Soil phenolic matter (SPM) constitutes an important compartment of the soil organic matter (SOM). However, a very few studies on their different forms and on their distribution in soil is available. The present paper deals with an investigation of experimental pedology aimed at evaluating the distribution of phenolic matter as a possible indicator of soil use impact. The investigation was carried out on 7 soil profiles (Andosols, Calcisols, Cambisols, Fluvisols, Lixisols, Podzols) with different land use: mountain pasture, grass, cereal, oak, chestnut, pine and eucalyptus wood. Three main SPM fractions were categorized: 1) the “total” (SPMt, extracted by 0.1M NaOH), 2) the “soluble” (SPMs, extracted by deionized water) and 3) that with “high” (SPMh, as SPMt-SPMs) affinity with soil body. The content of all SPM fractions, as well as the phenolic parameters values, are usually larger in surface A horizons than in the deep B and C ones. Both SPM fractions and phenolic parameters appear to vary along soil profiles according to the different pedoclimatic environments and soil use. Our data suggest that the amount and the distribution of soil phenolic matter could be regarded as indicators of anthropic impact as well as of peculiar pedogenetic processes.