Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a highly valued tree species native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Renowned for its aromatic heartwood, Santalum album is prized in the perfume and traditional medicine industries. The essential oil extracted from this tree is known for its distinctive, rich, and long-lasting scent.

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Santalales
Family: Santalaceae
Genus: Santalum
Species: Santalum album

Plant Characteristics: Santalum album is characterized by:

Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are typically greenish or yellowish. They are arranged in dense clusters and are not the primary feature of the plant but contribute to the overall reproductive process.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic to lanceolate in shape. They have a leathery texture and a dark green color, adapted to withstand varying climatic conditions.
Growth Habit: Santalum album is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, usually growing up to 9 meters in height. It has a rounded canopy and smooth, light brown bark that becomes rougher with age. The tree has a slow growth rate and a long lifespan.
Soil and Light: Prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clayey soils. It is suited to tropical and subtropical climates and requires full sunlight to grow optimally.

Chemical Composition and Structure: The chemical composition of Santalum album includes:

Sandalwood Essential Oil: The heartwood of Santalum album contains essential oils rich in sesquiterpenes, particularly santalol, which is responsible for the wood's distinctive aroma. The oil also includes santalene and other minor components.
Santalol and Santalene: These are the major components of sandalwood oil, providing a warm, woody, and balsamic fragrance. They are highly valued in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Fatty Acids and Esters: Present in smaller amounts, these compounds contribute to the oil's aromatic profile and potential therapeutic benefits.

Uses and Benefits:

Medicinal: Sandalwood essential oil is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and sedative properties. It is used to treat skin conditions, respiratory issues, and to promote relaxation.
Cosmetic: The essential oil is incorporated into skincare products for its soothing, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties. It is found in creams, lotions, and facial treatments, adding a luxurious fragrance and offering potential skin benefits.
Aromatic: Sandalwood oil is highly valued in perfumery and aromatherapy for its rich, long-lasting scent. It is used in diffusers, scented candles, and various personal care products for its calming and grounding effects.
Industrial: The wood and oil are used in the production of high-end perfumes and as fixatives in fragrance formulations, enhancing the longevity and complexity of scents.

Applications:

Medicinal: Utilized in traditional remedies for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Commonly found in topical treatments, inhalers, and relaxation aids.
Cosmetic: Incorporated into various skincare products for its scent and beneficial properties. Present in face creams, body lotions, and perfumes.
Aromatic: Employed in aromatherapy and perfumery for its distinct fragrance. Used in essential oil blends, diffusers, and scented products.
Industrial: Applied in the creation of luxury perfumes and as a fixative in fragrance formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Santalum album is a slow-growing species and has faced overharvesting pressures in its native range. Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of sandalwood populations and to protect the ecosystem.
Safety: Generally considered safe for use in recommended amounts. Sandalwood essential oil should be used with caution, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are pregnant. High concentrations may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always follow safety guidelines and consult a professional if needed.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84787-70-2 EC number 284-111-1