"You Smell So Good" Compliments Are Directly Correlated to This Kind of Perfume
This classic fragrance note never gets old.
It's no secret that beloved notes like rose, bergamot, and vanilla are in the majority of our favorite fragrances, and the warm, grounding, and sometimes resinous qualities of sandalwood make it another unanimous favorite. It manages to feel inviting and familiar while also possessing a creamy, rich aroma that provides the ideal base note for many perfume families. (Woody, earthy, fruity, gourmand… You name it!) However, sandalwood may not be the first note that comes to mind when you think of sweet, spicy, and musky scents.
Whether you are already as obsessed with sandalwood scents as we are or are somewhat unsure of the timeless note, take this as your sign to consider picking up a sandalwood scent for your perfume collection. Sure, a sudden drop in the temperature frequently signals the return of sandalwood fragrance to our FYPs, but it's one of the easiest types of perfume to wear year-round since it's extremely versatile. We've taken the liberty of testing, reviewing, and pulling together an official edit of the best sandalwood fragrances with the guiding hand of a perfumer. Yes, we're that serious about them!
What are sandalwood perfumes?
If you're wondering what counts as a sandalwood fragrance and why we're so adamant that scents with this fantastic ingredient belong on your shelf, you're probably not alone, and we're happy to deliver some clarity. As the name suggests, sandalwood belongs to the woody fragrance family and is derived from the santalum tree, which is native to southern Asia. The yellow-gold oil is extracted by steam distillation from the roots and is usually harvested when the tree has reached 30 to 50 years of maturity. In fact, the older a santalum tree is, the higher quality its oil will be.
Steven Gavrielatos, video content journalist and creative director of Navitus Parfums, told us more about the elegant note and what he looks for in scents that include it. "Sandalwood scents have a rich and creamy profile, so when I'm looking for an authentic sandalwood perfume, I look for a scent with a hint of sweetness, a smooth dry-down. I also look for a sandalwood perfume that is ethically made," explains Gavrielatos. He also highlights how scarce sandalwood has become and emphasizes that he champions brands that practice reforestation efforts when he's on the hunt for these fragrances.
Layering With Sandalwood
Opulent, sweet, and sensual, sandalwood oil is one ingredient that remains at the core of modern-day perfumery and continues to be reinterpreted in new and unexpected ways. While there are a number of pure sandalwood fragrances Who What Wear beauty editors have in our collections, we also appreciate its ability to be layered easily with fragrance across an impressive number of olfactory families. "Given the naturally occurring sweetness that sandalwood scents possess, I particularly enjoy those that also feature vanilla and other sweet resins like benzoin and labdanum," Gavrielatos continues. He also advises pairing sandalwood with cedar and guaiac.
The Best Sandalwood Fragrances, Listed
- Best Fruity Gourmand: DedCool Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum
- Best Aromatic Wood: Lake & Skye Santal Gray Eau de Parfum
- Best Citrus Gourmand: Liis Choux Choux Eau de Parfum
- Best Woody Floral: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense Eau de Parfum
- Best Woody Spice: Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
DedCool Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Fruity gourmand
Notes: Marshmallow, peach nectar, incense, sweet rice milk, vanilla bean, jasmine petals, Australian sandalwood, amber, white musk
Trust us when we say that life can be made sweeter with this sandalwood-infused fragrance. The newest addition to DedCool's Milk family of sheer skin scents, Mochi Milk is the best option for anyone seeking something sheer and youthful using a blend of sticky-sweet marshmallow, lively peach nectar, and a splash of cozy rice milk.
Customer Review: "DedCool's Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum offers a delightful olfactory experience that envelops you in a sweet, sugar-like aroma. At first spritz, it introduces warm, inviting notes reminiscent of marshmallows, creating a playful and comforting scent profile. As it dries down, subtle green undertones emerge, adding depth and complexity without overshadowing its inherent sweetness. This fragrance strikes a harmonious balance between sugary accords and fresh nuances, making it both captivating and versatile."
Essential Parfums Velvet Iris Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody floral
Notes: Pink pepper, turmeric leaf, galbanum, lentisque, iris, sandalwood, labdanum, SaffianoTM
Here's an orris fragrance that will take everything you think you know about sandalwood perfumes and challenge it with style. This woody, carnal scent is an ode to velvet petals of a flower. Beginning with a burst of pink pepper and turmeric leaf, the perfume is balanced with crisp green notes before precious iris, milky sandalwood, and SaffianoTM (an exclusive IFF molecule) add a soft, suede twist to the equation.
Customer Review: "Blown away by this scent. Fantastic addition to the Essential Parfums line. It's herbal, earthy, soft, bang-on unisex, elegant, and distinct. There's a really subtle and addicting camphorous element. I wouldn't refer to it as a typical iris scent. It's definitely an iris with extras."
Lake & Skye Santal Gray Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Aromatic woods
Notes: Bergamot, cardamom, carrot, watery accord, jasmine, violet leaf, sandalwood, amber, musk
Effortlessly sensual and warm, Lake & Skye's uplifting Santal Gray Eau de Parfum centers smooth sandalwood complemented by soft violet leaf, subtly sweet carrot, musk, and cardamom. It also boasts a watery accord that adds a freshness to the blend. We like to think of this one as the ideal sandalwood fragrance that, when layered with resinous and woody notes, can be transformed into a night-out scent.
Customer Review: "I've been in love with [Lake & Skye's] 11 11 but wanted to try Santal Gray, and I'm glad I did. The scent is pleasantly woody with my favorite musk added, very crisp and clean. Santal Gray is right up there with 11 11, and I'm going to try combining these two favorites for something fresh and unique."
Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody earth
Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood
In our opinion, nutmeg is severely underrated, especially when it adds a dash of warmth to a stunning, woody concoction like No. 04 Bois de Balincourt. Perfectly spicy and earthy, this best-selling perfume is composed of a dominant sandalwood and cedarwood accord accented by glowing spices and resinous amber wood. Wearing this one feels exactly like slipping on your favorite well-worn sweater that you've had stored away just in time for fall.
Customer Review: "From the very first spray, I was hooked! The scent opens with this warm, woody vibe that feels like a cozy walk through an enchanted forest—soft sandalwood, a little spicy cedar, and just enough sweetness to keep it interesting. I used it right after my shower on my wrists and neck, and honestly, it made me feel like the main character in a calm, romantic movie scene."
Henry Rose Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody spices
Notes: Violet leaf, neroli, petitgrain, freesia, jasmine, vanilla, coco musk, sandalwood
Here's another glowing, woody fragrance we haven't stopped talking about since it launched in 2020 as part of Michelle Pfeiffer's genderless fragrance line. It opens with powdery, soft violet leaf coupled with the unique freshness and zest only petitgrain can deliver. Next, wearers are introduced to a bouquet of warm florals enhanced at last by sensual sandalwood. Yes, it's warm and spicy, but the addition of botanical notes allows this one to feel refreshingly multifaceted.
Customer Review: "The opening in this is absolutely intoxicating. Difficult to say why with the relatively simple notes but, for me, this scent is like a rush of dopamine. Both fresh and creamy. The creamy sandalwood mixed with fresh greens and vanilla create more of a chypre than a gourmand. The base notes of the sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli last for hours."
Commodity Book- Personal Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Sheer woods
Notes: Black tea, eucalyptus, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, skin musk
Still not convinced sandalwood fragrances are worth adding to the lineup? Give Commodity's Book- Personal Eau de Parfum a try. The answer to all of your bookish desires, this crisp fragrance opens with an enchanting black tea note followed swiftly by what smells just like stripped-back eucalyptus. Next, we're greeted by sandalwood and cedarwood before being met with a warm, musky finish.
Customer Review: "I love the black tea note in this one, which is why it's become my favorite of the Book scent space variants. After that initial burst, Book- is primarily a woody scent. There is also an underlying hint of eucalyptus which I really enjoy, adding a clean, camphorous, almost 'green' undertone. As it develops the musk becomes more predominant, which adds a cozy edge to an otherwise fresh and crisp fragrance."
Jo Malone London Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot Cologne
Scent Type: Woody spices
Notes: Apricot, sandalwood, vanilla
All you really need to know about this one is that you'll want to move fast to snag this limited-edition Jo Malone fragrance before it's gone for good. Since we do love a simple-yet-effective olfactory composition, we'll give you the details. Incased in a chic glass bottle with an eye-catching blue marble cap, this seasonal perfume mixes juicy apricot with sensual sandalwood and smooth vanilla for an unforgettable olfactory experience.
Customer Review: "This is a soft, spicy scent that is not overwhelming, but it does last for a long time on my skin. I do not get a fruity vibe, which is good, because I wanted a woody fragrance. I have layered it with Hinoki and cypress and red hibiscus, both work well with it. I think it would work with any Jo Malone fragrance. Very happy with my purchase."
Maison Margiela Replica Afternoon Delight Eau de Toilette
Scent Type: Gourmand spices
Notes: Madeleine accord, sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla
Did you know that some of the best viral gourmand perfumes released in the past few years use sandalwood in their formulas? If you're looking for proof, it's all in this buttery blend. It perfectly captures the memory of self-indulgences with a light and airy madeleine accord combined with warm sandalwood, whipped vanilla, and inviting musk.
Customer Review: "I really like the smell of this. Opens up with syrupy madeleine cookies that were topped with a liquor. The liquor note disappears quickly and after that it's a very simple madeleine cookie note. I wouldn't detect whipped cream myself but I think it's what stops it from being thick, back of your throat scent and makes it more airy."
Liis Choux Choux Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Citrus gourmand
Notes: Citrus peel, fresh cream, vanilla beans, fleur de sel caramel, sandalwood, cocoa, mocha
If you need another sandalwood fragrance with gourmand tendencies, try this one. Whimsical and rich, Choux Choux demands our attention with a bright and sweet combination that brings to mind images of crème pastries. Opening with citrus peel, the scent unfurls itself to reveal a heart of fresh cream, vanilla beans, and salted caramel. At its base is a creamy sandalwood that's brought to life by a sprinkle of cocoa and mocha.
Customer Review: "I'm typically not a gourmand lover, but this one is such a treat. It starts off as an airy, fluffy pastry scent (almost cannoli-like) with sweet cream and a touch of lemon, nothing overwhelmingly sugary. Afterwards, it turns into a slightly salty caramel and vanilla before settling nicely into the creamy sandalwood base with a whisper of cocoa. It's super light, but extremely enjoyable and decadent."
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody floral
Notes: Mandarin essence, gardenia accord, hedione, sandalwood essence
Gardenia perfumes offer the perfect chance to blend soft florals with headier notes like sandalwood and hedione. Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense by Gucci is a master class in modern interpretations of classic floral blends. It features both the creamy, woody note and bright mandarin essence. The best part? It's very concentrated, meaning you'll get more bang for your buck with a long-wearing formula that will earn you more than a couple of compliments.
Customer Review: "Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense Eau de Parfum is a strong, ultra-concentrated, long lasting scent with notes of gardenia, mandarin and sandalwood. The sandalwood is definitely more forward in this perfume and leans towards a heavier/stronger scent that in my opinion would be well suited for the cooler, colder months (think fall and autumn). It’s a sophisticated scent and I would recommend it."
D.S. & Durga Black Magenta Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Fruity floral
Notes: Pink pineapple, galbanum, black pepper, orris concrete, magenta dianthus, orange flower, black amber, Balkan tobacco, sandalwood
When it comes to fruity fragrances cut with a creamy sandalwood base, D.S. & Durga's Black Magenta Eau de Parfum lands itself on our list. Inspired by the colorful fumes of New York City nightlife, this fragrance is loud and bold with a burst of pink pineapple, galbanum, orris concrete, and orange flower set against a base of black amber, tobacco, and sandalwood. In other words, it's the epitome of a party girl fragrance.
Customer Review: "I love the category of dark, night time, slightly edgier fruity scents. Sticky pineapple juice spilled over the bar, powdery in a way that evokes grittiness over cleanliness, sweet deep sexy amber and tobacco dry down. [It's] unforgettable, unique, mischievous, and alluring."
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Aromatic woods
Notes: Ambrette, Jamaican nesberry, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, chantilly musk, crisp amber, cedarwood
If you favor cool and crisp fragrances with a sheer musk layer, it's time to try Byredo's Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum. Inspired by the Mojave Desert (specifically desert florals on an arid landscape), this fragrance opens with delicate magnolia balanced by warm, rare sandalwood. Its heart is defined by powdery violet and crisp cedarwood, and the base notes of musk, vetiver, and crisp amber envelope the entire thing in warmth.
Customer Review: "Mojave Ghost is one of those scents that doesn't scream for attention, but quietly lingers in the most beautiful way. To me it's not a warm fragrance—instead, it feels cool, soft, and almost lotion-like on the skin. Imagine freshly showered skin wrapped in a creamy, slightly powdery veil—clean, comforting, and effortlessly elegant. There's something very 'quiet luxury' about it. It doesn’t try too hard yet manages to smell unique."
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Woody spices
Notes: Australian sandalwood, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, smoky wood alloy, ambrox, leather accord, musky notes
Perhaps one of the more traditional takes of a sandalwood scent, Le Labo's Santal 33 is an homage to the American West with its iconic combination of woody notes and ambrox. While the musky, leathery dry-down is where this perfume shines, its opening notes of sandalwood and cedarwood add warmth and intensity. We love how the presence of cardamom and smoky wood alloy sets the fragrance alight without overshadowing its woody nature.
Customer Review: "This is interesting and not what I expected from a sandalwood fragrance. It's slightly animalic, the leather is very strong on my skin. There is a green, bitter note in here as well and I find the cedar to be quite prominent before it dries down and becomes softer and more amber-y."
More Sandalwood Scents We Love
How We Tested
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To round up the 17 best sandalwood scents on the market, we leaned on perfumer insights and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including silage, versatility, ease of layering, and packaging. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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