Pine essential oil is the brightest of our forest scents, and one of the most instantly recognisable smells there is. It reads as fresh air, clean and outdoorsy – the green heart of the Nordic woods.

What pine smells like

Crisp, resinous and green, with a clean balsamic sweetness. It is sharper and more lively than cedarwood, and a little softer than a pure conifer needle. The overall impression is fresh, cool and open-air.

Simple ways to use it

• Diffuse it for a clean, forest-fresh room – 4 to 6 drops.
• Use it in a homemade room spray to freshen a hallway or kitchen.
• Add a drop to a sauna ladle of water for a classic Nordic scent (well away from anyone with sensitivities).

Pine is fairly bright, so start light. Patch test before skin use, dilute properly, and keep it away from the eyes.

What pine pairs with

• With cedarwood for a full forest, top to bottom.
• With lemon for a clean, bright, outdoorsy lift.
• With spruce for a soft, layered woodland scent.

If you love the smell of the outdoors, pine belongs in your collection. See the whole range in the shop, or read our guide to scent families.