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What Does Gaiac Wood Smell Like?

Gaiac wood comes from Guaiacum Officinale, a rare and protected tree that ranges from the West Indies to the northern coast of South America and the Galapagos Islands. Gaiac wood is so dense that it sinks in water, yet 20 percent resin content makes it self-lubricating and intensely fragrant. Spanish explorers used gaiac wood as a substitute for incense in religious ceremonies, calling it Palo Santo or "holy stick." When burned, it gives off an aroma similar to a combination of frankincense and sandalwood. Today, gaiac's star is on the rise in the fragrance and cosmetic industries, where it plays an important role as an ingredient in high-end fragrances and skin care products.

  1. Essence Extraction

    • Guayacol is one of the 12 perfumer's wood notes.

      Gaiac essence is extracted from wood chips via a steam distillation process that produces a concentrated substance known as guayacol. Guayacol combines the olfactory qualities of balsamic tree resins with the smoky character of wood fibers. In fragrances, guayacol can be used as a base note, as a fixative that enhances the properties of other ingredients or it can play a larger role in the heart of the fragrance. Guayacol is present in premium home fragrances as well as men's and women's colognes, perfumes and soaps.

    Perfume Popularity

    • In 1995, Bulgari Pour Homme men's fragrance was introduced with gaiac as a notable ingredient. Following the successful introduction of another fragrance, Armani Code with gaiac in 2004, the number of new scents that included guayacol skyrocketed. Unlike many woods, gaiac mixes well with rose-based fragrances as well as vanilla and sandalwood blends. A number of women's designer fragrances now include gaiac although it plays a lighter role. Men's fragrances tend to incorporate more woody notes and utilize the essence at greater strength. Antioxidant properties of guayacol and gaiac wood resin are also being investigated for wider use in cosmetic and skin care products.

    History and Uses

    • Woodworkers still use gaiac wood.

      The resin in gaiac makes the wood hard to break. Mariners made rigging pins for their ships out of the wood, and early factory designers used it for self-lubricating ball bearings. Gaiac was also called lignum vitae, which means “wood of life,” due to its wide variety of uses, from bowling balls to judges’ gavels. The green-veined wood is still popular with sculptors, carvers and furniture craftsmen who use it for accent touches and inlay. Folk medicine uses of gaiac resin as a treatment for gout and arthritis are being investigated by the pharmaceutical industry.

    Plant Propagation

    • Guaiacum Officinale can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9- 11. The tree grows slowly in full sun to an average height of 30 feet. The twisted trunks and branches effect a dramatic, windswept look. Small evergreen leaves set off attractive star-shaped blue or purple flowers. Provided there is excellent drainage, the tree will bloom twice a year. The blossom is the official flower of Jamaica.

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