Guaiac wood — phonetically pronounced “gwai-ak” — has quickly become one of the buzziest notes in perfumery, present in countless indie fragrances (and a few more popular scents, too).

Native to the northern coast of South America, the minds behind Aesop’s cult-loved scents explain that the raw material used in perfumery is “found in resinous guaiacum trees.” And while there are some false narratives around the origin of the raw material linking it to the (also very popular) palo santo tree, the perfume note is similar in essence, but actually entirely different.

When used in fine fragrance compositions, Aesop’s experts share with Bustle that “guaiac wood has always acted as a nice link between heart notes and base notes.” In other words? After a scent’s first few spritzes, those initial top notes (such as bergamot or lemon) softly dissipate. Soon after, what remains is the heart of the scent — which often features a bouquet of florals among other notes — along with the base notes, which mostly house woods, ambers, musks, and more.

Guaiac wood often lives somewhere between the heart and base notes of a fragrance, creating some serious dimension and depth for a long-lasting, sensual aroma that lives on skin hours after application. What’s more? The Aesop team further describes the scent as “resinous and lightly smokey,” and “can add an amber-like depth that balances out and sweetens more powdery notes,” which means it’s perfect for a more modern nose.

In need of a new signature scent that may not be entirely mainstream? Here are 14 perfumes that feature guaiac wood (one of which just so happens to be Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ current go-to).

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See Vahy's Ember Haze 

Bringing with it a sense of warmth and sensual smokiness, Ember Haze is defined by notes of spiced cardamom, almond bitter, earthy patchouli, and vanilla-drenched guaiac wood. 

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