Sandalwood is a very special note. For centuries, this precious wood has been revered in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and perfumery across cultures. From ancient temples filled with fragrant smoke to calming Ayurvedic practices, and of course, the secret ingredient behind some of the most luxurious perfumes ever created.
Its warm, milky, and subtly sweet aroma is grounding, comforting, and believed to have spiritual benefits. If you’re looking to add a touch of tranquility to your scent collection, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to learn about our favorite sandalwood perfumes that are worth every penny.
For Her:
1. Versace Crystal Noir EDT
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Versace |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral |
| Notes | Top: Pepper, Cardamom, and Ginger Middle: Gardenia, Orange Blossom, and Peony Base: Sandalwood, Musk, and Amber |
| Release year | 2004 |
| Longevity | Over 6 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Antoine Lie |
Versace Crystal Noir got a mysterious, almost gothic edge, and that’s where the sandalwood plays a vital role. It is the grounding force in this glamorous scent. It prevents the spicy top notes and heady florals from spiraling into overwhelming sweetness, adding a touch of sensuality.
The sandalwood in Crystal Noir is more subtle, but it’s absolutely essential to the perfume’s overall aroma. It’s the warm, creamy base upon which the whole fragrance is built, lending a velvety texture and a touch of depth. Without it, this would be a totally different fragrance.
2. Lancôme Idole Power EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lancôme |
| Best for | Women |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Fruity |
| Notes | Top: Apple Middle: May Rose Base: Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2024 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Lancôme |
Idôle Power might have a modern, confident vibe, but sandalwood is what gives it staying power and makes it timeless. In this fruity-floral blend, sandalwood provides a solid, grounding base. It’s the supportive foundation that lets the bright apple and romantic rose shine without becoming overly sweet or fleeting.
Forget any preconceived notions of old-fashioned sandalwood here. It’s been given a modern makeover in this perfume for women. It’s still warm and creamy, but it’s also surprisingly fresh, adding a subtle woodiness that complements the other notes perfectly.
For Him:
1. JPG Scandal Le Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Jean Paul Gaultier |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Amber |
| Notes | Top: Geranium Middle: Tonka Bean Base: Sandalwood |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Longevity | Over 10 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Quentin Bisch, Natalie Gracia-Cetto, and Christophe Raynaud |
Scandal Le Parfum pushes poundries, and the sandalwood adds fuel to the fire! Paired with the sweet tonka bean and aromatic geranium, the sandalwood creates a magnetic tension, a daring and irresistible men’s perfume.
Here, sandalwood has a distinctly masculine tone, lending depth and a hint of ruggedness to the overall composition. It’s a strong note that keeps the other notes in check. The sandalwood in Scandal Le Parfum is a key ingredient in its scandalous charm, making it the ideal date night fragrance.
2. Creed Green Irish Tweed EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Creed |
| Best for | Men |
| Fragrance Family | Woody Floral Musk |
| Notes | Top: Iris and Vervain Middle: Violet Leaf Base: Ambergris and Sandalwood |
| Release year | 1985 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | High |
| Perfumer | Olivier Creed and Pierre Bourdon |
Creed Green Irish Tweed is a classic, reminiscent of Ireland’s lush landscapes, and sandalwood plays a crucial role in achieving that refined, natural feel. It adds a touch of warmth and sophistication that elevates this winter/autumn fragrance from simple to one-of-a-kind.
The sandalwood in Green Irish Tweed adds a touch of luxury and contributes to its enduring appeal, making it a fragrance that’s as relevant today as it was decades ago.
Unisex:
1. Giorgio Armani Stronger With You Sandalwood EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Armani |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top: Saffron Middle: Chestnut and Lavender Base: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Vanilla |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Emporio Armani |
Stronger With You Sandalwood distinguishes itself within the line by placing the sandalwood note front and center, making it a key defining characteristic. Where other iterations might lean heavier on sweetness or spice, this version allows the creamy, woody sandalwood to truly shine.
In this edition, sandalwood adds a warm and comforting presence that perfectly complements the gourmand chestnut and spicy saffron. It balances the sweetness of the vanilla with its woody aroma, creating a harmonious fragrance.
2. Kilian Sacred Wood EDP
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kilian |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Key Accords | Top: Ambrette (Musk Mallow), Carrot Seeds, and Pink Pepper Middle: Sandalwood, Milk, Amyris, Copahu Balm, elemi, and Caraway Base: Atlas Cedar, Myrrh, Tolu Balsam, Incense, Mysore Sandalwood, and Amber |
| Release year | 2014 |
| Longevity | Over 8 hours |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Calice Becker |
Sacred Wood is a fragrance that’s practically an ode to sandalwood. It’s not a supporting note here as it usually is. It is the focal point, the reason this perfume exists.
Here, sandalwood takes center stage, enhanced by a blend of complementary notes that highlight its unique characteristics. The addition of milk adds to the creamy texture, while spices like caraway and pink pepper add a subtle complexity.
Find these sandalwood fragrances and more at the best perfume store in the UAE, V Perfumes, online and in store, for the best picks at the best prices.
Disclaimer: This article contains external links, including links to Amazon affiliates and V Perfumes’ main site. If you make a purchase through these suggestions, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer to learn more here.
