Few scents in the world are as universally cherished as sandalwood. Warm, woody, and subtly creamy, sandalwood oil has been prized for centuries – in perfumery, traditional medicine, and spiritual rituals. Its rich, lingering aroma soothes the senses, while its natural properties offer benefits for both mind and body.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- The origins and different types of sandalwood essential oil
- How true sandalwood oil is made
- The ancient Indian tradition of sandalwood distillation
- What makes the sandalwood scent so distinctive and beloved
- The key sandalwood oil benefits for wellbeing
- How to use sandalwood oil in daily life
What Is Sandalwood Oil?
Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree, which belongs to the Santalum genus. The most sought-after variety is Santalum album, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Indian Mysore sandalwood oil, in particular, is renowned for its superior quality – smooth, creamy, and deeply aromatic.
Other varieties include:
- Santalum spicatum (Australian sandalwood) – earthier and less sweet
- Santalum austrocaledonicum (Vanuatu sandalwood) – lighter and fresher
- Santalum paniculatum (Hawaiian sandalwood) – rare and delicately woody
Some woods, like African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) or West Indian sandalwood (Amyris balsamifera), share a similar scent profile but lack the richness of true sandalwood.
Traditional Indian Sandalwood Distillation
In India, the art of sandalwood distillation dates back centuries and remains the foundation of traditional attar-making. The ancient method uses copper stills called deghs, where sandalwood chips are slowly hydro-distilled over a wood fire. This painstaking process can take days, allowing the precious oil to separate gradually.
The distilled sandalwood oil is then traditionally used as a base for attars, absorbing and fixing the fragrances of delicate flowers like rose, jasmine, and kewda. This technique, known as deg-bhapka, creates some of the world’s most exquisite natural perfumes. Even today, master perfumers in Kannauj continue this centuries-old tradition, producing sandalwood-based attars that capture the essence of Indian perfumery.
Modern Sandalwood Oil Production
While traditional methods are still practiced, most commercial sandalwood oil today is produced through steam distillation. The process begins with mature sandalwood trees, typically 30-50 years old, as younger trees don’t produce the same quality of oil. The heartwood (the dense inner part of the trunk) is harvested and carefully processed.
Modern distillation still requires significant expertise and time – often taking 48-72 hours to properly extract the oil. This lengthy process is crucial for developing the oil’s full complexity – that characteristic creamy-woody scent with sweet balsamic undertones. The result is a rich, golden oil that becomes more valuable with age, much like fine wine.
The Signature Sandalwood Scent
The sandalwood scent is instantly recognisable – warm, woody, and slightly sweet, with a creamy, velvety undertone. Unlike sharp citrus oils or heavy florals, sandalwood has a balanced, meditative quality that makes it a favourite in perfumery and aromatherapy.
It’s a versatile fragrance, equally stunning on its own or blended with notes like:
- Florals (rose, jasmine) for a softer, romantic touch
- Spices (cardamom, clove) for warmth and depth
- Citrus (bergamot, orange) for a bright, uplifting twist
For those who love the classic sandalwood oil perfume, pure Mysore sandalwood offers the most authentic experience – a timeless, elegant scent that lingers beautifully on the skin. Our ethically sourced, organic Mysore sandalwood oil captures this classic creamy-woody aroma perfectly.
For connoisseurs seeking something extraordinary, we offer the same exquisite sandalwood oil infused with authentic hyraceum – the petrified excreta of the Cape hyrax, which develops its distinctive musky, animalic aroma over decades of natural aging. This rare material deepens the sandalwood’s warm woody notes with an intriguing, primal complexity.
Our collection features a precious 2016 micro-distillation of sandalwood from mature trees along the Assam-Bangladesh border, masterfully infused with high-quality grey ambergris that has weathered years at sea. The ambergris lends a sublime marine warmth that complements the creamy woodiness in a harmonious aromatic dance.
For the ultimate indulgence, we present a special vintage composition: ethically sourced musk infused in an ethereal 2002 Mysore sandalwood oil. This rare pairing showcases the velvety softness of aged sandalwood intertwined with the intimate warmth of premium musk, creating what many consider the holy grail of traditional perfumery.
The Benefits of Sandalwood Oil
Beyond its beautiful aroma, sandalwood oil benefits span skincare, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing.
1. Calms the Mind & Eases Stress
Used in aromatherapy, sandalwood’s soothing properties help quiet a busy mind. A few drops in a diffuser or diluted on the wrists can promote relaxation and mental clarity.
2. Supports Healthy Skin
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, sandalwood oil can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and even balance oily skin. It’s often used in high-end skincare for its gentle yet effective nature.
3. Enhances Meditation & Mindfulness
For centuries, sandalwood has been used in spiritual practices. Its grounding scent helps deepen focus, making it ideal for meditation or yoga.
4. A Luxurious Natural Perfume
Unlike synthetic fragrances, pure sandalwood oil perfume evolves beautifully on the skin, growing warmer and more personal throughout the day.
How to Use Sandalwood Oil
Wondering how to use sandalwood oil? Here are some simple yet effective ways:
As a personal fragrance: Apply a drop to pulse points for a subtle, woody scent.
In skincare: Mix with a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond) and massage into the skin.
For relaxation: Add to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle for instant calm.
In haircare: Blend with shampoo or conditioner to nourish the scalp.
A little goes a long way – just one or two drops is enough to enjoy its full effects.
Final Thoughts
Sandalwood oil is more than just a scent – it’s an experience deeply rooted in history and tradition. From the ancient deghs of India to modern distillation techniques, this precious oil continues to captivate with its timeless elegance and multifaceted benefits.
Whether you’re drawn to its calming properties, its skincare benefits, or simply its beautiful aroma, sandalwood oil offers something truly special. As the foundation of traditional attars and a star ingredient in modern perfumery, it remains one of nature’s most treasured gifts to our senses.
