Cedarwood Essential Oils are a favorite choice among aromatherapists for their therapeutic nature. It can help with a variety of issues, everything from blemish-prone skin to respiratory issues to negative emotions. Not to mention, these delightfully woodsy oils are perfect for the cold winter months.
Plant Therapy carries not one, but four different varieties of Cedarwood. Although there are many shared properties, including the fact that they are all KidSafe, each has its own unique benefits and subtle aroma. Before you get overwhelmed by the choices, we’re here to break down the differences in each one and help you decide which variety of this common essential oil is right for you.
Cedarwood Atlas:
With a rich, woody, slightly sweet and spicy aroma, this oil is reminiscent of cedar lined chests that belonged to our grandparents. This variety is renowned for its therapeutic benefits. Create a calm, soothing environment by adding a few drops to your personal inhaler or favorite diffuser. You can even add a few drops to your shampoo for a healthy, flake-free scalp.
Cedarwood Himalayan:
This oil is very similar to Cedarwood Atlas both in aroma and benefits, except that its scent is a little bit sharper. It is also incredibly beneficial for emotional and respiratory support. Add it to your daily routine by applying a 0.5-1% dilution in a carrier oil or lotion to the face and then spritzing your face with one of your favorite hydrosols as a toner. Alternatively, you can add a 1% dilution directly to your hydrosol using an emulsifier like Polysorbate 20.
Cedarwood Virginian:
Steam distilled from a Juniper Tree, Cedarwood Virginian has a medium, fresh woody scent. It is actually similar to a freshly sharpened pencil, only better (obviously). It’s a popular choice for men’s products and fragrances because of it’s outdoorsy aroma. Additionally, it is extremely useful in skincare products as it helps to balance oily skin and reduce the appearance of red or rough skin.
Cedarwood Texas:
Originating right here in the U.S., this variety is distinctive with it’s sweet, soft, balsamic wood scent. Diffuse this oil to help freshen a room and create an uplifting, calm atmosphere. It is also an excellent choice for immune support.
Cedarwood is FANTASTIC as a mosquito repellent!! I make a balm for my folks that live in Alaska (where the mosquito is truly the state bird ) and they rave about it and how well it works. I add a bit of citronella which helps repel as well. I also use it because I like the two scents together.
I know that cedarwood is often noted as a suitable replacement for Sandalwood (my all time favorite scent ever created by nature) but I haven’t actually smelled any cedarwood variety. Which one would you recommend as a substitute for the incredibly expensive Sandalwood?
I think Amyris or Buddha Wood (maybe even Vetiver) might be a better substitution for Sandalwood. But if you wanted to go for Cedarwood, Himalayan is my personal favorite, but Atlas is another popular option that would be a good woody substitute.
Helpful info on the cedars! I love all three I’ve bought so far…Atlas, Virginian and Himalayan. Helpful to know the different benefits. I already love the scent of all three. Thinking I’ll make a blend of all!
This is awesome! I’ll be printing this out for future reference. One added benefit of Cedarwood Virginian is to help clear nasal passages. It does wonders!!
This was perfect for what I was looking for – a way to narrow down all the varieties of cedarwood. I chose Atlas but I think I’d also like to try Himalayan as well. Maybe Texan? The fun is in deciding what’s next. Thanks for a great informative post as always.
This is exactly what I was looking for! I really want to get a cedarwood as part of my “top 3”, but was having some real trouble deciding. I’m still having a bit of trouble narrowing it down, but at least this helps make some of the benefits clearer. Now to decide which one! I’m thinking Texas 🙂
I’ve been searching online for the differences between these, glad to find this. Anyone know which one would be best for flea/bug repellent?
Here’s a great article from the Tisserand Institute that should help answer your question: https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/tick-repellent-research-based/. Or, I’ll just summarize! Cedarwood Virginian is the most recommended as a repellent 🙂
THANK YOU! This is the exact question I had. We’ve been battling fleas in our home and I’ve been diffusing cedar wood to no avail. I wondered which variety was the best as the (nondescript) oil I have isn’t cutting it. We did end up buying a flea killer (safe for humans and animals) that contains helichrysum and that seems to have done the job (knock on wood). So I am about to order the Virginian cedar wood and a Helichrysum to (hopefully) keep the little demons (who really love me by the way) at bay!
Is there any chance Plant Therapy will make a Cedarwood blend of all these types, like they have done with Fantastic Franks?
Dana, that is a wonderful idea! While I’m not aware of something like that coming up in the near future, it may be a possibility later down the road 🙂 We love customer input and appreciate your suggestion!
Yes, Please!
I am so thankful for this blog post! i wasn’t sure which Cedarwood to choose, but after reading this, I finally decided on Atlas and to acquire the others later (if, I mean, definitely when, needed)! Thank you for helping me choose!
I love Cedarwood, I have all 4 that PT sells and use them regularly. Virginian works really well for coughs, just fyi!
I did want to make a note about something under Cedarwood Himalayan though. It says to combine it with a hydrosol to use as a toner for your face, and that could be misleading to many who do not know any better about dilution. Hydrosols do not disperse essential oils, so maybe it could be worded differently? Using diluted Cedarwood Himalayan in a carrier oil as a moisturizer following the use of a hydrosol as a toner would be a safer option. 🙂
Jay, you are absolutely right! I updated the wording a bit to make it more clear that you should dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil or lotion before applying to your face, and then following up with the hydrosol 🙂
Wow a lot of info to ponder. I have narrowed it down to two choices but I still am not sure if I should get Atlas or Himalayan I may just get both and test it out for myself.
Is there ever any information that I can’t find on your site?… NOPE… you cover everything!!! This is exactly what I was looking for and of course here it is, easy to find!
Too bad the only thing different isn’t just the smells. I need a combo of all 4 to get the full therapeutic needs. I’ll need to buy all 4 versions.
This. This is everything. Thank you for letting us know which to choose for what!
This is so helpful as I was looking at the Cedarwood oils wondering which one I’d like to try. Wow thank you PT you never disappoint and I can find any information or EO right here on your website!!
I only have Cedarwood Texas. I use it in my sleep blend sometimes and also in the shampoo for my husband and daughter. I honestly couldn’t imagine using any other Cedarwood. It smells amazing!
So glad to have information all together to compare the different Cedarwood EOs. This will help so much in zoning in for our needs. Thanks!
Which of the four Cedarwood is more suitable for bug spray?
Lovely! Wishlist in the making! ❤️ Thank you!
Would it be the atlas I should get if I’m looking to use it for sleepy roller balls/diffuser recipes?
I would recommend Cedarwood Virginian
This is just what I was looking for! I was not certain which benefits came from each.
So helpful! I used this today when trying to decide which one to buy, as Cedarwood has been on my list for awhile, but I never knew which one was best (well, really they all are great, but what would be the most beneficial to me right now). Thanks Plant Therapy!
Peace and Quiet and Calmness is what I LOVE… That’s why I ordered the Organic Cedarwood Atlas. I also enjoy reading and learning about the uses of the different essential oils available. Thank You, Plant Therapy.
I did not know there were so many different varieties. I was gien a sample of Cedarwood for my migraines but was not told which one. I will have to find out. I also just started to add 2 drops to my shampoo 1x a week as I have a minor dry scalp issue.
Cedarwood is on my list for my next purchase but I wasn’t sure which one to get. Thank you for the comparison of the different types – it helps a lot!
I wished I would of seen this blog first. I just bought 2 of the 4 Cederwood. If I would of seen it I would if just got the Cederwood atlas. As I want it for hair loss.
This was very helpful. I have Himalayan, and I love the smell. I didn’t realize they were all so different in uses though! Thank you for your informative blog posts that compare oils similar in name alone!
Thanks for this post! Turns out I’ve been using the wrong cedarwood for my needs. Very informative.
Thank you so much for this information. I have been wanting to get a cedarwood oil for months, but wasn’t sure which one would be best. Now I have it narrowed down to Himalayan and Virginian, but my son wants the Texas after looking at the blog, lol. I might just have to get all three now 😉
Thanks for the great info. Cedarwood Atlas has been at the top of my ‘gonna get’ list for a while.
Thank you so much for this post! It made me realize that Cedarwood Texas may help with the nonstop allergies my family is dealing with since moving to TX! Crossing fingers this will bring relief to my 17 year old son and husband, especially. Love the fantastic information!
Have you been able to get any relief from your Texas allergies using the Cedarwood Texas?
I read Cedarwood is one of ingredients for beard growth oil. I wonder which, based on this article it should be Cedarwood Atlas?
Cedarwood oils are affordable to own.
This is one great article!! Thank you so much for this!
Would also love to have an article on different types of Frankincense oils.
I only wanted one Cedarwood. I chose Himalayan. I love it.
I am thankful for the posting of this article! I am new to essential oils, and as I was trying to figure out which cedar wood I should purchase for some of my blends. I am mostly using oils so that I can minimize my stress and anxiety, so now I know that I should get the cedar wood virginian!
I was looking for the same reasons but wasn’t sure if bath and body works was the place to go. I was online shopping and seen cedarwood essentials. Best place to buy all 4 products. Haven’t looked yet to see if it was able to be purchased here or if this was more for the information part of it… I will still continue reading, but any suggestions?
We sell 100% pure essential oils including all these types of Cedarwood. To view our products just follow the link, https://www.planttherapy.com. Thank you and have a great day!
I’ve read that Cedarwood is a great focus oil; which one would you recommend for that purpose?
i love my himalayan cedarwood so much!
Love Cedarwood Atlas! Did not like Virginian. Im curious to try the others. Based on this info I think I’ll try Himalayan next. Thank you!
Alot of comments don’t mention what they started using for and why they would switch. Would u want to explain?
I have often wondered which one to get…so far I have Cedarwood Virginian…I am going to put Cedarwood Atlas on my wish list!
Great information! I love my Cedarwood Atlas it’s my favorite. I have recently added Cedarwood Texas and Himalayan to my collection. I find them to be my most comforting oils ❤ and they blend so well with so many oils. Thank you Plant Therapy
Thank you for posting this blog. I love Cedarwood and use it in blends for night and also coughs. Now that I know about Cedarwood Texas and how it is softer and sweeter, I think it may go better with a few blends I like. I will have to add that one to my wish list. 🙂
Has anyone used cedar to keep the mosquitoes away?
I also have struggled with picking which Cedarwood is right for me. So far I only have Atlas and I really love it for my hair and it also blends really nicely with a lot of different oils. I am about to run out so I was very excited to see this blog, now it will help me decide what to buy next.
I just bought the Virginian Cedarwood yesterday! So excited to try it out. I was also hoping to find the cedar wood that would be closest to the drawers I used to keep my clothes in as a kid. So I think I will probably be getting Cedarwood Atlas too. Thanks for the article!
I didn’t even realize there were so many different types! Thanks for the clarification!
Thanks for the information. I didn’t realize that there is 4 types of Cedarwood. I have read that a combination of lavender and cederwood helps with restless legs. Which of the 4 cederwoods would be best for RLS?
Thank for the information.. I found one new use for my Cedarwood Atlas! I am going to add it in my circulation blend to mellow the stronger scent of black pepper.
By the way Cedarwood Atlas has a truly beautiful scent and together with Clary Sage, it makes a beautiful perfume. I love that Cedarwood has a long shelf life too
I am going to try Cedarwood Texas in my next purchase. Can’t wait for your Christmas promotion.
Thank you for this blog, it really is very helpful. I have Cedarwood Himalayan but now after reading this post I see that I need Cedarwood Texas also.
Thank you! Cedarwood is one of those that often confuses me on which I should use when.
I live in Texas with tons of Cedar Trees, is this the same? If so, when they cut down trees and it bothers my asthma, does that mean I should avoid cedar wood essential oil? Thanks
This is my concern as well. Though it doesn’t trigger asthma for me, I am allergic to mountain cedar and end up with cedar fever regularly through the winter. I have put off purchasing Cedarwood Texas because I wonder if it will trigger my allergies.
Curious to know too. My son has a cedar allergy.
Thank you for this I fo. I thought they just have different names but same uses. Now I know what to get next time.
Wow, I love this posting and thank for sharing
Thank you for posting this!!! I’m always wondering what the differences between many different oils are. It would be so helpful to link this on product pages, or to have a little blip about the options listed. I’m always jumping between pages. Cedarwood is one of my favorites.
This was helpful. Thank you. I was unsure which to use in a recipe, and this helps to use the correct one for the recipe.
Wow! Thanks for a great article. I wish I’d read this BEFORE I purchased Cedarwood Atlas. However, I’m not disappointed with my purchase…now I just need to add Cedarwood Virginia to my collection 😉
It is so nice to have all this information on one page. Switching from page to page trying to choose which one would be the best for me is so hard sometimes.
Cedarwood Atlas has been at the top of my wishlist for a while. Thanks for the info!
Thank you very much for this! Very helpful!
I love the smell of cedarwood. It reminds me of when my husband and I went on our honeymoon to Estes Park or the time we were in the forest of California. The woodsy smell is not something that you often get in Nebraska!
I was just looking into the difference between the cedar wood oils and came across this post. Very helpful information. I ofcourse want them all, hahaha.
Always wonder what is the difference between each cedarwood. Even see their own page many times and each time still not so sure. And this blog post is excellent to refer with ! Thank you so much for this infomative post ^^
Thank you for this! I really appreciate the compare and contrast for an oil with different varietals – it is so convenient!