I Never Want to Scent Like Anyone Else Around Me—This Subtle Fragrance Note Is My Secret.

      Delving into the realm of aromatherapy was a deliberate decision for me. Being a proud earth sign (Capricorn here!), I have always felt a connection to nature, utilizing essential oils and flower essences to restore my energy balance. This affinity for nature is also the reason I am so fond of fragrance. The right notes drawn from plants or wood can evoke feelings of tranquility and grounding, all while ensuring you smell distinctly unique. One such note is hinoki, an ancient cypress wood from central Japan that has been relatively underappreciated over the years. Historically used to construct sacred places in Japan, it’s now capturing the attention of high-end fragrance brands and luxury body care lines alike, drawn by its rich, woody, uplifting scent that conveys an air of sophistication. It quietly gained a devoted following back in 2008 when Comme des Garçons partnered with Monocle magazine to launch Scent 01: Hinoki Eau de Toilette. A few years ago, Tatcha also unveiled a limited-edition forest-bathing collection that showcased hinoki as the main note. Just so you know, I loved these products so much that I used every last drop.

      Similar to palo santo, hinoki is cherished as a spiritual wood, offering a sense of peace to those who encounter it. In fact, a study published in 2018 explored hinoki’s effects on promoting relaxation. To summarize, it’s a remarkably special note that also happens to smell incredible. It’s both uplifting and grounding, and I’m thrilled to see it making a resurgence with more brands introducing hinoki-based products. If you’re looking to stand out with your fragrance, keep reading. I’m sharing some of the best hinoki-infused perfumes and products below.

      Jo Malone London

      Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense

      Key notes: Aromatic clean accord, cinnamon, hinoki wood, cedarwood

      I tried this rich, woody fragrance last autumn and was even stopped by a stranger who complimented it. It’s quite different from my usual scent preferences, which lean towards sweeter, fruitier fragrances, but there's something enchanting about the blend of these notes. Cinnamon and hinoki wood alongside cedarwood create a unique aroma that invites compliments.

      Salt & Stone

      Bergamot & Hinoki Body and Hair Fragrance Mist

      Key notes: Bergamot, orange blossom, hinoki

      Hinoki is known for its fresh and earthy scent with a warm, subtly sweet undertone. Salt & Stone’s body mist does an excellent job of showcasing hinoki’s characteristics. The addition of orange blossom and bergamot enhances the earthiness of the fragrance profile. It’s also more budget-friendly, providing a way to achieve a unique, luxurious scent without spending over $50.

      Maison Louis Marie

      No.02 Le Long Fond Eau de Parfum

      Key notes: Hinoki wood, cedarwood, patchouli, white musk

      Hinoki serves as the top note in this warm, woody fragrance, ensuring it's the first aroma you perceive. This scent was inspired by founder Marie de Petit Thouars's childhood experiences in Belgium, playing in her grandfather’s plant nursery and experimenting with scents to create this intriguing blend. Patchouli is a prominent note here, but it’s well-balanced by cedarwood and hinoki.

      Boy Smells

      Hinoki Fantôme

      Key notes: Cardamom, pear, hinoki, cedarwood, oakmoss, smoked amber

      This classic Boy Smells fragrance features hinoki. I actually discovered hinoki as a scent note through this fragrance. It opens with a spicy-sweet burst of cardamom and pear, while the earthy, woody notes of hinoki, smoked amber, and cedarwood become more prominent as it dries down.

      Aesop

      Hwyl

      Key notes: Cypress, frankincense, vetiver

      Although Aesop's Hwyl isn’t explicitly a hinoki perfume, its smoky, woody, and spicy scent profile is designed to evoke the aroma of an ancient hinoki forest—a bottled representation of a serene forest-bathing experience.

      Le Labo

      Hinoki Hand Pomade

      This is another little secret of mine for achieving a luxurious and unique scent—a high-end hand cream infused with rich hinoki notes. The scent is inspired by the Buddhist temples of Mount Koya, surrounded by the soothing fragrance of hinoki wood. If a full fragrance isn’t currently in your budget, this hand cream is an excellent alternative. People often ask me what I’m wearing when I use it, and its rich texture keeps my usually dry hands incredibly soft.

      Wonder Valley

      Hinoki Body Oil

      Key notes: Japanese hinoki, cedarwood, Siberian fir

      Your body care routine deserves a hint of aromatherapy. A hinoki body oil will extend the longevity of your scent while enhancing its projection. Wonder Valley’s oil combines rare Siberian fir and hinoki, deeply hydrating the skin with sunflower-seed oil