Not all Palo Santo is created equal.
At first glance, two sticks might look similar – but once lit, the difference becomes instantly clear. The aroma, the burn, and even the overall experience can vary significantly depending on the quality of the wood.
If you’ve ever struggled to keep Palo Santo lit or wondered why the scent feels weak, the answer often comes down to one thing: grade.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between 1st grade Palo Santo vs 2nd grade, so you can choose the right one for your rituals, wellbeing, and home.
What Does “Grade” Mean in Palo Santo?
The “grade” of Palo Santo refers to the quality of the wood, which is influenced by:
- How long it has naturally aged
- The concentration of essential oils within the wood
- The density and condition of the stick
Because Palo Santo develops its signature aroma only after natural ageing, higher-grade wood delivers a noticeably richer and more consistent experience.
If you’re new to palo santo, it’s worth understanding its origins, benefits, and traditional uses before choosing a grade. You can read our full guide on palo santo benefits and how to use it.
1st Grade vs 2nd Grade Palo Santo
Here’s how the two compare side by side:
| Feature | 1st Grade | 2nd Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Quality | Premium, carefully selected wood from well-aged fallen trees | Lower grade, often from less mature or unevenly aged wood |
| Aroma | Strong, rich, and long-lasting with clear citrus, mint, and woody notes | Lighter, less complex scent that fades more quickly |
| Seasoning (Ageing) | Aged for several years, allowing essential oils to fully develop | Less time to age, resulting in lower oil concentration |
| Appearance | Dense, slightly oily surface with a golden to deep brown colour | Drier, lighter in colour, sometimes rough or uneven |
| Smoulder Properties | Burns evenly, stays lit longer, produces consistent aromatic smoke | May struggle to stay lit, requires relighting, produces less smoke |
| Best For | Rituals, aromatherapy, relaxation, energy cleansing | Casual use, light scenting, beginners exploring Palo Santo |
What This Means for Your Experience
When you burn 1st grade Palo Santo, you’ll notice:
- A smoother, more consistent burn
- A fuller, longer-lasting aroma
- Less effort needed to keep it smouldering
- A more immersive, calming experience
This is because the wood has had time to naturally develop its aromatic compounds, making each use more effective and enjoyable.
In contrast, 2nd grade Palo Santo can feel underwhelming – often producing lighter smoke and requiring more effort to maintain.
How to Identify High-Quality Palo Santo
Choosing the right Palo Santo doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s what to check:
- Scent (unlit): A strong, pleasant aroma is a good sign of high oil content. We can tell that Palo Santo is in our parcel before even opening the box.
- Weight: Heavier sticks often indicate denser, resin-rich wood
- Texture: Slightly oily rather than dry
- Colour: Rich golden or deep brown tones
- Source: Sustainably and ethically harvested
If the wood smells weak before lighting, it’s unlikely to improve when burned.
If you’re looking for a richer aroma and a smoother burn, choosing high-quality Palo Santo sticks makes all the difference. You can explore our sustainably sourced 1st grade Palo Santo sticks.
Which Grade Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on how you plan to use Palo Santo:
Choose 1st Grade if you:
- Want a strong, noticeable aroma
- Use Palo Santo for rituals or energy cleansing
- Value a smoother, longer burn
- Care about the overall experience and quality
Choose 2nd Grade if you:
- Are just starting out
- Prefer a lighter scent
- Want a more budget-friendly option
- Looking to buy in bulk for events
- Don’t mind relighting occasionally
Why Quality Matters in Your Ritual
Palo santo is often used during moments of intention – whether that’s unwinding after a long day or creating a calm, grounding space.
Using higher-quality wood helps:
- Create a more consistent atmosphere
- Reduce frustration (like constant relighting)
- Enhance the overall sensory experience
It’s a small upgrade that can make your ritual feel more effortless and enjoyable.
Sustainability Still Comes First
Regardless of grade, responsibly sourced Palo Santo should always follow the same principles:
- Only naturally fallen trees are used
- Wood is aged on the forest floor for several years
- Harvesting supports regeneration and biodiversity
Choosing high-quality Palo Santo should never come at the expense of sustainability – it should go hand in hand.
Final Thoughts: Is 1st Grade Palo Santo Worth It?
If you’re looking for a richer scent, better burn, and a more elevated experience, 1st grade Palo Santo is absolutely worth it.
While 2nd grade can still be used, the difference becomes clear the moment you light it.
For those who value wellbeing, ritual, and quality, investing in better Palo Santo simply makes the experience more enjoyable – every single time.
