and cedrene and read dry and pencil-shaving sharp. Cedrus atlantica is built on himachalenes, with beta-himachalene alone at roughly 42% of the oil, plus small amounts of atlantones. That is why this one reads softer, warmer and more balsamic than the American cedarwoods people usually have in mind.
Quality and testing
Every batch is GC/MS tested and carries a certificate of analysis. The full constituent breakdown sits on the batch certificate rather than here, because the ranges shift with each season and harvest.
Inside the bottle
The dominant sesquiterpene, and the warm balsamic core.
The wider himachalene group behind the main constituent.
Adds the drier, woodier edge.
Ketones that give Atlas cedar its distinctive lift.
Typical composition from the supplier's published specification for this oil rather than a single batch result. Statements about individual constituents refer to published research on those constituents in isolation, not to an outcome from using this product.
The Atlas cedar grows at altitude across Morocco and Algeria, on thin mountain soil with cold winters. Slow growth in hard conditions is what produces dense, resinous heartwood, and the heartwood is where the oil is.
The four cedarwoods
| Atlas (this one) | Virginian | Texas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botanical | Cedrus atlantica | Juniperus virginiana | Juniperus mexicana |
| True cedar | Yes | No, a juniper | No, a juniper |
| Lead constituent | Himachalenes | Cedrol and cedrene | Cedrol and cedrene |
| Aroma | Warm, balsamic, soft | Dry, pencil-shaving | Sharper, drier |
| Origin | Morocco | United States | United States |
| Stocked by Zea | Yes | No | No |
A botanical and aroma comparison to help you choose between oils. It is not a claim that one oil performs better than another.
Properties
Traditional and aromatherapy properties associated with this oil. Individual results differ, and this is not a substitute for advice from your health professional.
Ways to use it
3 to 6 drops in a diffuser or oil burner. The simplest way in.
Cedarwood blends with Frankincense, Lavender, Bergamot, Patchouli and the citrus oils.
One or two drops in a carrier oil such as jojoba. Patch test first.
One drop inhaled from a tissue when you want the aroma on the move.
A few drops in water instead of a synthetic air freshener.
Well dispersed in a carrier or with bath salts, never neat on water.
A few drops in a homemade surface spray as a fresh deodoriser.
One drop with Frankincense or Lavender in a diffuser at bedtime.
What customers tell us
★★★★★
“I bought this oil to use in my walk in robe to freshen the area. I place a few drops on cedar discs on my hangars to create a pleasant aroma in this area.”
Wendy E. · Verified buyer
★★★★★
“Zea essential oils are really beautiful, excellent quality and the most beautiful fragrances. The service is always prompt and your oils are packed very carefully.”
Carolyn H. · Verified buyer
★★★★★
“I love this earthy fresh oil. It blends well with so many other Zea oils. It's a lot of fun experimenting with it as the results are always good.”
Jennifer W. · Verified buyer
Five-star reviews from verified Judge.me buyers. The second and third speak to the Zea Essentials range rather than to this oil specifically. Individual experiences differ.
Complete your blending kit
Cedarwood is a soft base note. These are the oils it sits beneath best.
Resin over wood. The grower's first suggestion.
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True lavender. A calm, classic pairing.
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Earthy and deep, from the same end of the spectrum.
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Foresty depth. The Australian counterpoint.
$24.95
A darker, smokier wood beside it.
$44.95
Unscented base for diluting before any skin use.
$17.95
Single origin Australian essential oils since 2016
Questions, answered
A 100% pure essential oil, steam distilled from the wood of Cedrus atlantica, the Atlas cedar, sourced from Morocco. It is GC/MS tested and the species is stated on the bottle.
Woody and balsamic with a slight camphoraceous edge. Softer and warmer than the dry, pencil-shaving smell of the American cedarwoods.
Start with 3 to 6 drops in a diffuser. For skin, dilute one or two drops in a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond, and patch test first.
Cedrus atlantica, the Atlas cedar from Morocco. It is a true cedar. Virginian and Texas cedarwood are junipers, not cedars, and smell quite different.
Chemistry. The juniper types are led by cedrol and read dry and sharp. Atlas cedar is led by himachalenes, with beta-himachalene at around 42%, which is why it reads warm and balsamic instead.
No. Never apply an undiluted essential oil and never take one internally. Dilute in a carrier oil first, and patch test.
Yes. Every batch is GC/MS tested and carries a certificate of analysis, which is how the specifications on this page are established.
Keep it out of reach of children and never apply it undiluted. Diffuse in a ventilated room rather than a closed space. Check with your vet before diffusing around pets.
Below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap on firmly. The lighter constituents are always the first to escape.
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Free shipping on Australian orders over $75 · 100% pure · GC/MS tested · Cedrus atlantica, Morocco. Choose your pack and we will get it on its way.
Choose your packCedarwood Essential Oil is an aromatherapy product for external use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always dilute before use and follow the label directions. Statements about individual constituents refer to published research on those constituents, not to an outcome from using this product. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Cedarwood Oil 10mL
