I’ve been wearing cologne with sandalwood for 3 – 4 years, and it’s one of my favorite ways to project masculine confidence – while still smelling natural and classy.
The best sandalwood colognes offer the depth you’re used to in typical woods accords, but with an added creamy brightness to balance everything out.
But it’s important to pick the right one for the occasion.
More retro sandalwood colognes like Davidoff Cool Water or Drakkar Noir boldly present the woods’ sharper, smokey bite. They grab attention, bringing in fresh notes like aquatics and pine to produce energizing colognes that lend themselves to casual spring/summer days. Think chilling by the beach, or meeting girls at a rooftop bar.
For subtler occasions like cooler weather or a professional setting, you’ll want something a little less shouty. Santal Blush or Prada L’Homme emphasizes the creamier, powdery aspect of the wood, weighted against light warming spices, and makes a better pick for subtler settings.
If you’re looking for something that covers a lot of bases, check out Santal 33. I recommend it for beginners who are looking for something versatile to wear professionally and socially, rather than buying a bunch of colognes for each occasion. Just be aware that it’s a little on the expensive side – but the impressive longevity means a bottle goes a long way.
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Premium Pick
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Best Overall
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Retro Masculinity
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$29.99 ($4.48 / Fl Oz)
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$27.99 ($8.23 / Fl Oz)
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Pros:
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Pros:
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- 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.
- Smokey sandalwood with flickers of pine and cinnamon.
- Excellent performance with over 8 hours of strong projection.
I’ll step you through the 9 sandalwood colognes that I’ve enjoyed the most, and let you know when and where to deploy them, based on:
- Note profile (what does it smell like)
- Longevity (how long does it last)
- Projection (how subtle/strong is it)
- Value for money
- Occasion (season, time of day, setting)
Every Gent is different – and will value different things when choosing the best sandalwood perfume for him. So let’s find yours.
- What's the Best Sandalwood Perfume for Men?
- Cool Water by Davidoff – Best Sandalwood Cologne Overall
- Santal 33 by Le Labo – Best Premium Sandalwood Cologne for Men
- Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Pine
- Tom Ford Santal Blush – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Vanilla
- Individuel Montblanc – Best Fruity Sandalwood Cologne
- Prada L’homme – Best Clean Sandalwood Cologne
- Original Santal Creed – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Spices
- Chanel Egoiste for Men – Most Underrated Sandalwood Cologne
- Eau de Santal Floris London for Men- Best Sandalwood Eau de Toilette
- What You Should Know About the Best Sandalwood Men's Cologne
- What’s the strongest sandalwood men’s cologne?
- Which sandalwood men’s cologne lasts longest?
- What’s the cheapest sandalwood perfume for men?
- FAQ: Need to Know About the Best Sandalwood Perfume for Men
- Is sandalwood a male scent?
- Is sandalwood an attractive smell?
- What type of sandalwood is best for cologne- Indian or Australian?
- Is sandalwood endangered?
What’s the Best Sandalwood Perfume for Men?
Cool Water by Davidoff – Best Sandalwood Cologne Overall
Santal 33 by Le Labo – Best for Premium Sandwood Cologne for Men
Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Pine
Tom Ford Santal Blush – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Vanilla
Individuel Montblanc – Best Fruity Sandalwood Cologne
Prada L’homme – Best Clean Sandalwood Cologne
Original Santal Creed – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Spices
Chanel Egoiste for Men – Most Underrated Sandalwood Cologne
Eau de Santal Floris London – Best Sandalwood Eau de Toilette
Cool Water by Davidoff – Best Sandalwood Cologne Overall
It’s impossible to talk about the best Sandalwood colognes without mentioning Cool Water by Davidoff.
Davidoff Cool Water
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.
| 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
| 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 |
Santal 33 by Le Labo – Best Premium Sandalwood Cologne for Men
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
Powdery, spiced sandalwood with a warm and sweet finish.
Impressive longevity that covers a full 10-hour day.
| 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.
| Top Notes: | Sandalwood, Papyrus and Iris |
| Middle Notes: | Leather, Violet and Cardamom |
| Base Notes: | Virginia cedar and Amber |
Drakkar Noir Guy Laroche – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Pine
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Dramatic Noir Guy Laroche is another blast from the past in the same way as Davidoff’s Cool Water; it was also very popular 15-20 years ago.
Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche
Smokey sandalwood with flickers of pine and cinnamon.
Excellent performance with over 8 hours of strong projection.
| 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.
| 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 |
Tom Ford Santal Blush – Best Sandalwood Cologne with Vanilla
Santal Blush is a unisex fragrance, with quality that transcends gender concerns.
Tom Ford Santal Blush
A delicate and creamy blend that prioritizes sophistication over masculinity.
Vanilla adds some sweetness to the woods, like a powdery milkshake.
| 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.
| Top notes: | Cinnamon, Caraway, Carrot Seeds and Spices |
| Middle notes: | Ylang-Ylang, Rose and Jasmine |
| Base notes: | Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, Musk, Agarwood and Benzoin |
Individuel Montblanc – Best Fruity Sandalwood Cologne
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.
| 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.
| 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 |
Prada L’homme – Best Clean Sandalwood Cologne
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.
| 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
| Top Notes: | Neroli, Cardamom, Carrot Seeds and Black Pepper |
| Middle Notes: | Violet, Iris, Geranium |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Patchouli |
Original Santal Creed – Best Sandalwood Cologne 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.
| 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
| Top Notes: | Sandalwood, Juniper Berries, Coriander and Cinnamon |
| Middle Notes: | Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary and Petitgrain |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla and Tonka Bean |
Chanel Egoiste for Men – Most Underrated Sandalwood Cologne
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.
| 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.
| Top Notes: | Rosewood, Mahogany, Mandarin and Coriander |
| Middle Notes: | Cinnamon, Rose and Carnation |
| Base Notes: | Sandalwood, Tobacco, Vanilla, Leather and Amber |
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.
| 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.
| 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 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 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. A full-sized bottle retails for between 20 – 30 dollars, and you’ll get 8 hours of scent from just 2 – 3 sprays.
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Premium Pick
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Best Overall
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Retro Masculinity
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|
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|
|
|
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$29.99 ($4.48 / Fl Oz)
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$27.99 ($8.23 / Fl Oz)
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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- 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.
- Smokey sandalwood with flickers of pine and cinnamon.
- Excellent performance with over 8 hours of strong projection.
FAQ: Need to Know About the Best Sandalwood Perfume for Men
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:
- What are the best vetiver colognes for fresh masculinity?
- The top vanilla perfumes for men that are actually worth it.
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