Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil — INCI Information

Indian sandalwood

Preferred INCI name: Santalum Album Wood Oil
Alternative supplier-listed INCI: Santalum Album Oil
Botanical name: Santalum album L.
Common names: Indian Sandalwood, East Indian Sandalwood, White Sandalwood
Plant family: Santalaceae
Part used: Heartwood and wood chips
Extraction method: Steam or hydrodistillation
CAS numbers: 8006-87-9 and/or 84787-70-2
EC number: 284-111-1
Origin: Plant-derived essential oil

Product description

Sandalwood Essential Oil is a viscous aromatic oil obtained by distilling the fragrant heartwood of Santalum album. It possesses a rich, creamy, woody and softly sweet aroma and is widely used as a long-lasting base note in perfumes, soaps, body oils and luxury skincare products.

The recognized Santalum Album Wood Oil ingredient is obtained from sandalwood and functions as a fragrance in cosmetic formulations. 

Cosmetic functions

• Fragrancing

• Masks undesirable formulation odours

• Provides a warm, woody base note

• Helps anchor and extend lighter fragrance notes

• Enhances the sensory profile of skincare and haircare products

The primary recognized cosmetic function is fragrance. Avoid unsupported medicinal claims such as treating acne, eczema or fungal infections.

Physical properties

Appearance: Clear, pale-yellow to golden-yellow viscous liquid
Odour: Rich, woody, creamy, warm, sweet and balsamic
Solubility: Oil-soluble and soluble in alcohol; insoluble in water
Volatility: Low; functions as a perfume base note
Principal aromatic constituents: Alpha-santalol and beta-santalol

Typical usage rate

• Facial oils and serums: 0.05–0.3%

• Creams and lotions: 0.05–0.5%

• Body oils and balms: 0.1–1%

• Soaps and rinse-off products: 0.2–1%

• Perfumes and fragrance concentrates: According to the fragrance design and applicable IFRA limit

These are formulation starting ranges, not universal safety limits. Follow the supplier’s current IFRA certificate, allergen declaration and SDS for the relevant finished-product category.

Formulation guidance

Add during the cool-down stage, preferably below 40°C, to reduce aromatic losses. Sandalwood essential oil cannot be added directly to water-based products without a suitable solubiliser or emulsifying system.

Conduct stability, compatibility and skin-safety testing. Avoid applying the concentrated essential oil directly to the skin or near the eyes.