If you’re looking to project masculine confidence while maintaining a natural and classy scent, the best sandalwood cologne is an excellent choice. Having worn colognes with sandalwood for years, I can tell you that Davidoff Cool Water stands out for its bold and refreshing profile.
Cool Water by Davidoff is the best sandalwood cologne because it masterfully blends the sharp, smoky bite of sandalwood with fresh notes like aquatics and pine. This energizing cologne is perfect for casual spring and summer days, whether you’re chilling by the beach or meeting friends at a rooftop bar. Its vibrant and attention-grabbing scent makes it the top choice in its category.
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Retro Masculinity
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Best Overall
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Premium Pick
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4.2
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4.8
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4.5
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N/A
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$107.00
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$249.99
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- Smokey sandalwood with flickers of pine and cinnamon.
- Excellent performance with over 8 hours of strong projection.
- A mature sandalwood cologne with an aquatic, clean, and fresh feeling.
- Touches of lavender and rosemary help round out the bitter, dry sandalwood for a well-balanced fragrance.
- Powdery, spiced sandalwood with a warm and sweet finish.
- Impressive longevity that covers a full 10-hour day.
For more subtle occasions, such as cooler weather or professional settings,Le Labo’s Santal 33 is an exceptional choice. Its refined blend offers a subtle, yet noticeable scent that works well on virtually anyone. While it does have a slight “pickle” note, it’s very faint and adds to the unique charm of this cologne. Its versatility makes it ideal for those seeking a fragrance that can be worn both professionally and socially.
Another fantastic option is Drakkar Noir from Guy Laroche a classic fragrance that has stood the test of time. It’s both modern and addictive. It’s perfect for men who want to smell great and feel confident, making it an excellent choice for various social occasions.
In the following section, I’ll guide you through a detailed roundup of the top sandalwood colognes I recommend. Each fragrance has been selected based on its note profile, longevity, projection, value for money, and the best occasions to wear them.
What’s the Best Sandalwood Perfume for Men?
- Best Overall: Cool Water by Davidoff
- Premium Sandwood Frag for Men: Santal 33 by Le Labo
- Best Sandalwood Scent with Pine: Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche
- Best Sandalwood Fragrance with Vanilla: Tom Ford Santal Blush
- Best Fruity Sandalwood Scent: Individuel Montblanc
- Best Clean Sandalwood Smell: Prada L’homme
- Best Sandalwood Scent with Spices: Original Santal Creed
- Most Underrated Sandalwood Fragrance: Chanel Egoiste for Men
- Best Sandalwood Eau de Toilette: Eau de Santal Floris London
1. Cool Water by Davidoff – Best Overall
A mature sandalwood cologne with an aquatic, clean and fresh feeling.
Touches of lavender and rosemary help round out the bitter, dry sandalwood for a well-balanced fragrance.
It’s impossible to talk about the best Sandalwood colognes without mentioning Cool Water by Davidoff.
| Cool Water Eau de Toilette | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Retro freshness and masculinity | Longevity: 8 hours |
| Age group: 28 – 50 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 5/5 |
Cool Water was synonymous with the club and bar scene 15 years ago. It seemed that everyone was wearing this fresh and distinctive cologne.
Back then, it was the go-to for reviving yourself for another round of dancing. The fresh pick-me-up is in the midst of a renaissance at the moment, too.
Cool Water is for a mature gent who is growing into his 40s gracefully. This nostalgic fragrance feels like something James Bond would wear- no young buck, but still with a dangerous edge that you wouldn’t want to mess with.
The dry, bitter sandalwood is the main accord here, but it’s mellowed by an aquatic sense of seafoam and citrus vitality.
It’s clean, laundry-detergent fresh, and brings to mind a pristine white t-shirt. Casual and proud.
There are touches of herbs from accords of lavender and rosemary. These kick-out hits of earthiness once the bracing, cool opening has subsided. These pops of vitality help round the harsh sandalwood and keep Cool Water energetic rather than aggressive.
In the base, white musk oakmoss lends a chalky, powdery sense and offers a great contrast to the vitality of the heart. These deeper accords dull some of the shoutier notes and present that bold, bitter sandalwood thrust in the best light.
It’s very similar to Creed’s Green Irish Tweed – one of my favorite colognes of all time. If we call Green Irish Tweed the “green” fragrance, Cool Water is its “blue’ counterpart.
The resemblance is not without controversy, with Cool Water creator Pierre Bourdon calling foul play.
“When I lost the finale of Lancome’s Sagamore project, he stole my formula from me, modified it to make his Green Irish Tweed.”
Pierre Bourdon. The Ghost Perfumer Page 84
| Cool Water EDT for Men | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Sea water, Lavender, Mint, Green Notes, Rosemary, Calone and Coriander |
| Middle Notes: | Sandalwood, Neroli, Geranium and Jasmine |
| Base Notes: | Musk, Tobacco, Oakmoss, Cedar and Amber |
2. Santal 33 by Le Labo – Premium Sandalwood Scent for Men
Powdery, spiced sandalwood with a warm and sweet finish.
Impressive longevity that covers a full 10-hour day.
The dry, powdery spiced sandalwood in Santal 33 straddles the line between warm and sweet. This is the perfect sandalwood cologne for men looking to present a brand of sophisticated confidence that smells gentlemanly and refined.
| Santal 33 Perfume by Le Labo | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Sophisticated class and subtlety | Longevity: 10 hours |
| Age group: 22 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 5/5 |
It reminds me of my studying days back in old libraries packed with aged leather and wood. The masculinity presented by Santal 33 is of an English gentleman plotting in his drawing room, unbothered by trivial matters.
It has a fresh opening that reminds me of cucumber water. In the heart, light touches of florals emerge to add some sophistication, while a clean leather note lends a streak of masculinity.
I get a full 10-hour day of meaningful fragrance. It doesn’t fill the room but leaves a trail and people will catch wafts when they interact with you. Le Labo scents are a little expensive, but this sort of longevity means that a single bottle will last you a long time – which helps justify the price.
It’s no surprise to me that Santal 33 has become incredibly popular over the past few years. It gets me noticed and complimented almost every time I wear it.
| Santal 33 Eau de Parfum | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Sandalwood, Papyrus and Iris |
| Middle Notes: | Leather, Violet and Cardamom |
| Base Notes: | Virginia cedar and Amber |
3. Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche – Best Sandalwood Frag with Pine
Smokey sandalwood with flickers of pine and cinnamon.
Excellent performance with over 8 hours of strong projection.
- Long-lasting scent: Drakkar Noir remains noticeable for up to 8 hours, ideal for all-day wear.
- Distinctive aroma: The unique blend of lemon, lavender, and rich oakmoss creates a memorable and sophisticated fragrance profile.
- Potentially overpowering: In warmer climates or casual occasions, its intensity might be too strong.
- Not suited for younger or more reserved personalities: The bold character of Drakkar Noir may not align well with those preferring subtler scents.
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Drakkar Noir is another blast from the past in the same way as Davidoff’s Cool Water; it was also very popular 15-20 years ago.
| Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Barbershop maturity | Longevity: 8 hours |
| Age group: 30 – 60 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Spring/Fall/Winter | Value for money: 4.5/5 |
It’s less known nowadays, but still has a cult following from those who fell in love with it. Drakkar Noir is the more opulent, devil-may-care analog of the bright, aquatic Cool Water.
Like the confidence boost of a new haircut, when I wear Drakkar Noir I feel like a million-dollar man.
It’s not for youngsters; this cologne is very mature.
The overwhelming sense is of a pristine 90s barbershop, packed full of shaving cream, herbs, and green pine. It’s like a nice clean shave and very mature smelling.
In the opening, we’ve got lemon and lavender with a touch of mint. It’s energizing and enjoyable but is well-balanced enough to feel measured and sophisticated.
Within half an hour, these lighter notes make way for a heart of pine, cinnamon, and the dominant sandalwood moves from the sidelines to center stage.
The dry down is where the wood notes lay bare, like the most relaxing sauna you’ve ever been to. It’s masculine and mature, with touches of smoke and musk that prevent it from feeling dated or off-trend.
As you might expect from a fragrance this well-worn, performance is excellent. You’ll get 8 hours of wear out of Drakkar in all its woody glory.
The projection is also, for me, just right. With a couple of sprays, you’ll be noticeable without dominating the space.
| Drakkar Noir Eau de Toilette | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lavender, Bergamot, Mint, Lemon, Rosemary and Basil |
| Middle Notes: | Jasmine, Juniper, Coriander, Cinnamon and Wormwood |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Pine Tree Needles, Fir, Leather, Oakmoss, Cedar, Patchouli and Amber |
4. Tom Ford Santal Blush – Best Sandalwood Fragrance with Vanilla
A delicate and creamy blend that prioritizes sophistication over masculinity.
Vanilla adds some sweetness to the woods, like a powdery milkshake.
Santal Blush is a unisex fragrance, with quality that transcends gender concerns.
| Santal Blush by Tom Ford | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Classy and subtle sandalwood | Longevity: 9 hours |
| Age group: 25 – 40 | Projection: Subtle |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 4.5/5 |
This unconforming blend is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer classically alpha male and aggressive fragrances, look elsewhere.
This spicy and dry blend makes me feel luxurious and elegant. Santal Blush reminds me of a fine dry white wine in the opening, crisp but with delicate woody infusions. As the heart opens up it becomes creamier, a little like snacking bread in a workshop scattered with sawdust.
The more masculine elements of animatic musk and suede emerge in the dry down. There’s also a touch of vanilla that leaves Santal Blush feeling like a thick, powdery milkshake.
My girlfriend says she ruined Santal Blush for herself by realizing it smells like Crown Royal (she had a bad experience in college…). She’s not wrong, but for me, it’s a bonus. The sweetness and woodiness are all there.
It’s not overly masculine, but for me, Tom Ford offers one of the best sandalwood fragrances out there.
But if you’re interested in poise, precision, and craftsmanship- Tom Ford delivers once again.
- Check here for more of the best vanilla colognes for men.
| Santal Blush Eau de Parfum | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top notes: | Cinnamon, Caraway, Carrot Seeds and Spices |
| Middle notes: | Ylang-Ylang, Rose and Jasmine |
| Base notes: | Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, Musk, Agarwood and Benzoin |
5. Individuel by Montblanc – Best Fruity Sandalwood Scent
Montblanc Individuel is an excellent and bright daytime sandalwood fragrance. It’s perfect for the chillier seasons, perfect for adding some zip and energy to days when it’s lacking.
| Montblanc Individuel for Men | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Fun and fruity sandalwood blend | Longevity: 6 – 7 hours |
| Age group: 20 – 38 | Projection: Strong |
| Season: Spring/Winter.Fall | Value for money: 4/5 |
The opening is full of playful, flirty raspberries. It’s sweet and fresh, with touches of spicy florals to keep things interesting.
This energetic fragrance is for a guy in his 20s or 30s, ideal for a casual evening dinner or laid-back cocktail date. It projects this air of a fun-loving, spontaneous gent who doesn’t feel like he has to assert his masculinity every step away. It’s for the guy that girls have fun with, rather than dates that feel more like business meetings.
This is not a de facto sandalwood cologne. Individuel is more of a wrestling match between sandalwood and the raspberries. Sandalwood starts as the underdog but takes control in the later rounds. It’s a journey from the sharpness of the opening to a more warm, masculine drydown.
The clean and fruity raspberry note is what Individuel revolves around, and it lasts right through the dry down. As the body develops, vanilla and cinnamon enter the scene, adding a more delicious, dessert-like quality.
I imagine this sweetness could become a little cloying in warmer weather, so I wouldn’t recommend Individuel for summer.
Performance is strong, with an arm’s length projection for the first few hours and total longevity of 6-7. If you apply Individuel before leaving the house for dinner, you’ll be going strong through post-meal drinks and in the taxi home.
It’s not what you’d go for if you’re looking for an unadulterated sandalwood blast. Individuel offers a powerful representation of the accord, but in the context of a berry-platter and masculine florals.
With serious signature fragrance potential, it’s a great pick for Sandalwood fans who are looking to liven up their palates.
| Individuel Eau de Toillete by Montblanc | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lavender, Pineapple, Cinnamon, Juniper Berries, Mint, Cardamon and Rosemary |
| Middle Notes: | Orange Blossom, Jasmine and Violet |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Vanilla, Raspberry, Dark Chocolate, Musk, Amber, Vetiver, Oakmoss and Patchouli |
6. Prada L’homme – Best Clean Sandalwood Fragrance
L’homme is an upper-class and professional-smelling Prada cologne. It inspires confidence in others, without the danger of offending them. It’s for a Gent who is safe and friendly- but unapologetically successful.
| L’homme Eau De Toilette Spray | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Office-safe woodsiness | Longevity: 7 hours |
| Age group: 25 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 4/5 |
The Sandalwood here, like Mont Blanc Individuel, is moderate but critical. The creamy woodiness is complimented by the sweet, soapy iris, producing a bright and versatile fragrance.
The overall effect is a very clean-smelling fragrance with plenty of masculine bite from sandalwood and cedar notes.
L’homme would suit a handsome lawyer or tech exec who prioritizes his work and productivity. He views his career as a conquest to be won, not a chore to be a slave to.
There are hints of prickly pepper in the opening, and a woody-sweet carrot seed accord that adds some density.
Within 20 minutes, a heart fortified by warm amber and spice opens up, and L’homme becomes 10 times more alluring.
This is the sort of fragrance that makes people want to hug you and stay there. It answers the question “Can you smell sexy, without smelling sexy?”.
This is a cologne more interested in hand-holding strolls through the city than late-night desire and seduction.
As such, it’s versatile. It’s safe to wear to work, but to relegate L’homme to a workplace fragrance would be doing the world a disservice. It’s not going to offend anyone, but it is not bland in the least.
Projection is moderate, which is perfect for what the scent is. I found that L’homme was able to survive most of the day in the office, but by around 4 o’clock it has sort of faded into the skin-scent territory.
I defy anyone to tell me they hate this scent. It’s just not possible.
- Check out our guide to the best Prada fragrances for men to learn more
| Prada L’homme Men’s EDT | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Neroli, Cardamom, Carrot Seeds and Black Pepper |
| Middle Notes: | Violet, Iris, Geranium |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Patchouli |
7. Creed Original Santal – Best Sandalwood Frag with Spices
Original Santal is incredibly popular. The subtlety of this Creed offering is exceptional, and a masterful effort from the designer house. Just be warned – it’s also incredibly expensive.
| Original Santal Unisex Perfume | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: | Longevity: 4 – 6 hours |
| Age group: | Projection: Moderate/Strong |
| Season: Winter | Value for money: 3/5 |
This is a gentlemanly and refined representation of dry and light sandalwood. It’s peppered with soothing lavender and aromatic spice to produce a well-balanced cologne.
For me, it’s a perfect winter fragrance. It got that feeling of overcoats and frosted grass. However, it’s not one of these overly Christmassy colognes that overdo it on spice and aromatics.
The warmth here comes from subtle cinnamon and ginger, but they’re only there to lightly support that primary sandalwood accord. The takeaway is still resoundingly masculine, and the wood feels fresh and vivacious rather than stuffy and musky.
Original Santal packs enough punch to cut through cold weather – but for the price, you’d expect a longer lifespan. It projects well for 2-3 hours before becoming a 1-2 ft scent bubble for another 2-3 hour stint.
I find it to be a great stress buster and would recommend it to any Gent that is looking for a sophisticated winter cologne. It’s almost impossible not to exude a sense of authority and status while wearing it – but the value for money leaves a little to be desired
| Original Santal by Creed | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Sandalwood, Juniper Berries, Coriander and Cinnamon |
| Middle Notes: | Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary and Petitgrain |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla and Tonka Bean |
8. Chanel Egoiste for Men – Most Underrated Sandalwood Scent
Chanel Égoïste artfully weaves a tapestry of woody depth and floral finesse, striking a perfect balance that speaks to the connoisseur of fine scents.
Chanel Egoiste is a comforting and elegant fragrance that relies on the best parts of sandalwood. It functions as the lynchpin of this classy sandalwood men’s cologne, prevalent from the first spray right through to the deep base.
| Egoiste Men’s EDT | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Warm and comforting sandalwood | Longevity: 6 hours |
| Age group: 22 – 45 | Projection: Moderate |
| Season: Fall/Winter | Value for money: 3.5/5 |
The effect is clean, crisp, and refreshing, packed with vitality and the air of the forest rather than oppressive over-woodiness.
The opening is like a brisk winter walk in the woods. As the heart opens up you step inside from the cold, and find cinnamon and other spices mulling on the stove.
A supporting note of amber adds warmth and coziness. It combines incredibly with the earthier sandalwood that runs through the core of the cologne.
It’s the balance of energizing, fresh feeling, and subtle spice that makes Egoiste worthy of this list. This is a cologne for go-getters, problem solvers, and guys who just “get it done”- but with grace and style.
There’s enough going on to make Chanel Egoiste feel unique and “niche-smelling” while remaining pleasant and appealing to a broad audience.
This woody-creamy combination is a borderline gourmand and reminds me of soft, pastry-like goodness. It’s deliciously comforting.
| Egoiste Eau de Toilette by Chanel | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Rosewood, Mahogany, Mandarin and Coriander |
| Middle Notes: | Cinnamon, Rose and Carnation |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Tobacco, Vanilla, Leather and Amber |
9. Eau de Santal Floris London for Men- Best Sandalwood Eau de Toilette
Eau de Santal is a smooth, clean, and inoffensive men’s sandalwood cologne.
| Floris London No.89 | Rating |
|---|---|
| Occasion: Fresh, breezy and clean | Longevity: 4 – 5 hours |
| Age group: 25- 35 | Projection: Subtle |
| Season: Year-round | Value for money: 3/5 |
Floris London leaves plenty of room in this airy fragrance for sandalwood to take center stage. As the name suggests, this is a sandalwood cologne first and foremost, not just a fragrance that includes sandalwood.
The only real additions I pick up are flickers of light spice in cardamom, pepper, and clove. There’s a touch of lavender, too, but it’s not overly sweet and is there to enhance, not distract. The base has a musky, vetiver quality but creamy sandalwood is always front of mind.
It’s not a showboater, and won’t win any awards for creativity or flair. Nevertheless, the fragrance had enough about it to justify a purchase if you can’t find one of my top picks
To me, the fragrance was very pleasant, sophisticated yet charming, and just made me feel relaxed. It’s the sort of cologne I could imagine an aloof but interesting gent wearing. He’s not going to give the game away and can do without all of the fuss and commotion. It’s for the guys that prefer a real conversation about ideas and beliefs, rather than empty table talk.
Performance is slightly underwhelming at 4 -5 hours of longevity. Just don’t expect Eau de Parfum levels of performance, and consider Eau de Santal as more of a travel sprayer that you might keep in your bag or locker. You’ll need to reapply or accept a skin scent.
This soft-woody fragrance with a spicy backdrop is the embodiment of smart-casual. It would suit a gent in his late twenties/ early thirties for formal lunches, interviews- or just for adding some gravity to a coffee date.
| Floris London Eau de Santal | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Pepper, Bergamot, Grass, Lemon, Cardamom |
| Middle Notes: | Lavender, Nutmeg, Clove |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Vanilla, Virginia Cedar, Amber, Musk and Vetiver |
What You Should Know About the Best Sandalwood Men’s Cologne
What’s the strongest sandalwood men’s cologne?
The strongest sandalwood cologne is Individuel by Montblanc. It blends sandalwood with a zesty berry blast to produce a cologne that projects several feet and is bound to capture attention when you enter a room.
Just be aware that it’s probably a bit too sweet for warmer weather. In the summer it will feel a little too cloying, and it would be better to pick something a little lighter like Santal 33 or Davidoff Cool Water. This pair incorporates aquatic notes in their opening for a perfume that stacks up better in high heat.
Which sandalwood men’s cologne lasts longest?
The longest-lasting Sandalwood cologne is Le Labo’s Santal 33 and Tom Ford’s Santal Blush. Both of these fragrances last for at least 10 hours, which is plenty to cover a full day at the office
However, you would really hope so given the price point. Both of these colognes are premium picks that usually cost over $200 for a 3.3 fl oz bottle.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable that still has some staying power, consider Davidoff Cool Water or Drakkar Noir. Both of these fragrances last for 8 hours, which is enough for most Gents – and they normally cost between 20 – 30 dollars. So, a fraction of the price of the premium picks.
What’s the cheapest sandalwood perfume for men?
The cheapest sandalwood cologne that still smells good is Davidoff Cool Water. It’s a classically masculine sandalwood-based cologne that has been popular for almost two decades.
It smells fresh, energizing, and clean – for the price, it’s incredible value. You’ll get 8 hours of scent from just 2 – 3 sprays.
FAQs:
Is sandalwood a male scent?
Generally speaking, bold wood scents are associated with masculinity.
However, lighter woody notes used in moderation can form a mysterious base for feminine fragrances.
Sandalwood is a little creamier than darker woods – so it lends itself to experiments in unisex scents than ebony or oak, for example.
Is sandalwood an attractive smell?
Plenty of people find sandalwood to be an attractive and enticing scent.
The warm, slightly sweet woodiness is very well-balanced and is a great example of a natural-smelling note that is deep rather than floral or fruity.
What type of sandalwood is best for cologne- Indian or Australian?
Australian sandalwood is generally greener and fresher than Indian sandalwood, which is more raw and earthy.
It’s usually Indian sandalwood that is used in colognes, as the species produces more oil from a younger age. In terms of fragrance, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Is sandalwood endangered?
Certain species of the slow-growing tree have become vulnerable due to over-harvesting. Some people are even calling for governments to list them as endangered species.
Colognes companies are taking steps to source their sandalwood responsibly, so we can carry on enjoying the warm and woody fragrance.
If you’ve never tried sandalwood cologne, you should change that. It’s incredibly rare to find a woody accord that isn’t overwhelmingly deep and actually harbors a little sweetness.
I’ve included links to the best prices I could find for all of the colognes above, and they’re the perfect place to start if you’re looking for something tried and tested.
Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite sandalwood cologne is and any hidden gems I might have missed!
Check out our guides to other scent types for more:
- The top vanilla perfumes for men that are actually worth it.
What’s Changed?
We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing.
11th July 2024: This guide was overhauled with changes to our recommendations, latest reviews, and was re-fact checked to make sure our reviews are as up to date as possible.
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