You can tell a fake Palo Santo by examining its aroma, appearance, weight, burning characteristics, and the reputation of the seller. Authentic Palo Santo sticks have a distinctive fragrance, a solid and smooth appearance, and should come from a reliable and sustainable source. 

With the increasing popularity of Palo Santo, there is a growing presence of fake or low-quality products on the market. Here are some tips to help you identify genuine Palo Santo: 

Aroma

Authentic Palo Santo has a distinctive sweet, woody, and slightly citrusy scent, both in its raw form and when burned. If the Palo Santo you purchase lacks this characteristic aroma or smells off, it may be fake or of low quality. Genuine Palo Santo has a rich, complex fragrance that should be immediately noticeable. 

Appearance

Palo Santo wood typically has a light to medium golden-brown color with fine grains. It should appear smooth and solid, without excessive cracks or discoloration. If the wood looks too uniform, lacks the typical grain patterns, or has an unnatural color, it may not be genuine. 

Weight and Density

Authentic Palo Santo is relatively dense and heavy for its size. If the wood feels unusually light or brittle, it might be fake or improperly dried. Genuine Palo Santo should feel solid and sturdy in your hand. 

Source and Seller

Ensure that you purchase Palo Santo from a reputable seller who sources it sustainably and ethically. Look for vendors who provide information about the origin of their Palo Santo, such as whether it’s harvested from naturally fallen trees or deadwood, which is the traditional and sustainable method. Avoid sellers who cannot verify the source of their products. 

Burning Characteristics

Genuine Palo Santo burns cleanly, producing a steady stream of smoke with a sweet and resinous scent. It should smoulder rather than flame up and should be easy to relight after being extinguished. If your Palo Santo burns too quickly, doesn’t produce much smoke, or emits an unpleasant odour, it might be fake or of poor quality. 

Price and Packaging

While price alone isn’t always an indicator, very cheap Palo Santo may be a sign of low quality or unethical sourcing. Additionally, be cautious of products that are heavily processed or overly commercialized, such as pre-scented or artificially colored sticks. 

Trust Your Intuition

If something feels off about the Palo Santo you’ve purchased—whether it’s the scent, appearance, or energy—trust your instincts. Authentic Palo Santo carries a natural energy that resonates with those who use it for spiritual and healing practices. 

 Author: Coralee Roberts

Coralee is a passionate health and wellness advocate with a deep understanding of holistic living. Driven by a desire to empower herself and others to achieve optimal health and well-being, she has been practicing smudging and energy cleansing for several years. In 2024, Coralee decided to formalize her knowledge and completed a certificate in smudging, deepening her understanding of this transformative practice. Through her writing and teachings, Coralee aims to inspire and support others on their own paths towards wellness and resilience.