Sandalwood is one of the most storied aromatics in the world — a warm, sweet, woody scent that has been valued for more than four thousand years, from the temples of India to the perfumer's bench.
The oil is distilled from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree, which can take decades to mature. That slow growth, and long over-harvesting of the prized Indian species, is why true sandalwood is precious and why sustainably sourced oil matters. Australian sandalwood offers a softer, gentler take on the same character.
Aroma and character
Sandalwood is a base note: deep, soft and long-lasting, with a subtle floral edge beneath the wood. It settles a blend and lingers on the skin, which is why perfumers use it as a fixative. On its own it reads as calm and grounding.
In aromatherapy
Sandalwood is reached for when the aim is to quiet a busy mind. It has long been associated with meditation and contemplation, and its unhurried scent suits the end of the day. It blends beautifully with rose, jasmine, frankincense, vetiver and ylang ylang.
On the skin it is regarded as soothing, and it appears in many formulas for mature and dry complexions. As always, dilute it in a carrier oil before applying, and patch-test first.
Using it
Add a few drops to a diffuser for a calm room, or blend into a carrier oil at roughly a 2–3% dilution for the skin. A little goes a long way — sandalwood's staying power means you rarely need much.