Santal by Nish Parfum

Santal by Nish Parfum: A Woody Aromatic Scent

Perfume house Nish Parfum has introduced Santal, a fresh woody aromatic fragrance designed for both women and men. The scent made its debut in 2025 and was created by perfumer Nishad.

The composition is built around sandalwood, Virginia cedar, cardamom, leather, Egyptian papyrus, violet, amber and iris. It is an intriguing union of powdery florals and deep, woody notes.

On first application, Santal is quite energetic: the cardamom cuts through with a peppery, green sharpness, while the cedar provides a stiffer, drier contrast. As the scent settles, the sandalwood emerges—creamy, almost milky in consistency—and takes over as the dominant theme.

The heart introduces a softer, more delicate character. Violet and iris create a powdery, cosmetic sensation, which is pleasantly complicated by the presence of leather. Instead of being heavy, the leather here reads as a sleek, mineralic accent, boosted by the papyrus.

Towards the base, amber wraps the whole composition in a warm, golden glow. There's also a subtle animalic undertone that prevents the scent from becoming too polite. This is where Santal shows its depth, lingering on the skin for hours without shouting.

The accords are chiefly woody, powdery, violet, warm spicy, leathery, iris, amber, aromatic and animalic. That said, the perfume remains surprisingly balanced, shifting from one facet to another without abrupt changes.

Being a unisex launch from 2025, Santal fits the current trend for skin-oriented perfumes. It's elegant enough for formal settings yet casual enough for everyday wear, making it a flexible addition to any collection.

Those with a preference for woody and smoky scents will find a lot to like, as will fans of powdery iris. It's a perfume for people who want something versatile but with a distinct personality.

Santal is a welcome new entry from Nish Parfum, offering a well-crafted woody aromatic that never feels overdone. It confirms that the house knows how to balance tradition with innovation.