Cedarwood oil and sandalwood oil are very popular essential oils that are famous for their unique scents. Both Cedarwood and sandalwood have been used for centuries for their many beneficial benefits (1). They have been used as a part of traditional medicine for ages.

Both oils are derived from the wood of trees and thus are wood oils. They have a warm and woodsy scent that is grounding and also promotes calmness. Both oils have a smoky, woody scent to them.

Despite these similarities, there are certain differences as well between the two. In this post, the difference between these two oils is discussed in detail.

Extraction Methods of Cedarwood and Sandalwood Essential Oils

Few of the common extraction methods for Cedarwood and Sandalwood Essential Oils are as follows: 

Extraction Process of Cedarwood Essential Oil

The extraction of essential oils from plant materials is a specialized process that can vary depending on the type of plant and the desired end product.

• Steam Distillation: This is the most common method for extracting cedarwood essential oil. In this process, steam is passed through the cedarwood chips or sawdust. The steam helps to release the essential oil from the plant material.

• Hydro distillation: Hydro distillation involves submerging the cedarwood material in water and then heating the mixture until steam is produced. The steam carries the essential oil compounds and is then condensed back into a liquid.

• Cold Press Extraction: Cold press extraction can also be used. This method is more commonly used for citrus essential oils but can be applied to cedarwood as well. The wood is mechanically pressed to extract the oil, without the use of heat.

• Solvent Extraction: Solvent extraction is generally not used for cedarwood essential oil because it can leave behind traces of the solvent in the final product, which is not ideal for therapeutic uses.

• Carbon Dioxide Extraction: In this type of extraction method carbon dioxide is used as a solvent under high pressure and low temperature to extract the oil.

Extraction Process of Sandalwood Essential Oil

The extraction of sandalwood essential oil is a specialized process that aims to capture the aromatic and therapeutic compounds found in the wood. Here are some common methods used for the extraction of sandalwood essential oil:

• Steam Distillation: This is the most traditional and commonly used method for extracting sandalwood essential oil. In this process, steam is passed through the ground sandalwood. The steam helps to release the essential oil from the wood.

• Hydro distillation: In hydro distillation, the sandalwood is soaked in water and then heated to produce steam, which carries the essential oil compounds. The steam is then condensed back into a liquid, and the oil is separated from the water.

• Carbon Dioxide Distillation: In this method, carbon dioxide is used as a solvent under high pressure and low temperature to extract the oil. This method can be more expensive but often results in a very pure and therapeutically potent oil.

• Solvent Extraction: Though not commonly used for sandalwood due to the potential for solvent residues, solvent extraction involves using a solvent like hexane or ethanol to dissolve the essential oil from the wood.

• Water Distillation: The steam and oil are captured and condensed, and then the oil is separated from the water. This method is less commonly used today due to the lower efficiency and quality of oil produced.

Aroma and Scent Profile

Cedarwood Essential Oil

• Woody: The most prominent note in cedarwood essential oil is, unsurprisingly, a strong woody scent that is reminiscent of freshly cut logs or pencil shavings.

• Earthy: Alongside the woody notes, cedarwood often has an earthy undertone that can be described as grounding and rich.

• Sweet: Some varieties of cedarwood essential oil have a subtle sweetness that softens the strong woody and earthy notes.

• Balsamic: There can also be a resinous, balsamic quality to the oil, adding complexity to its aroma profile.

• Slightly Spicy: Some people detect a hint of spiciness or even a slight camphoraceous note, although this is generally subtle compared to the dominant woody and earthy tones.

For more in-depth information on cedarwood essential oil’s scent profile and benefits, check out this article.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

• Woody: The foundational note of sandalwood essential oil is a rich, woody aroma that is both robust and subtle.

• Sweet: The scent of Sandalwood often carries a sweet undertone that adds a layer of complexity to its woody base.

• Creamy: Unlike many other woody oils, sandalwood has a creamy, almost milky quality that makes it smooth and inviting.

• Exotic: There's an exotic, slightly spicy aspect to sandalwood that makes it intriguing and different from many other woody scents.

• Warm: The overall impression of sandalwood is one of warmth, making it a popular choice in colder months or for evening wear.

Common Uses and Benefits

The following are the common uses of cedarwood essential oil and sandalwood essential oil. 

Uses and Benefits Cedarwood Essential Oil

The following are the common uses of cedarwood essential oil in different fields:

Uses and Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil

What Are The Key Differences Between Sandalwood And Cedarwood Oils? 

Following are some of the key differences between Sandalwood and Cedarwood based on their properties and characteristics:

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood essential oil is derived from sandalwood trees that are more than 80 years old through the steam distillation process (2). In the case of sandalwood, it is stated that the older the tree, the stronger the aroma. Following are some of the benefits of sandalwood oil:

Calming Properties

This is one of the most effective properties of sandalwood. Sandalwood offers mental clarity and promotes peace and relaxation. Sandalwood is also related to spirituality and is used in many spiritual ceremonies (7). It is used in meditation, prayers, etc.

Different Varieties of Sandalwood

• Australian sandalwood is mainly used in perfumes because of its toasted musky scent notes.
• Hawaiian sandalwood has a creamy and tropical undertone and is less on the sweet side.

Cedarwood essential oil

Cedarwood comes from the cedar tree, which is a coniferous tree and is found in the mountain region.

Purifying in Nature

One of the key properties of Cedarwood is that it is purifying in nature, which means that it helps in clearing the skin by removing impurities and dirt from the skin. It also manages sebum production on the skin and thus reduces excess oil generation on the skin. Thus, reduces the chances of acne and other skin issues caused due to excess oil. It also improves skin complexion.

Different Varieties of Cedarwood

• Cedarwood atlas promotes relaxation. It is also used in clearing congestion.
• Cedarwood Himalayan is used in insecticides.
• Cedarwood, Texas, is famous for its grounding properties. It is also used in bug and insect repellants.
• Cedarwood, Virginia is used for its properties that help promote relaxation.

Cedarwood And Sandalwood Oils And How To Use Them?

Cedarwood oil is extracted from cedarwood trees, whereas sandalwood oil is extracted from sandalwood trees. Both oils can be used in many different manners, as follows:

Aromatherapy

Both cedarwood oil and sandalwood oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. They can be diffused with the help of an essential oil diffuser.

Bath

A few drops of these essential oils can be added to a warm bath for a relaxing and grounding experience. It helps add extra moisture to your skin.

Massage

Both oils can be used in massage to promote relaxation. They can be blended with other carrier oils such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and essential oils for a customized massage experience.

Skin and Hair Care

Both oils can be used in skin and hair care to soothe dry, itchy skin and promote hair growth. They can be added to a moisturizer or hair oil for added benefits.

You can also use them in a compress by mixing them with water.

*Note: It's important to use essential oils safely. Always dilute them with carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Essential oils blend well with carrier oils and serve their purpose. It is recommended to do a patch test before using them on large areas of skin. And it's important to avoid using essential oils on babies, children, or pregnant women without consulting a doctor first.

Safety and Precautions

The following are the safety and precautions that are needed to be taken care of before applying cedarwood and sandalwood essential oils:

• Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities before using either oil extensively.

• Both oils should be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil before topical application.

• Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always dilute cedarwood oil and perform a patch test first.

• Cedarwood essential oil should not be ingested. It is meant for external use only.

• While cedarwood is often used as a natural insect repellent for pets, always consult a veterinarian for proper dilution and application methods.

Conclusion

Both oils are great for skincare and have somewhat similar earthy fragrances. Both can heal and soothe the skin and fight different symptoms of skin conditions. Cedarwood is insecticidal, whereas sandalwood oil is used for spiritual purposes.

Sandalwood oil is slightly sweet as compared to cedarwood essential oil. These oils also form part of aphrodisiac oils.