| Name | Sandalwood oil |
| INCI Name | Santalum Album |
Sandalwood oil helps nourish the skin, improves the elasticity of skin cells, and evens out skin tone. Sandalwood oil contains antioxidants that help maintain the buoyancy and structure of skin cells. It also reduces dryness and replenishes moisture, increasing skin elasticity. The rich antioxidant component in sandalwood can help prevent wrinkles by fighting free radical formation. Sandalwood oil can contribute to a more even skin tone or skin whitening due to its various skin-loving properties.
What is Sandalwood oil?The scientific name is Santalum album. The common name is Indian Sandalwood or White Sandalwood. This tree is native to India, particularly abundant in the southern states like Karnataka (famously known as the "Sandalwood State"), Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Sandalwood is deeply intertwined with Indian culture, religion, and traditional medicine (Ayurveda).
Sandalwood trees grow very, very slowly. It can take 30 to 60 years for a tree to mature enough to produce high-quality, fragrant heartwood. This slow growth contributes to its rarity and high cost.
Sandalwood trees are hemi-parasitic or semi-parasitic. This means they can photosynthesize, but their roots also latch onto the roots of other plants to draw water and nutrients from the soil.
Sandalwood oil is obtained through steam distillation. The main active compounds in Sandalwood oil are a group of molecules called Santalols, primarily Alpha-Santalol and Beta-Santalol. These are responsible for its distinctive aroma and most of its therapeutic benefits, especially its anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties.
It helps to calm redness, soothe irritation, alleviate itching, and reduce swelling associated with various skin conditions like acne breakouts, rosacea, eczema, and general sensitivity.
While not a primary moisturizing oil like avocado oil, when blended into creams and lotions, Sandalwood oil helps to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Its emollient properties leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Due to its slow growth, semi-parasitic nature, and historical over-harvesting, pure Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is one of the most expensive essential oils globally. It is now a protected species in India, and its harvesting is strictly regulated.
What does Sandalwood oil do to your skin?Sandalwood oil profoundly benefits the skin by calming inflammation and redness, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated complexions. It also acts as an antiseptic, helping to purify skin and fight blemishes, while promoting a clearer, more radiant, and even-toned appearance.
Found in WHITE SLATEFound in Face & Body Polisher which gently purifies and calms the skin, while contributing to a smoother & more radiant skin.
