For ages, sandalwood has been associated with spiritual practices, religious traditions, and aromatherapy due to its comforting nature. But now, the scent is popularly used as a well-known base note in various luxurious colognes. We have picked out the best sandalwood colognes on the market today, to help you find the most suitable fragrance for you.
Although available in varying forms, you will find this scent particularly in the form of an oil that’s extracted from the aromatic wood of sandalwood trees.
Sandalwood is an iconic fragrance as it can pair well with different types of scents that birth quality cologne. While its scent can be alluring and sophisticated, it is primarily valued over its woody composition that pursues an intense mix of both comforting and exotic.
12 Best Sandalwood Colognes
If you are in the mood for a whiff of fancy sandalwood infused colognes then we have got quite the collection. Here are our top picks!
1. Tom Ford Santal Blush
Time: Day and night
Season: Fall
Signatures: Warm spicy, woody, rich floral, and balsamic
Keywords: Enigmatic, enchanting, serene and light
This is an enigmatic fragrance with a combination of notes including eastern spices and creamy sandalwood.
Enhanced with a hint of sumptuous woods and floral, it gives off a very light yet complex scent. Perfect to accompany the snug, breezy days of fall.
It has an enchanting, almost meditating scent with a dash of mystery. You can wear it anywhere and anytime – whether it’s at the office or even a late-night out with your colleagues.
We love this fragrance and understand why this serene aromatic interpretation of sandalwood is quite a popular choice.
The fragrance lasts for about 12 hours, which is a pretty good number for keeping up with a busy schedule.
If you want a perfume that offers simplicity but with a sense of depth then this will be a colossal extension for your cologne collection.
2. Geo. F. Trumper Sandalwood Cologne
Time: Day and night
Season: Winter and fall
Signatures: Woody, aromatic, warm spicy, and citrus
Keywords: Masculine, exotic, mysterious, and classy
This is an exotic and masculine cologne with aromatic top notes like bergamot and clary sage. At the base, woody notes like amber, and leather further polishes a warm scent for the perfect fall and winter outing.
It is unapologetically a sandalwood cologne in every sense without overshadowing the softer middle notes like carnation and geranium.
The scent combines playfulness with warm tones to entertain any day or midnight rendezvous you have in mind.
The homage it pays to sophistication and class in colognes is something to love.
It is truly a gentleman’s fragrance and the excitement behind the scent is well-deserved. But it does have a very strong scent, so we recommend you don’t over-apply it.
This is a perfume that’s well-suited if you’re looking to fill your winter or fall collection. It’s rich, sensual, mysterious, and warm.
3. Diptyque Tam Dao
Time:Day
Season: Fall and winter
Signatures: Woody, warm spicy, powdery, and balsamic
Keywords: Sensuous, neutral, comforting, and earthy
This is a relaxing perfume with middle notes of cedar, followed by Italian cypress and rose myrtle top notes. Together it presents a floral woody musk scent, perfect for both fall and winter.
Its sweet and creamy balance is paired with notes of spices and white musk at the base, making it a compelling gender-neutral scent. You can work this perfume at any occasion and time.
While it has a strong sandalwood scent, it does not overpower others and gives off a soft and sensuous fragrance.
It is a comforting scent, however the only downside is its longevity. It can last for about 3-4 hours, which is quite short.
If you’re looking for a fragrance without a strong musky scent then this is a great perfume to consider as it is subtle and refreshing.
4. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt
Time:Day
Season: Fall
Signatures: Woody, fresh spicy, powdery, amber, and warm spicy
Keywords: Earthy, warm, comforting, and creamy
This is a warm and earthy fragrance complemented by dominant sandalwood and cedarwood notes. It’s spicy cinnamon and nutmeg gives a sense of relaxation, reminiscent of the cozy nature of fall.
Its combination of fresh and warm creaminess with spicy undertones makes the fragrance simple and approachable yet charming enough.
You can wear it to your workplace or at home after a deep relaxing shower.
This perfume has a very natural and effortless aura. It’s the reason why we love and vouch for this soft, earthy fragrance.
The scent offers lasting longevity of about 7 hours, however, its silage is quite moderate.
If you want a fragrance that equally balances woody and powdery scent, then this is a wonderful scent worth adding to your shopping list.
5. St James of London Sandalwood & Bergamot Cologne
Time:Day
Season: Fall and winter
Signatures: Citrus, woody, exotic floral, and musky
Keywords: Masculine, warm, calming, and subtle
This cologne is unforgettably elegant with notes like bergamot, and jasmine that produces a powerful yet calming scent.
Its base notes containing vanilla gives off a touch of warm and lush feeling – perfect for fall and winter.
The powerful woody scent is balanced neatly by subtle notes of sweetness, which keeps the cologne from being abrasive and overpowering, while the soft energizing touch of citrus further attributes it as an office-friendly fragrance.
It’s a very memorable scent and we love the incorporation of calmness and playful dynamic it puts out.
But, it does tend to fade away after 4-5 hours, which is quite short in terms of longevity.
The simple and welcoming presence makes this an excellent choice, especially, if you are looking for a traditional cologne with a modern touch.
6. Every Man Jack Cologne for Men – Sandalwood
Time:Day and night
Season: Fall
Signatures: Woody, smoky, oriental, and soft spicy
Keywords: Clean, aromatic, mature, and ambient
This is a very clean fragrance with a combination of woody and oriental notes like sandalwood and amber.
It’s well-crafted to suit the natural essence of masculine scent and the maturity pairs well with any day or night activities.
The smoky and rich vanilla notes of the fragrance give off a sweet earthy blend of campfire. Perfect for the relaxing and cozy appeal of fall.
This is a loveable fragrance for the clean and ambient feeling it provokes. It’s an incredibly well-balanced, natural, and clean scent but with an edge.
It does, however, have a moderate sillage and longevity.
This cologne is the perfect choice if you want something that connects you to nature while also keeping the buzzing metropolitan city in mind.
7. Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Cologne
Time:Day and night
Season: Fall and winter
Signatures: Powdery, woody, aromatic, fresh, and warm spicy
Keywords: Classy, confident, fresh, and masculine
This is a fragrance that fuses the retro aromatic barbershop era with a contemporary hint through base notes like musk, and cedar.
We especially love the fresh spicy middle notes like carnation and orange blossom.
Its clean and subtle aroma creates a feeling of sophistication as the scent is neither too light nor brash.
You can use it for any occasion comfortably with a sense of confidence and classiness.
The aromatic top notes of lavender, geranium, and amber work in complete unison with the woody undertones.
It blends into a harmonious union of soft yet masculine fragrance and leaves a long-lasting impression.
This is a cologne that very well expresses its fresh and subtle layers without wavering the manliness of a fragrance.
It is a great pick if you’re looking for something to boost the cold spirit of fall and winter.
8. L’instant De GuerlainByGuerlain For Men
Time: Day and night
Season: Fall and winter
Signatures: Citrus, woody, warm spicy, and sweet
Keywords: Unique, classy, sweet, and modern
This is a unique and modern rendition of a cool weather fragrance with top notes of anise and jasmine, followed by warm middle notes of Indian sandalwood and patchouli.
It dries down from citrusy and woody scent to a softer scent, courtesy of the cocoa beans. Its fusion of woody, powdery, and chocolaty essence makes the fragrance classy and light enough for all sorts of occasions.
The peaceful clash between the strong opening and creamy end of this cologne is something to look forward to.
It promotes an identity of its own, making it as unique as the person wearing it. It has impressionable longevity but lacks in decent sillage.
The complex exchange of this cologne makes it a great pick if you’re looking for a fragrance with an impeccable distinction.
9. Outlaw Blazing Saddles Solid Cologne
Time: Day
Season: Fall
Signatures: Smoky, spicy, and woody
Keywords: Ambient, adventurous, clean, and subtle
This is a nostalgia meets modern ambiance type of fragrance with notes like leather, sagebrush, and gunpowder. Its pipe tobacco and leathery scent give off a hint of the west – ideally suited for outdoor adventures.
It’s a strong masculine fragrance in every sense without being overbearing. The balanced woody and smoky notes further enhance its subtle undertones.
It is an inventive, playful, and clean cologne accompanied by notes of spicy ambiance.
The fragrance does lack in terms of longevity and sillage but makes up for it with its outgoing nature.
There is a lot to like about this cologne and we reckon it will find its way into your fragrant collection if you are interested in a scent that outlines the bold awakening of fall.
10. Drakkar Noir By Guy Laroche For Men
Time: Night
Season: Fall and winter
Signatures: Aromatic, woody, fresh spicy, and earthy
Keywords: Young, versatile, fresh, and timeless
This fragrance is a timeless classic with aromatic top notes like rosemary, lavender, basil, and greenwood that gives off a refreshing take on traditional woody colognes.
Its base notes containing amber and cedar openly embraces the cool breezy weather.
It’s fresh middle notes like carnation, jasmine, and cinnamon gives the fragrance a very versatile and youthful appeal.
You can wear it to work or any nocturnal events.
We adore how simple and refreshing this fragrance is. However, it does tend to overpower if you’re not careful with the quantity you spray.
It has tolerable longevity with moderate silage and the fragrance leans towards a sweeter note at the end.
If you’re keen on purchasing a fragrance that can keep up with youthful energy then this cologne is a brilliant pick.
11. Stetson Caliber Cologne Spray for Men by Stetson 1
Time: Day and night
Season: Spring and fall
Signatures: Woody, fresh, warm spicy, powdery, and floral
Keywords: Modern, smooth, oriental, and warm
This is a fragrance that effortlessly blends the aroma of fresh spring and fall with a combination of notes like key lime, black pepper, and American sequoia.
It has fresh, powdery, and warm notes backed by hints of nutmeg. The woody sandalwood scent does persist in the cologne but it’s not as overpowering so you can wear it to indoor jobs or a night out at the bar.
This is a very likable cologne that can work both warm and cold moods of the weather. It carries a crisp, sweet scent yet it doesn’t interfere with the warm tones.
But it fails to have a lasting impression as it can last for only a couple of hours.
If you want something that can play well with the interchanging moods of different seasons then this will be worth considering.
12. Stetson Preferred Stock Cologne Spray
Time: Day and night
Season: Spring
Signatures: Woody, aromatic, fresh spicy, and amber
Keywords: Dark, fresh, enigmatic, and elegant
This enigmatic fragrance contains notes of cypress, lavender, and citrus at the top. Its middle notes include resin, nutmeg, and clary sage that exudes a feeling of dry yet crisp scent.
Perfect for the energetic days of spring.
Its base notes containing leather, musk, and amber further establishes a confident and sensual appeal for the fragrance.
You can wear it during any outdoor activities or a night out.
What we love about this cologne is how it maintains the fresh and uplifting essence of each note without overpowering each other.
It’s never quite as heavy nor astringent. The citrus and woody blast pairs well with the sweet background.
If you enjoy a modern scent that’s well-balanced to freshen your outings then this is the right pick.
Benefits of Sandalwood Cologne
Here are some additional benefits if you are interested:
Strong
Sandalwood is a very popular base note due to its strength. It often plays a contributory role in determining the longevity of your perfume as it is considered to be a long-lasting note because of its intensity.
Versatile
Woody notes in general are known to blend very well with various scents. This makes sandalwood a very versatile note that can interact well with other fragrances.
It will certainly be good if you’re into experimenting and layering different perfumes.
Soothing
Studies have found how sandalwood oils can help reduce stress and anxiety. Given its history as an important agent of aromatherapy, it certainly is a soothing scent that can calm and keep you attentive.
Conclusion
As a fragrance that’s integrated into both musky summer and spicy winter scents, there’s a lot of demand for sandalwood colognes.
It wouldn’t hurt to keep in mind certain elements like the season, value, alcohol content, and concentration that can help you pick out a luxurious and quality cologne.
