Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil is an essential oil extracted from the wood of the Santalum austrocaledonicum tree, native to New Caledonia. Renowned for its warm, woody, and creamy aroma, this oil is valued in perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The primary chemical components of Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil include:

Santalol: A major sesquiterpene alcohol (C15H24O) known for its characteristic warm, woody, and creamy scent.
Santalene: A sesquiterpene (C15H24) that contributes to the woodsy and earthy notes of the oil.
Santalene Epoxide: A derivative that adds depth to the aromatic profile.
Other Sesquiterpenes: Various sesquiterpenes and their derivatives that enrich the oil's fragrance and therapeutic properties.

Physical Properties

Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil generally has the following physical properties:

Color: Typically pale yellow to amber.
Odor: Warm, creamy, and woody, with complex balsamic and slightly sweet undertones.
Solubility: Soluble in oils and alcohols but not in water.

Production Process

The production process for Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil involves:

Harvesting: Collection of the wood from the Santalum austrocaledonicum tree.
Distillation: The wood is subjected to steam distillation to extract the essential oil.
Purification: The extracted oil is purified to remove impurities and ensure high quality.
Standardization: The oil may be standardized to maintain consistent quality and composition.

Applications

Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil is used in:

Perfumery: As a base note in fragrances, providing a rich, long-lasting woody aroma.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare and personal care products for its unique scent and potential benefits.
Aromatherapy: Used in essential oil blends and diffusers for its calming and grounding effects.
Traditional Medicine: Employed in traditional remedies for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Safety

Santalum austrocaledonicum wood oil is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It should be used in appropriate concentrations to avoid skin irritation. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to aromatic substances should use the oil with caution.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to minimize environmental impact and preserve Santalum austrocaledonicum habitats. The production and extraction processes should be managed responsibly to reduce waste and ensure the sustainability of the resource. Proper labeling and usage guidelines are crucial for the safe and effective use of the oil.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.
Synonyms:

CAS: 91845-48-6 EC number 295-223-5