Reviewed by: Kacie La
Contents:
Sandalwood essential oils are your natural alternative to your antioxidant and anti-inflammatory skincare products. This essential oil is also perfect for diffusing for an aromatic experience!
What is Sandalwood Oil?
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood and roots of the Sandalwood tree, particularly Santalum album for Indian sandalwood and Santalum spicatum for Australian sandalwood essential oil.
These species are usually found in just a few regions in the world, including South Asia, Australia, and selected islands in the Pacific Ocean, and the oil is extracted through steam distillation.
The oil is:
- highly versatile in application
- slightly soluble in water
- has a rich, warm, and woody aroma; and
- has long been used by ancient cultures for its skin-loving benefits
Types of Sandalwood Essential Oils
- East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) – widely known and commonly used sandalwood type by its rich and woody scent and is native to India
- Australian sandalwood ( Santalum spicatum) – has a woody and balsamic aroma usually used for aromatherapy and is native to Australia
- Other types include the New Caledonian sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum), Royal Hawaiian sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum) , and the Fiji sandalwood (Santalum yasi)
Sandalwood Essential Oil Benefits for Skin
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Anti-aging
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Anti-inflammatory and Acne Prevention
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Moisturising
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Oil Regulation
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Skin Exfoliation
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Skin Tone Enhancement
Using sandalwood essential oil for skin provides anti-aging benefits due to its antioxidant and astringent properties, which come from its sesquiterpene components.
The antioxidant benefits of sandalwood oil also help improve skin elasticity, reduce visible signs of aging, and offer an extra layer of protection against the sun and free radical damage.
Sandalwood essential oil uses its anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and eventually get rid of acne inflammation and visible redness. The anti-inflammatory benefits of sandalwood oil comes from its Borneol content, an organic compound classified as a terpene, which also brings out the oil’s fragrance and colour.
Combine 1-2 drops of sandalwood essential oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply this on inflamed areas of the skin or face.
Using sandalwood essential oil benefits the skin due to its emollient properties, allowing it to retain moisture and leaving it healthy-looking. Mix 1 drop of this oil with ½ teaspoon of rosehip oil and gently massage this onto your dry face.
The benefits of sandalwood oil also include regulating sebum secretion, therefore preventing excess skin oil.
The Santyl in this oil aids in removing dead skin tissue, making it a good exfoliating component in your skincare routine.
Sandalwood essential oil benefits also include skin tone enhancement. The oil has lightening properties that help even out skin discolouration and lighten scars. Mix 5 drops of sandalwood oil with 3 teaspoons of coconut oil and massage this to the target areas.
Sandalwood essential oil benefits also include skin tone enhancement. The oil has lightening properties that help even out skin discolouration and lighten scars.Mix 5 drops of sandalwood oil with 3 teaspoons of coconut oil and massage this to the target areas.
Sandalwood Essential Oil Benefits for Hair
- Moisturising Sandalwood essential oil benefits the hair by moisturising the strands, addressing dry, dull hair, and leaving you with soft, shiny, and healthy-looking locks.
- Cooling Sandalwood essential oil benefits your hair by providing a cooling sensation to the scalp, helping soothe scalp inflammation.
- Aromatic Finish Sandalwood essential oil leaves a fragrant smell on your hair.
Sandalwood Essential Oil Uses
Here are among the different sandalwood essential oil uses for skin, hair, and aromatherapy.
- Skin Serum: To take advantage of the many benefits of sandalwood essential oil for skin, you can use it as a serum. Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with your preferred carrier oils and apply every night, avoiding the eye and sensitive areas.
- Mixed with your skincare products: Mix 2 drops of this oil with your existing skincare products, such as cream, moisturiser, serum, or lotion, to enhance their skin-loving benefits.
- Mixed with your skincare products: Mix 2 drops of this oil with your existing skincare products, such as cream, moisturiser, serum, or lotion, to enhance their skin-loving benefits.
- Shampoo: To acquire sandalwood essential oil benefits for hair, mix a few drops with your shampoo bottle, shake to mix well, and apply as usual.
- Hair Mask: Mix 2 drops of sandalwood oil essential oils into your favourite hair mask treatment and apply to damp hair, targeting your ends. Leave for at least 20 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
- Aromatherapy: Place the oil in a diffuser for an aromatic experience, blending it with these recommended oils:
- Basil
- Black Pepper
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Rose Geranium
- Vetiver
FAQs
How is sandalwood oil is extracted?
What is sandalwood oil good for?
Can sandalwood be used directly on skin?
Why is sandalwood essential oil so expensive?
Sandalwood trees usually take 20-50 years to mature before the plant materials can be harvested to be processed.
What does sandalwood oil smell like?
The East Indian sandalwood has a rich and woody scent, while Australian sandalwood essential oil has a woody and balsamic aroma.
Which sandalwood oil is the best?
What is the difference between West Indian sandalwood oil and East Indian sandalwood oil?
On the other hand, West Indian Sandalwood is another name for Amyris essential oil, extracted from the bark of the Amyris plant (Amyris balsamiferea) via steam distillation.
While the Amyris plant is not botanically related to sandalwood, its oil is known as Poor Man's Sandalwood as it is considered an affordable alternative for “true” sandalwood essential oil.
