Sandalwood Oil

Santalum album L.

The scientific name for Sandalwood Oil is *Santalum album*. This name derives from its genus, Santalum, which encompasses various species of sandalwood trees. The term "album" refers to its native habitat in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. Historically, sandalwood has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicinal practices, religious ceremonies, and as a fragrant wood. Its significance in history is reflected in the ancient texts of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it was highly sought after for its therapeutic properties and aromatic qualities.

General Information About Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil is derived from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree, primarily Santalum album, which is renowned for its distinctive, warm, and woody aroma. This oil is extracted through steam distillation, a method that preserves the essential properties of the wood. Sandalwood oil is known for its various applications in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and skincare, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing qualities. Its rich, creamy texture and subtle fragrance make it an ideal addition to many skincare products, offering both sensory pleasure and therapeutic benefits.

Benefits and Uses

- Soothes irritated skin:

Sandalwood oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing irritated or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

- Supports skin healing: It has antiseptic qualities that help prevent infections and support skin healing processes, making it useful for minor cuts, scrapes, and blemishes.

- Tightens and tones skin: This oil acts as a natural astringent, helping to tighten and tone the skin, which can reduce the appearance of pores and lead to a smoother complexion.

- Hydrates and nourishes: Sandalwood oil has hydrating properties that assist in maintaining skin moisture levels, making it beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin types.

- Promotes relaxation: Its calming and soothing aroma contributes to stress relief and relaxation, enhancing overall well-being when used in skincare routines or aromatherapy practices.

- Balances oily skin: Sandalwood oil is often used to balance oily skin by reducing excess sebum production, promoting a clearer complexion.

- Protects against free radicals: Its antioxidant properties help to combat free radicals, thus supporting skin health and potentially reducing the signs of premature ageing.

- Enhances skin elasticity: Sandalwood oil is known for its potential to improve skin elasticity and firmness, making it a popular choice for anti-ageing formulations.

Sandalwood Oil in Kissed Earth Products

Kissed Earth incorporates sandalwood oil into its product line, enhancing the benefits provided by their luxurious formulations. For instance, in the Enrich Collagen Body Butter, sandalwood oil works synergistically with cold-pressed oils and butters to nourish and smooth the skin. The rich texture and nourishing properties of this combination ensure that the skin feels soft and rejuvenated.


Similarly, the Radiance Collagen Night Cream employs sandalwood oil within its complex blend of ingredients aimed at soothing and restoring the skin overnight. These product formulations harness the natural benefits of sandalwood oil to provide an optimal skincare experience.

Sandalwood Oil FAQs

Sandalwood oil is a natural essential oil extracted from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree, predominantly Santalum album. The extraction process involves steam distillation, ensuring the retention of the oil’s therapeutic properties. Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial for protecting sandalwood populations, reflecting the importance placed on conservation within the industry.

Yes, sandalwood oil possesses antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps to reduce inflammation, while its astringent qualities work to minimise excess oil production, making it a suitable addition to acne treatment formulations.

Sandalwood oil is known for its soothing and calming properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. However, as with any skincare ingredient, conducting a patch test prior to widespread use is recommended to ensure individual compatibility and to avoid potential allergic reactions.

The antioxidant and hydrating properties of sandalwood oil contribute to its effectiveness in addressing signs of ageing. It helps maintain skin moisture, improves elasticity, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.

Absolutely! Sandalwood oil can be incorporated into a variety of DIY skincare recipes. It can be combined with carrier oils, creams, or masks to enhance their soothing and hydrating effects while providing a pleasant fragrance. However, it is essential to follow safety guidelines and recommended dilution ratios when formulating personal skincare products.

The aroma of sandalwood oil is calming and grounding, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy. Its scent is believed to reduce stress and anxiety whilst fostering a sense of peace and clarity. This therapeutic effect contributes to an overall improved skincare routine by promoting relaxation during application processes.