Ingredient:
What is the fancy Latin name for sandalwood?
Where does sandalwood come from?
India and Australia, predominantly. The Indian species, Santalum album, is the most revered form, but is now endangered due to aggressive harvesting practices, and the essential oil supply is very limited. We use wild Australian sandalwood, Santalum spicatum, which is wild or plantation-grown and ethically harvested, with sustainability practices monitored closely by the Australian government. The aromatic profile of the Australian species is similar to that of the Indian species, especially as the oil wears on the skin over time.
Recently, we have also found an Australian, plantation-grown sandalwood of the Santalum album variety, which we use in our Craft Series products from time to time. This stunning oil has more of the traditional Mysore sandalwood profile aromatically, but without the ethical issues that accompany Indian-grown sandalwood.
What are the aromatherapy benefits of sandalwood?
Sandalwood has been used in religious and social ceremonies for millennia, and is still used to facilitate meditation, move through stages of grief, and encourage creativity.
It is also used to support emotional balance in cases of anxiety and low mood, and is considered an effective aphrodisiac. Some people find it helpful for improving sleep quality.
In Ayurveda, sandalwood is used to calm excess Pitta (fire). Traditional Chinese medicine uses sandalwood to cool inflamed conditions of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and pulmonary systems.
Its warm, woody scent tends to feel grounding rather than stimulating, which is part of what makes it so versatile in both perfumery and emotional support.
What are the skin benefits of sandalwood?
Sandalwood is a mild astringent and has antibacterial qualities. It is also anti-inflammatory, which makes it useful for certain skin concerns like acne, irritation, and eczema.
Because it is generally well-tolerated in low concentrations, sandalwood essential oil is often included in formulations designed for sensitive or reactive skin.
Red sandalwood powder, which comes from a completely different family of trees than sandalwood oil, is used as a mild exfoliant and skin brightener.
Is sandalwood essential oil safe for skin?
When properly diluted in a well-formulated product, sandalwood essential oil is considered safe for most skin types.
As with all essential oils, concentration matters. Undiluted application can cause irritation, and individual sensitivity is always possible. If your skin is reactive, starting with low concentrations or patch testing is a good idea.
Why is sustainable sandalwood sourcing important?
Sandalwood is one of the most overharvested aromatic woods in the world. The high demand for Santalum alba has led to illegal harvesting and significant depletion of native populations.
Australian-grown sandalwood offers a more sustainable alternative, with regulated harvesting and replanting programs in place. Supporting responsibly sourced sandalwood helps preserve both the species and the communities involved in its cultivation.
Fun facts about sandalwood:
- Sandalwood essential oil is harvested when the trees are between 30 and 50 years old—good things DO come to those who wait! The oil has been used in perfumery for over 2000 years and is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
- Sandalwood has a scandalous history, mostly centered around illegal smuggling of the highly valuable wood and essential oil. The most famous sandalwood smuggler was an Indian bandit called Veerappan, who murdered over 100 people in his smuggling career, and was finally killed by a special task force called Operation Cocoon in 2004. The Indian people celebrated his death. He was also an elephant poacher, so he was a doubly unpopular guy.
- One last fact: Sandalwood trees are parasitic in nature, meaning that they derive some or all of their nutrients from the roots of other living plants. (Feed me, Seymour!) As you can imagine, this makes it all the more difficult to grow, as you have to provide adequate host plants in addition to the sandalwood trees themselves.
With love and so much (sustainably-sourced) sandalwood from us to you,
The information contained in this post is for educational interest only and is not intended to represent claims for actions of sandalwood. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness or disease.
