Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)
A revered wood oil with calming, anti‑inflammatory properties that supports comfortable, balanced skin.
Reduces Inflammation
East Indian sandalwood oil contains sesquiterpenes such as α‑ and β‑santalol. Studies suggest anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Skin Benefits of Sandalwood
- Helps calm visible redness and discomfort
- Supports clearer‑looking skin with antimicrobial action in vitro
- Provides a grounding aromatic experience
Hair Benefits of Sandalwood
- Soothes scalp feel in rinse‑off hair care
Traditional Use & Modern Science
Clinical and preclinical reports cite benefits in inflammatory skin conditions; mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory pathways.
Fermentation Advantage (Matter & Magic)
Fermentation can enhance skin compatibility and improve delivery of sesquiterpene constituents.
Safety & Usage Notes
- Use at appropriate dilutions; essential oils may sensitize some users
- Avoid undiluted application; patch‑test first
References
- Moy RL. Sandalwood oil in dermatology (2017). PMC5749697.
- Sharma M. EISO & inflammatory responses (2017). PMC5352686.
- Santha S. α‑santalol review (2015). PMID:26026073.
FAQs
Q: How does sandalwood oil calm skin irritation and redness?
A: Sandalwood’s sesquiterpenes modulate inflammatory pathways, which can reduce the look and feel of irritation when properly formulated.
Q: Does sandalwood oil support wound healing and acne-prone skin?
A: Reports suggest benefits in multiple inflammatory skin contexts; always patch‑test to ensure tolerance.
Q: What role has sandalwood oil played in traditional medicine and rituals?
A: Sandalwood has millennia of use in Ayurveda and spiritual traditions for its calming, purifying properties.
Q: How does fermentation improve absorption of sandalwood oil actives?
A: Fermentation creates a more skin‑compatible base that can enhance the sensorial delivery of lipophilic actives.