The 12 Best Sandalwood Colognes for Men, Tested by a Grooming Editor

At this point, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more ubiquitous sandalwood scent than Santal 33. That’s not a bad thing. The smooth, warm scent is distinctive, but not overpowering with warm notes of cardamom and ambrox, subtle floral notes of iris and violet and a trifecta of smokey woods from cedarwood, papyrus and, of course, sandalwood. There is literally nowhere this cologne isn’t appropriate, or identifiable.

You don’t always have to shell out big bucks for a really good cologne. Case in point, this inexpensive unisex scent by Urban Outfitters, which smells just as rich and layered as the designer scents you find at the department store. Sandalwood comes center stage with this one but is freshened up with a bouquet of botanical notes like jasmine and bergamot with a shot of incense for spice and vanilla for smoothness.

LIke all Creed fragrances, this sandalwood-forward cologne just smells expensive (and it is). There is a spicy warmth to it that dries down to expose the smooth sandalwood that’s bolstered by musk, cedar and tonka bean for a fresh, sweet, almost soapy vibe that not only smells masculine but lasts (and lasts and lasts) for hours. It might not be as in-your-face as some other of the brand’s bolder scents, but it’s just as distinctive.

Tom Ford might be known for his bold fragrances, but no one does refined subtlety like Mr. Ford either. This warm woody cologne is all about smooth warmth with top notes of spices like cinnamon, caraway and fenugreek, middle notes of ylang-ylang and jasmine and a base of sandalwood, oud and musk. It’s the type of cologne that begs people to lean in closer.

Read more: Best Tom Ford Colognes

Chances are you don’t need an introduction to Cool Water. It’s one of the most popular (and iconic) men’s fragrances ever created (in 1988, in fact, and still going strong). What makes it stand out, particularly when it comes to the use of sandalwood, is the aquatic freshness. Many colognes lean into the woodiness of the ingredient, but this fresh cologne uses it to round out the aquatic elements with a smooth earthiness.

Paired with fresh notes of orange, calabrian bergamot, lemon and lavender, this version of sandalwood takes on a masculine, almost barbershop feel. It’s traditional, but not heavy, and has a soapy clean quality that many other sandalwood-forward fragrances lack. It’s ideal for daytime, when you don’t want to overpower the room, but also appropriate for a quick refresh in the evening.

This legendary cologne is almost instantly recognizable because it somehow smells unique and familiar at the same time. It’s sweeter and fresher than most of the other fragrances on this list thanks to the top notes of pineapple, lavender, and bergamot as well as middle notes of red apple and dried fruits. These fruity notes give it a freshness, not an overly sweet feeling, that complements the smooth, earthy sandalwood at its base for an incredibly wearable scent.

Another icon in the men’s fragrance world, smelling Eternity is like an instant time warp back to the 90’s. In a very good way. Crisp, fresh and woody, it’s a romantic, youthful fragrance that has stood the test of time and remains a guaranteed attention getter. It can be subtle or it can be bold depending on how you wear it but it’s always a crowd pleaser.

There’s a complexity to this cologne that makes it extremely versatile. It’s fresh at first spray but dries down to a woody, sexier base that is modern and masculine. This parfum version is bolder and stronger, and lasts longer, but doesn’t lose any of the versatility that makes this iconic cologne appropriate for day, night and any time in between.

What makes this sandalwood-based scent so good is how it evolves on your skin. At first spray is fresh and floral with notes of bergamot, neroli and blood mandarin and then the musk emerges to give it a sweaty, skin-like element. Finally, the neroli stays around but gets brought down to earth with the help of sandalwood, patchouli and oakmoss. The subtly evokes the way your skin naturally smells; only way, way better.

Inspired by the mossy, green, earthy landscape of Scotland, this warm, soothing fragrance is as cozy as they come. Grounded in cedarwood and sandalwood, there are also notes of orris butter and amyris oil to give it a smooth, creamy, almost powdery finish. It’s less “sitting by the fire” and more “a cup of tea after traversing the forests.”

Ok, let’s not forget that sandalwood is still a wood, which means it lends itself incredibly well to outdoor-inspired scents. This manly mix of amber, vanilla, sandalwood and vetiver is fresh and smooth and undeniably woody; the type of scent for guys who would rather be hiking. It’s also surprisingly long lasting so less is more with this one.