What is Sandalwood Oil?
With its distinct aroma and abundance of natural properties said to benefit all manner of ailments, Sandalwood is a highly popular essential oil used to support the body and mind.
It comes from the heartwood and roots of mature sandalwood trees, typically the Santalum spicatum variety, chipped into small pieces, steam distilled and vapourised. The resulting oil has a rich and creamy aroma characterised by its smooth, woody, and slightly sweet scent. Its subtle undertones of balsamic and earthy notes contribute to its deep, lingering fragrance.
While its distinctive aroma makes Sandalwood a favourite additive in perfumery (men’s colognes in particular), the oil’s health benefits place it front and centre in essential oil collections, offering numerous health benefits when diffused and inhaled. Rich in alpha-santalol, Sandalwood oil is highly regarded for helping to relieve stress, aid sleep, and enhance relaxation, making it popular in meditation practices. Medicinally, Sandalwood oil may offer relief from many physical ailments, including headaches, colds, chest infections, and indigestion. Additionally, it contains constituents with healing properties that can be beneficial to promoting healthy skin and hair.
It’s no wonder essential oil fans the world over love Sandalwood!
Sandalwood Oil for Skin
As more people choose natural products in their daily lives, many look towards essential oils for overall well-being—and this is no different when considering effective skin support.
Unlike many factory-produced skin products, essential oils derive from nature and are kinder to the skin when diluted in carrier oil, due to their lack of chemical additives. Moreover, with many essential oils containing antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they offer an effective natural skin support solution.
So, is Sandalwood Essential Oil good for the skin? The short answer is yes! In fact, Sandalwood is among the most popular essential oils for skin care – and here’s why:
- Anti-inflammatory properties in Sandalwood Oil help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, making it useful for easing conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Sandalwood also has antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as soothe skin infections and acne.
- Powerful antioxidants in Sandalwood Oil help neutralise free radicals, said to help prevent cellular damage and premature ageing.
- Sandalwood contains antiseptic properties that can accelerate wound healing, prevent infections, promote quicker recovery and minimise scars.
- An excellent moisturiser, Sandalwood Oil hydrates the skin, making it soft and supple.
- Sandalwood acts as a natural astringent, helping to tighten skin pores, firm up sagging skin, and improve skin elasticity that can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The alpha-santalol in Sandalwood promotes Tyrosinase – a key enzyme that produces skin melanin in the skin – which could make Sandalwood Oil good for skin whitening, reducing redness and evening out the skin tone.
As such, Sandalwood Oil has become an extremely popular choice for skin support, either diluted and used topically, or as an additive to skincare products.
Which Skin Type is Best for Sandalwood Oil?
Sandalwood Oil is generally considered beneficial for various skin types due to its combination of soothing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.
That said, Sandalwood can work differently from one person’s skin type to the next. Therefore, it is worth considering your skin type before using Sandalwood Oil specifically for skin care.
Is Sandalwood good for dry skin?
People who suffer from dry skin LOVE Sandalwood Oil!
Firstly, Sandalwood Oil provides an incredible source of moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm irritated or dry skin, while its regenerative abilities promote the healing of dry, cracked areas.
It’s not just basic dryness that Sandalwood manages. Even people with specific conditions like eczema and psoriasis may benefit from this essential oil, taking advantage of its soothing, deeply moisturising properties. That said, we recommend anybody with a severe skin condition consult with their dermatologist first before using Sandalwood Oil.
Essential oil fans looking to nourish dry skin can also consider Rosehip and Ylang Ylang.
Is Sandalwood good for sensitive skin?
Just like with dry skin, Sandalwood provides incredible support to people who have sensitive skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties in Sandalwood Oil are particularly beneficial, helping reduce redness and calm irritation. The natural soothing qualities in Sandalwood can also help relieve pain and discomfort, making it ideal for sensitive skin prone to inflammation. Additionally, Sandalwood Oil's moisturising and antimicrobial properties help keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Other essential oils effective on sensitive skin include Chamomile, Lavender and Rose Geranium.
Is Sandalwood good for oily skin?
While it might not be everyone’s first choice for managing oily skin, Sandalwood Oil can still work effectively on oily skin when used with care.
Sandalwood Oil contains natural astringent properties, which can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, controlling excess oil production. By balancing sebum production, sandalwood oil hydrates the skin without clogging the pores, maintaining a healthy oil level.
Sandalwood Oil's antimicrobial properties also combat acne-causing bacteria, which can help reduce breakouts and keep the skin clear. What's more, the natural anti-inflammatory effects of Sandalwood soothe irritated and acne-prone skin.
Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang essential oils are particularly good for managing oily skin.
Is Sandalwood good for mature skin?
Sandalwood Oil is an incredibly valuable addition to a mature skincare routine for several reasons.
The anti-aging properties in Sandalwood are said to combat free radicals, in turn, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the oil's soothing anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin, while promoting cell regeneration to enhance skin tone and elasticity. To top it off, the deeply moisturising effects of Sandalwood Oil keep mature skin hydrated, preventing dryness and improving the skin’s texture.
Other essential oils known to help mature skin include Frankincense, Helichrysum and Rosehip oil.
How to Use Sandalwood on the Skin
Always dilute Sandalwood Oil with a suitable carrier oil, such as Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Rosehip Oil or Almond Oil. See our dilution table below for guidance.
How to use Sandalwood on the face
- Skin Serum: Add a few drops to a carrier oil of choice; we recommend Jojoba Oil or Rosehip Oil as these carrier oils are well known for their skin benefits. Once diluted, apply nightly to desired areas, avoiding your eyes and sensitive areas. Alternatively, you can add two drops to your existing skincare products (cream / lotion) to boost their healing and rejuvenating properties.
- Face Mask: Combine a few drops of Sandalwood Oil with honey or yoghurt to create a hydrating face mask. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
- Spot Treatment: Use diluted Sandalwood Oil as a spot treatment for areas of irritation or redness and apply gently using a cotton swab.
How to use Sandalwood on the body
- Moisturiser: Add a few drops of Sandalwood Oil to your daily moisturiser to enhance its hydrating effects. Rub it into your skin to appreciate its benefits.
- Healing Oil: Follow the dilution guidelines and use Sandalwood Oil to help heal minor wounds and insect bites.
Topical Dilution Guidelines
Please note that the following guidelines are recommended for healthy adults:
- General Use: 2 – 4% dilution (4 – 8 drops per 10ml)
- Facial Application: 1 – 2% dilution (2 – 4 drops per 10ml)
Safety
In most cases, Sandalwood Essential Oil is great for the skin although there are times when it can cause irritation. For this reason, we always recommend performing a skin patch test before you begin using Sandalwood oil regularly in your skincare routine.
Essential oils like Sandalwood are highly concentrated, powerful oils which can cause serious harm if ingested. AWO essential oils are non-food grade and NOT to be consumed orally.
We also recommend storing your Sandalwood Essential Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach from children or pets.