Atlas Cedar oil , aromatic treasure of the mountains
Atlas Cedarwood essential oil, woody and balsamic, ideal for grounding, emotional well-being, hair and skin care.
Atlas Cedar, the noble tree of the mountains
Atlas cedar essential oil (Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil) is a powerful and versatile natural extract obtained from the heartwood of the Atlas cedar, a majestic conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. With its warm, woody, and balsamic aroma, this essential oil has been used for centuries in perfumery, traditional medicine, and spiritual rituals. Today, it remains a valuable ally in aromatherapy, skin care, hair care, and holistic wellness.
The Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), belonging to the Pinaceae family, is considered a symbol of strength, endurance, and longevity. These evergreen giants can live for over 1,000 years, towering over the rugged landscapes of North Africa. In ancient times, its durable and aromatic wood was used to build temples, palaces, and sacred objects. Cedar was also burned as incense during spiritual ceremonies for its purifying and grounding properties.
Today, Atlas cedar retains its value. Its essential oil, distilled from the heartwood, embodies the tree's protective and stabilizing energy, with a scent that is earthy, soothing, and reassuring. It is thus widely used in aromatherapy blends, natural perfumes, massage oils, and cosmetic formulations.
Manufacturing Atlas cedar oil
Atlas cedar essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the heartwood and sawdust. This gentle process preserves the purity of the active aromatic molecules.
Distillation steps:
- Preparation– The wood is harvested and then reduced to chips or sawdust.
- Distillation– The material is placed in a still, where steam passes through it.
- Extraction– Heat releases volatile compounds contained in the wood fibers.
- Condensation– The steam, enriched with essential oil, is cooled and transformed into liquid.
- Separation– The essential oil, lighter than water, separates naturally and is collected.
The result is a thick, amber-colored essential oil with an intense woody scent, rich in active compounds with multiple therapeutic applications.
Properties Atlas cedar oil
Atlas cedar essential oil owes its properties to its chemical composition, dominated by sesquiterpenes and ketones, mainly himachalenes and atlantones. These molecules give it aromatic depth and a wide variety of benefits:
- Relaxing and grounding– Promotes emotional balance, reduces nervousness, and brings calm and stability. Ideal for meditation, yoga, or stress management.
- Respiratory support– Expectorant and slightly decongestant, it helps relieve coughs, colds and seasonal respiratory discomfort.
- Skin and hair care– Regulates excess sebum, tones the scalp and helps treat oily skin, acne, dandruff and prevent hair loss.
- Circulatory and lymphatic support– Stimulates microcirculation and promotes lymphatic drainage, making it a popular ingredient in massage oils for cellulite, water retention and the feeling of heavy legs.
- Antimicrobial properties– Provides a gentle antiseptic and purifying effect, contributing to skin balance.
- Aromatic depth– Serves as a woody and persistent base note in perfumes, candles and natural olfactory creations.
Traditional and modern uses
In traditional practices, Atlas cedar oil was used to repel insects, protect food, and support respiratory health. It was also burned as incense for its purifying properties.
Today it is widely used in:
- Aromatherapy– to promote grounding, relaxation and emotional balance.
- Massage therapy– to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage.
- Cosmetics & Skin Care– in creams, serums, shampoos and lotions for oily, acne-prone or dandruff-prone skin.
- Perfumery– as a natural fixative and base note, bringing depth and longevity to fragrances.
- Wellness rituals– for meditation, spiritual grounding and creating a calming atmosphere.
Name and function INCI Atlas cedar oil
Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil
-
- Masking - Reduces or inhibits the odor or basic taste of the product
-
- Perfuming - Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials
-
- Soothing - Helps to reduce the skin or scalp discomfort
Atlas cedar essential oil – INCI name and cosmetic functions
INCI name: Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil
Cosmetic functions:
- Fragrance– Brings a deep woody and balsamic note to perfumes and cosmetic blends.
- Masking agent– Balances and neutralizes strong odors in formulations.
- Skin conditioner– Tones, regulates sebum and helps keep skin clear.
- Soothing agent– Used in massage oils and balms to promote relaxation and stimulate circulation.
Safety and precautions
Atlas cedarwood essential oil is considered safe when used correctly. However, it is recommended to:
- Always dilute it in a vegetable oil before applying to the skin.
- Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice.
- Do not apply to eyes or mucous membranes.
- Reserve its use for external use (not intended for internal use).
Quality commitments – SOWÉ Botanic Lab
At SOWÉ Botanic Lab, quality and transparency are essential. Our Atlas cedarwood essential oil is:
- 100% pure and natural, with no synthetic additives.
- Botanically defined (Cedrus atlantica, wood oil).
- CertifiedCOSMOS Organic by Ecocert, guaranteeing ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Produced from harvests and distillations that respect biodiversity and local ecosystems.
With its unique balance of therapeutic benefits, cosmetic value, and aromatic richness, Atlas Cedarwood essential oil is a cornerstone of natural wellness—bridging ancient traditions with modern holistic care.
Use in hair care: purifies and strengthens the scalp
Thanks to its sebum-regulating and toning properties, Atlas cedarwood essential oil is a choice ingredient for scalp and hair care. In our Nourishing & Anti-Hair Loss Hair Serum, it helps purify the scalp, reduce dandruff, and create optimal conditions for stronger, fuller hair. Its woody, grounding fragrance also enriches the sensory ritual of daily hair care.
Botanical & Chemical Profile
- Botanical name: Cedrus atlantica
- Extraction method:Steam distillation (heartwood and sawdust)
- Main constituents:β-himachalene, α-himachalene, γ-himachalene, atlantone
- Family :Pinaceae
- Origin :Atlas Mountains – Morocco and Algeria
Use in our formulations
This deep, woody essential oil is a key active ingredient in ourNourishing & Anti-Hair Loss Hair Serum, where it contributes to the balance of the scalp and the strengthening of the hair fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Atlas Cedarwood essential oil beneficial for the scalp?
Yes, it helps purify the scalp, regulate sebum production and reduce dandruff — ideal for oily or flaky scalps. - Can it help with hair loss?
It stimulates circulation and helps detoxify the scalp, creating favorable conditions for stronger, healthier hair, especially in combination with other botanical actives. - What does Atlas cedar smell like?
It exudes a deep, warm, woody, and slightly smoky scent—perfect as a natural base note in unisex compositions and grounding fragrances.
