smooth woods
Woody Family
A base note embodying the essence of warmth and depth with a gentle, enveloping presence.
moderate
long
1 fragrances
Woody
Olfactory Profile
About smooth woods
Smooth woods in perfumery refer to a base note characterized by its warm, rich, and comforting scent profile, often bringing depth and a sophisticated foundation to fragrances. This note category evokes the serene and majestic essence of a dense forest at dusk. It includes various wood types that have a notably smooth, almost creamy texture in their scent profile, as opposed to the sharp or resinous character found in other woods. Originating from both temperate and tropical forests, these woods are prized for their unique ability to ground a fragrance while adding a subtle, enveloping warmth. Perfumers value smooth woods for their versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with a wide range of other notes, enhancing longevity and complexity.
Natural Sources
- •Sandalwood
- •Cedarwood
- •Agarwood
- •Birch
- •Guaiac wood
Synthetic Alternatives
While natural smooth woods are highly valued, synthetic alternatives or enhancers are often used in perfumery to ensure sustainability and consistency. These can replicate the warm, enveloping characteristics of smooth woods, often at a lower cost and with reduced environmental impact.
Perfumer's Tips
Use smooth woods as a base to add warmth and depth to fragrances. They can be introduced in the initial stages of perfume formulation to ensure that their subtle, enveloping nature permeates the fragrance. Blending them with top and middle notes can smooth out transitions within the perfume's olfactory pyramid.