Cedarwood Himalayan vs Atlas vs Virginian: What's the Difference?
Not all essential oils labelled “cedarwood” come from the same botanical family. While they share a similar name, their origin, aroma, and properties can differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right cedarwood essential oil for your needs.
Are All Cedarwood Oils True Cedars?
Surprisingly, no.
There are two true cedar species commonly used in aromatherapy:
• Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara)
• Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) is not a true cedar at all. It belongs to the juniper family.
When European settlers arrived in North America, they encountered Juniperus virginiana. Its scent and appearance resembled cedar trees from Europe, and the name “Virginian Cedarwood” became widely adopted.
Why We’ve Chosen Cedarwood Himalayan
As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing, we’ve replaced Atlas Cedarwood with Himalayan Cedarwood.
Atlas Cedarwood is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), meaning:
• Wild populations are declining
• The species faces a high risk of extinction
• Conservation and sustainable harvesting are essential
Switching to Himalayan Cedarwood allows us to continue offering a cedarwood oil with a similar aromatic profile and benefits, while supporting more sustainable practices.
What Do Cedarwood Essential Oils Support?
Essential oils distilled from trees, whether from the wood or leaves, are traditionally associated with both respiratory comfort and emotional grounding.
Cedarwood oils are commonly used to support:
• Clearer breathing and easing congestion
• Soothing coughs and bring relief to blocked sinuses
• Emotional balance, grounding and support
• Skincare for oily or congested skin
For emotional strength and inner stability, I find Himalayan Cedarwood especially effective. It has a deep, calming presence that supports emotional wellbeing beautifully. Virginian Cedarwood, on the other hand, is the one I reach for when I want more direct relief from colds, coughs, or respiratory discomfort. Virginian Cedarwood also carries notable astringent properties, making it particularly useful in skincare, especially when the skin is oily or congested.
While the oils overlap in benefits, subtle differences may influence your preference.
Comparing the Cedarwood Aromas?
Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara)
• Deep, warm, resinous
• Slightly smoky
• Often described as calming and meditative
Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
• Sweet, woody
• Softly balsamic
• Gentle and comforting
Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
• Dry, crisp, clean
• Lighter and sharper
Aromatic preference often plays a key role in choosing between them.
Himalayan Cedarwood: Key Benefits
Himalayan cedarwood is a fascinating essential oil, chemically rich and highly versatile.
1. Relaxation & Sleep
• Helps calm a busy mind and reduce mental tension
• Encourages deeper, more restful sleep
• Supports relaxation and meditation
2. Emotional Wellbeing
• Promotes grounding and stability
• Helps ease feelings of overwhelm
3. Respiratory Comfort
• Helps ease congestion and support easy breathing
• Useful in steam inhalation for blocked sinuses
• Use in a chest rub to ease coughs
4. Insect-Repellent
• Natural deterrent for moths, mosquitoes, and other insects
5. Skin & Scalp Benefits
• Helps balance oily skin
• Soothes an itchy scalp
How does Virginian Cedarwood Differ?
Virginian Cedarwood is often chosen for:
• A fresher, drier aroma
• Skincare applications (due to its astringent qualities)
• Respiratory blends
It tends to feel lighter and more cleansing compared to Himalayan Cedarwood’s deeper, grounding character.
Choosing the Right Cedarwood Oil
All three oils offer valuable benefits. Your choice may depend on:
• Desired aroma
• Intended use (sleep, skincare, diffusion, massage)
• Sustainability considerations
Himalayan Cedarwood is an excellent all-rounder, particularly for relaxation, grounding and evening rituals.
Switching to Cedarwood Himalayan ensures you receive a versatile essential oil with benefits similar to Atlas Cedarwood, while supporting responsible and sustainable sourcing.
Whether used in a diffuser, massage blend, or bedtime routine, Himalayan Cedarwood brings warmth, depth and balance to your wellbeing rituals.
We’d love to hear how you use your cedarwood oils and if you’ve tried Himalayan yet – share your favourite blends and routines with us.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
