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SANDALWOOD

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Essential oil and fragrance
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Perfumes, moisturizers, soaps, body lotions, aromatherapy products, and anti-inflammatory creams

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SANDALWOOD?

Sandalwood is valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is often used in skincare to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a smoother complexion. Its fragrance is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and stress-relieving effects, making it a popular ingredient in luxury skincare and wellness products. Ongoing research has posited anti-inflammatory effects linked to inhibition of phosphodiesterase, which may be beneficial for conditions like psoriasis.

WHAT IS SANDALWOOD?

Sandalwood is an essential oil derived from the heartwood of the Santalum album tree. It is widely used in cosmetics for its pleasant woody scent and therapeutic properties. In skincare, sandalwood oil is incorporated for its ability to hydrate, soothe, and provide mild astringent effects, making it suitable for both dry and acne-prone skin.

IS SANDALWOOD SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Sandalwood is generally safe for most skin types and tones, particularly for those with sensitive or inflamed skin due to its gentle nature. However, due to its scented nature, allergic contact dermatitis to sandalwood has been described and individuals prone to atopic or contact dermatitis should exercise caution when using sandalwood.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no specific contraindications for sandalwood when used in diluted forms in cosmetics. Individuals with known allergies to essential oils or fragrance compounds should avoid its use and consult a dermatologist if reactions occur.

Sources:

  1. Moy RL, Levenson C. Sandalwood oil: An ancient remedy with modern applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Nov;10(11):34-39. PMID: 29296677.
  2. Kumar R, Anjum N, Tripathi YC. Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Santalum album L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Apr;163:398-408. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.01.013. PMID: 25636083.
  3. Sharma M, Levenson C, Clements I, Castella P, Gebauer K, Cox ME. East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) Alleviates Inflammatory and Proliferative Pathologies of Psoriasis. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Mar 16;8:125. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00125. PMID: 28360856; PMCID: PMC5352686.
  4. Sharma M, Levenson C, Browning JC, Becker EM, Clements I, Castella P, Cox ME. East Indian Sandalwood Oil Is a Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor: A New Therapeutic Option in the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Mar 9;9:200. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00200. PMID: 29593534; PMCID: PMC5854648.

 

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

Author

Dr. Aamir Hussain is a dermatologist currently practicing adult and pediatric dermatology in Northern Virginia. He serves on the health policy committee of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and has a clinical interest in patch testing. Dr. Hussain is an internationally-recognized speaker, writer and educator. His writings on health policy, medical education and the connections between healthcare and faith have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and The Baltimore Sun. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters. He has presented research at major conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, Society of Pediatric Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.