In short: teakwood in a candle smells smooth, dark and woody, with a warm, slightly leathery and earthy depth. It is the polished-wood smell of a ship's deck or a good piece of furniture.
What teakwood smells like
Teakwood is one of the most popular wood notes in candles, especially "masculine" ones. It is darker and richer than cedar, drier than sandalwood, and often has a hint of leather, smoke or spice. It feels sturdy and refined at the same time.
Where it comes from
Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tropical hardwood native to India and Southeast Asia, prized for boats and outdoor furniture because its natural oils make it resistant to water and rot. Freshly cut teak has a mild, leathery smell, but there is no teak oil used in perfume.
The "teakwood" note in candles is an accord, built from other woody materials such as cedarwood, vetiver and woody aroma molecules, sometimes with a touch of leather or smoke. Our candles use fragrance oils with a teakwood accord.
How it is used
Teakwood is a base note. It anchors coastal, study and "cabin" blends and gives them a dark, polished wood character.
What it pairs with
- Sea salt and orange peel, for a boat deck or beach house
- Leather and tobacco, for a gentleman's study
- Rose and patchouli, for something dark and romantic
- Amber and spice, for warmth
Our candles with teakwood
- Hidden Cove: teakwood with sea salt and orange peel.
- Guardhouse Armory: teakwood with leather, saffron and sandalwood.
- Arcane Library: teakwood with old leather, rose and patchouli.
Common questions
Does real teak smell like a teakwood candle? Not much. Teak has a mild, leathery smell; the candle note is a richer blend inspired by the wood.
Is teakwood a good candle for men? It is one of the most popular choices for men's gifts, but its warm wood character suits any room.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Woody & Earthy candles.