The 12 Best Woody Colognes Strike the Perfect Balance

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A woody cologne is an infallible option in the world of fragrances. Not too strong, not too subtle; the right scent for the man who wants something a little bit warm, a little bit earthy.

As the name suggests, a woody fragrance is one that has notes and ingredients derived from woods, leaves, roots, and, in all likelihood, other natural aromas like spices or minerals. It's the perfect scent for something balanced; sexy without being overpowering, natural without smelling like you. An outdoorsy happy medium, really—the woody cologne is a staple in men's grooming.

While staying true to wood-derived scents, many of the best woody colognes are layered with notes that bring out other fragrances. There are woody fragrances that are spicy, woody fragrances that are earthy, woody fragrances that are aquatic. Really, there's a woody fragrance for every taste, day or night, fruity or floral, or plain and simple. If you don't know where to start or you're just looking to find your next favorite scent, you've come to the right place—we've curated 12 of the very best woody fragrances right here. It's time to smell like a better you.

Oud Wood

This one is a classic, with earthy notes of rare oud wood, sandalwood, and Chinese pepper. If you're new to the woody fragrance side, it's a simple starter; if you're a seasoned pro, then you already know and love it.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

This is a more minimal scent that calls to the sea rather than the earth. Still evoking nature, though, the scent is rooted in minerals, with notes of ambrette seeds, sage, and sea salt.

Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

Surely, you've seen—if not tried—Santal 33. The unisex fragrance appeals to almost every nose, with a rich, spicy scent that has warm notes of cardamom, violet accord, iris, and ambrox, and a base of cedarwood, sandalwood, and leather.

Bleu de Chanel

Chanel bottles the woodiness of the earth in a refined, elegant way. This scent is fresh and masculine, with aromatic cedar and New Caledonian sandalwood.

Hero Eau de Parfum

Be the hero. In this tale, he smells like conquered woods: cedarwood, pine needle, and benzoin.

Replica 'By the Fireplace'

Maison Margiela captures the sweet, comfortable woodiness that comes from laying by the fire, warmth on your face. A memory in a bottle, this scent has decadent, rich notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord, making it sweet and earthy.

Pasha Noir Absolu Eau de Parfum

Bold, sensual, and mysterious, this is the woody cologne for the man who wants something unexpected. Burnt wood and caramelized sugar characterize the scent, which is deliciously warm and spicy.

Babylon Eau de Parfum

Penhaligon's is a king in the fragrance market (or a royal of some sort, being that it was Princess Di's go-to perfumer). Babylon bottles woodiness to a T, with long-lasting notes of saffron, nutmeg, and coriander complemented by base notes of sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla.

MYSLF Eau de Parfum

First you smell the floral orange blossom and crisp bergamot, but within seconds the rich, woody base of this modern fragrance takes over. It’s a smooth, multifaceted scent that’s familiar (you know, the woods), but somehow entirely new—and the perfect everyday wear.

Sacred Wood Eau de Parfum

This warm cologne celebrates sandalwood in a major way. One of the most iconic woods in men’s perfumery, sandalwood can be smooth, earthy, smokey, spicy—and this fragrance is all those things and more. Punched up with notes of ambrette seed and other woods like balsam and cedar, this deeply seductive juice is woody on all levels.

Rain Essence Cologne

Wood notes can be reinterpreted (and re-reinterpreted) a thousand different ways. Case in point: this men’s scent that’s inspired by (you guessed it!) rain. It’s not aquatic in the traditional sense, though. The base note of smooth guaiac wood helps to ground this scent into something more wearable than, say, just the scent of rain. It’s surprisingly fresh and decidedly masculine.

Eau Nabati Eau de Parfum

Inspired by a walk through an imaginary desert garden (think: the Garden of Eden), this exotic scent leans on notes of balsam to mimic the trees that protect the other rich flora of the garden. There’s a lot going on here—sweet immortelle, crisp petitgrain and bergamot, warm sunlit amber—but what lingers on your skin is an earthy woodiness that’s impossible to ignore.

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