The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) tree is native to the high-elevation slopes of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria in Northern Africa. For thousands of years, historical civilizations and the ancient Egyptians prized various parts of this majestic evergreen tree for cosmetic, purifying, and aromatic purposes.
NOW Foods Atlas Cedar Oil provides an authentic, undiluted botanical experience. It carries a warm, sweet, and balsamic woodsy aroma that is widely embraced in aromatherapy to calm nervous tension, steady scattered thoughts, and restore emotional stability. In simple terms, diffusing this pure oil fills your living space with the comforting, fresh aroma of an ancient mountain cedar forest.
Aroma Profile:Sweet, Woodsy, Warm, and Balsamic with gentle peppery undertones.
Key Aromatherapeutic Attributes:Grounding, Centering, and Balancing for daily peace and meditation.
Mixes Well With:Chamomile, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Lavender, Rosemary, and Bergamot.
Complete Ingredient Listing & Botanical Identity
Transparency is essential when choosing pure essential oils. Many commercial products marketed as "cedarwood" are blended with cheaper pine fractions or derived from juniper bushes. NOW Essential Oils maintains single-origin botanical integrity:
Manufacturer Ingredient Statement:
100% Pure Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) Wood Oil.
Contains no artificial fragrances, synthetic fixatives, added alcohol, mineral oils, GMOs, parabens, or carrier oil fillers.
Botanical & Extraction Specifications
✓Botanical Name:Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière
✓Plant Family: Pinaceae (True Pine & Cedar Family)
✓Plant Part Utilized: Finely chipped cedar heartwood
✓Extraction Technique: 100% Steam Distilled (pure vapor extraction without chemical solvents)
✓Aromatic Note Classification: Base note with strong scent-holding properties
Understanding the Science: The Active Compounds
Atlas Cedarwood oil owes its properties to naturally occurring sesquiterpenes. The principal constituents identified in gas chromatography testing include beta-himachalene (approx. 25%–45%), alpha-himachalene (approx. 10%–18%), and gamma-himachalene, accompanied by oxygenated sesquiterpenes known as atlantones (alpha and gamma). These heavy, complex botanical compounds evaporate slowly, giving the oil its grounding fragrance and skin-clarifying qualities.
NOW Foods Laboratory Testing & Contaminant Verification
Essential oils are vulnerable to dilution, synthetic scent boosters, and pesticide contamination. NOW Foods operates in-house analytical laboratories staffed by full-time chemists, microbiologists, and quality control technicians. Every batch of NOW Atlas Cedar Oil is subjected to rigorous, multistage testing before release.
1. Gas Chromatography (GC-FID / GC-MS)
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry breaks the oil down into its individual chemical parts. It verifies that the bottle contains genuine Cedrus atlantica himachalenes and confirms the complete absence of synthetic fragrance compounds, artificial diluents, or undeclared carrier oils.
2. Strict Contaminant & Heavy Metal Limits
Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), NOW screens raw distillates for toxic heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) down to parts-per-billion (ppb). Multiresidue screening confirms the oil is free from synthetic agricultural pesticides, herbicides, and phthalate plasticizers.
3. Refractive Index & Density Testing
Physical characteristics must fall into exact parameters:
Specific Gravity of 0.920 to 0.945 at 20°C, and a Refractive Index of 1.5061 to 1.513 at 20°C. Deviations indicate improper distillation or adulteration and lead to batch rejection.
4. Amber Glass & Batch Traceability
Packaged in dark amber glass bottles with an internal dropper orifice to guard against ultraviolet light and photo-oxidation. Every bottle carries an individual lot number that customers can check directly against NOW's online Certificate of Analysis (CoA) database.
Therapeutic & Daily Uses Explained in Layman's Terms
Atlas cedarwood is widely used across personal care, mindfulness routines, and household applications:
1. Scalp Health & Hair Follicle Care
Atlas Cedarwood essential oil has earned clinical recognition in scalp wellness. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Archives of Dermatology (Hay et al., 1998), an essential oil blend containing Atlas Cedarwood (along with thyme, rosemary, and lavender diluted in jojoba and grapeseed oils) demonstrated significant clinical improvement in individuals experiencing scalp hair thinning and alopecia areata compared to carrier oil massage alone. The sesquiterpenes help clarify build-up around hair follicles, soothe a flaky scalp, and improve local microcirculation when combined with gentle scalp massage.
2. Grounding Evening Relaxation & Stress Relief
Inhalation of warm wood aromas stimulates the olfactory system, interacting with the emotional center of the brain (the limbic system). Aromatherapy research (Kagawa et al., Flavour and Fragrance Journal) shows that cedarwood aromas help calm sympathetic nervous system reactivity ("fight-or-flight") and support parasympathetic relaxation, making it an excellent botanical choice for winding down before bedtime.
3. Balancing Oily & Blemish-Prone Skin
Atlas Cedarwood functions as a gentle, natural astringent. When properly diluted in a non-comedogenic carrier oil like jojoba, it helps balance overactive sebum (oil) production, tightens enlarged pores, and calms redness without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
4. Natural Closet & Home Freshener
Unlike synthetic mothballs that contain harsh chemical naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, Atlas Cedarwood naturally repels fabric moths and clothing pests. Placing a few drops on cedar blocks or cotton balls in your dresser keeps linens smelling clean and woodsy.
How to Dilute Safely: Carrier Oil Ratios & Patch Testing
Pure essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Never apply undiluted Atlas Cedar Oil directly to bare skin. Always dilute it into a quality carrier oil—such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, or rosehip seed oil—prior to topical application.
Target Dilution
Drops per 1 oz (30 mL) Carrier
Best Recommended Application
0.5% to 1.0%
3 to 6 drops
Facial serums, sensitive skin, beard grooming, daily leave-on use
Localized spot applications, chest rubs, heavy insect-deterring linen sprays
How to Perform a Simple 24-Hour Skin Patch Test:
Mix 1 drop of NOW Atlas Cedar Oil into 1 teaspoon of jojoba or olive oil.
Dab 2 drops of the mixture onto your inner forearm.
Cover lightly with a bandage and leave undisturbed for 24 hours.
If any irritation, itching, or redness develops, discontinue use immediately. If no reaction occurs, the diluted blend is suitable for your skin.
Simple DIY Aromatherapy & Scalp Care Recipes
Because Atlas Cedarwood is a rich, long-lasting base note, it blends effectively with floral, citrus, and herbal oils:
1. Nighttime "Forest Rest" Diffuser Blend
Diffuse 30 minutes before bedtime to encourage quiet, deep rest:
3 drops NOW Atlas Cedar Oil
3 drops NOW Lavender Oil
2 drops NOW Frankincense Oil
2. Revitalizing Scalp & Hair Root Formula
Massage into the scalp 30 minutes before shampooing:
1 oz (30 mL) NOW Jojoba Oil (carrier base)
6 drops NOW Atlas Cedar Oil
4 drops NOW Rosemary Oil
2 drops NOW Tea Tree Oil
3. Grounding "Clear Focus" Study Blend
Diffuse during work, study, or morning meditation:
3 drops NOW Atlas Cedar Oil
3 drops NOW Sweet Orange Oil
2 drops NOW Eucalyptus Oil
4. Conditioning Woodsy Beard & Skin Oil
Warm 4 drops in hands and comb through beard hair daily:
1 oz (30 mL) NOW Argan or Almond Oil
4 drops NOW Atlas Cedar Oil
2 drops NOW Sandalwood Blend
Important Safety Information, Contraindications & Warnings
Preserved Manufacturer Warnings:
Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with care.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy. For Aromatherapeutic use only. Disclaimers: None.
To protect your wellness and satisfy safety guidelines (Tisserand & Young, Essential Oil Safety), adhere to the following precautions:
Never Ingest Internally: Pure essential oils are concentrated chemical compounds extracted from plant wood. Swallowing them can cause irritation to mucous membranes and systemic toxicity. They are for external and aromatherapy diffusion purposes only.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Do not use during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. If you are pregnant or lactating, consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before aromatic or topical exposure.
Eye & Mucous Membrane Safety: Avoid all contact with eyes, inner ears, open wounds, and delicate tissue. If oil accidentally comes into contact with your eye, flush immediately with a plant-based carrier oil (such as olive or jojoba oil) to dilute and lift the botanical extract; do not flush with plain water, which repels oil.
Pet Safety Around Diffusers: Cats and small animals lack specific glucuronidation liver enzymes needed to metabolize certain sesquiterpenes. When diffusing Atlas Cedar Oil in your home, ensure you use an open, well-ventilated room with an open doorway so pets can leave freely. Never apply essential oils topically to pets without veterinary supervision.
Medical Conditions: If you suffer from acute asthma, reactive respiratory conditions, or severe dermatological allergies, consult your medical specialist before incorporating essential oil diffusion into your daily routine.
Why Choose VitaNet, LLC for Your Natural Health Products?
When purchasing dietary supplements and pure botanical oils, purchasing from a verified, experienced retailer ensures product freshness, proper climate-controlled storage, and authentic sourcing.
✓Over 31 Years of Dedicated Experience: Founded in 1995 as a family-owned, independent Ohio retailer, VitaNet®, LLC brings over 31 years of hands-on industry experience and a deep understanding of human biochemistry to online natural health retail[cite: 1].
✓Physical Retail Storefront: We operate a physical retail brick-and-mortar store located at 887 Edison Street Northwest, Hartville, Ohio 44632[cite: 1].
✓Extensive Selection of Trusted Brands: VitaNet carries an extensive catalog of over 16,000+ name-brand vitamins, herbs, natural sweeteners, sports nutrition, and specialty supplements[cite: 1].
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✓Unconditional 100% Money-Back Guarantee: We offer an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee on all products, paying the shipping back on all returns for a complete refund whether opened or not[cite: 1].
✓Direct Telephone Assistance: Have questions about your order? Speak directly with our knowledgeable team at (330) 877-8786 or toll-free at 1-800-877-8702 during regular retail hours[cite: 1].
FDA & Legal Regulatory Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding medical symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Atlas Cedar Oil and standard Cedarwood Oil?
Atlas Cedar Oil is distilled exclusively from true cedar trees (Cedrus atlantica, Pinaceae family) native to the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. It is rich in himachalene sesquiterpenes, yielding a warm, balsamic, softly sweet wood aroma. Standard or American cedarwood oils are typically derived from red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) or Texas cedar (Juniperus mexicana), which belong to the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and carry a sharper, pencil-shaving scent dominant in cedrol.
Can I apply NOW Atlas Cedar Oil directly to my bare skin without a carrier?
No. Pure Atlas Cedar Oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied "neat" (undiluted) to the skin, as it can cause irritation or contact dermatitis. Always dilute it in a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or rosehip seed oil at a 1% to 2% concentration (approximately 3 to 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil) and perform a small patch test first.
How does Atlas Cedarwood Oil help support scalp health and hair?
Atlas Cedarwood essential oil supports a balanced scalp microbiome by breaking down excess sebum, clarifying build-up around hair follicles, and soothing dry or flaky skin. In a landmark clinical trial published in the Archives of Dermatology (Hay et al., 1998), cedarwood was an active botanical in a topical essential oil formula that demonstrated improvements in scalp wellness and hair density compared to control groups.
How does NOW Foods verify the purity and quality of this essential oil?
NOW Foods tests every batch in in-house laboratories using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm botanical identity and screen for adulterants or synthetic additives. They also perform physical testing (Refractive Index 1.5061–1.513 and Specific Gravity 0.920–0.945), verify heavy metal purity via ICP-MS, and publish batch Certificates of Analysis (CoA) online searchable by lot number.
Can NOW Atlas Cedar Oil be taken internally or swallowed?
No. NOW Atlas Cedar Oil is designated for external aromatherapeutic and cosmetic topical use only. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause severe chemical burns to mucous membranes, esophageal irritation, and systemic toxicity if ingested. Never swallow essential oils.
How should I store my bottle of Atlas Cedar Oil to prevent degradation?
Store the amber glass bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Keep the cap tightly sealed between uses to prevent the volatile sesquiterpenes from evaporating or oxidizing, which preserves its therapeutic potency for up to 3 to 5 years.
