Due to its highly coveted fragrance, the essential oil produced from sandalwood is often used in aromatherapy, and is also added to soaps and cosmetics. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of both somatic and mental disorders, including common colds, bronchitis, fever, urinary tract infections, and inflammation. A study investigating the effects of inhalation of East Indian sandalwood oil and its main compound, α-santalol, on human physiological parameters found that the compounds elevated pulse rate, skin conductance, and systolic blood pressure.

There is also religious significance associated with sandalwood oil and it is used in many different religions around the world, including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism.

Active ingredients:

Sandalwood oil contains more than 90% sesquiterpenic alcohols of which 50–60% is the tricyclic α-santalol and β-Santalol comprises 20–25%.

The composition of the oil will depend on the species, region grown, age of tree, and possibly the season of harvest and details of the extraction process used.

Benefits:

For skin

Anti-ageing properties: Rich in anti-oxidants, Sandalwood oil helps the skin fight free radicals from the external environment preventing the premature formation of wrinkles.

Lighten scars and soften the skin: Upon regular application, Sandalwood oil can do wonders in making your unwanted marks lighten or even disappear! Apply an ample amount on the affected area and see the magic happen. In addition, while Sandalwood oil is at work renewing affected skin, it also acts as a catalyst to soften your skin. Leaving your skin gentle to touch.

Anti-tanning properties: People who have sensitive skin suffer from faster tanning than others on the beach during summer season. Sandalwood oil is great to prevent skin’s fast reaction to the sun thus, giving you a balanced bronzed complexion.

Prevents premature aging and oxidative stress: Sandalwood oil contains natural enzymes that do wonders in protecting the skin to experience premature ageing.

Prevents pimples and acne: Sandalwood oil is potent in the prevention of acne and pimples. It has the active compound alpha-santalol that helps clean the pores and lessen skin breakouts as well as improve skin complexion.

Glowing and moisturized Skin: Sandalwood oil constitutes a natural skin whitening agent that makes skin complexion glow and radiates. It is also great in locking in moisture and hydrating the skin.

Dark circles around eyes: Sometimes dark circles come from smoking or not getting enough sleep, Sandalwood oil is the magic solution for dark circles around eyes, it packed with astringent properties, regular application of Sandalwood oil reduces unwanted and dark circles.

Maintains skin oil balance: The great thing about the function of Sandalwood oil in balancing the skin’s oil production is that it does not disrupt or destabilize the natural process of oil production on the skin.

Minimize large pores: The constituents that make up Sandalwood oil have several natural skincare uses. They help tighten the skin’s pores and minimize the contraction of skin breakouts.

For hair

Aside from fair complexion and smooth skin, Sandalwood oil also works magic on your hair and scalp problems. It covers concerns from itchy scalp, dandruff, damaged hair, dry hair to hair growth. Sandalwood essential oil does its job to moisturize, replenish and restore your scalp, hair and roots. An effective way to incorporate Sandalwood oil into your daily hair care routine is to put a few drops to the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, daily.

For massage

• For skin hydration: Sandalwood oil has great hydration properties, especially for people with dry skin. Sandalwood oil has powerful hydrating effects on your epidermis fostering ultimate nourishment. It deeply penetrates the skin to deliver intense moisture.
• For skin rejuvenation: Sandalwood oil has mild astringent properties that can naturally gently tone and tighten the skin minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.
• For skin soothing: Sandalwood oil boasts to have incomparable ability to recharge your skin giving you a smoother and more even skin tone.

Ways to use Sandalwood oil for massage

Massage oil: Sandalwood essential oil fosters a full and heavenly massage experience that soothes and moisturizes the skin. You can mix a few drops of Sandalwood essential oil with the massage oil of your preference.

Steam inhalations: Sandalwood oil steam inhalation is performed for two purposes: first is for respiratory reasons and the second is for facial treatment.