Sandalwood
A creamy, warm wood with a milky softness. Sandalwood is one of the most refined and versatile base notes in perfumery, prized for its ability to blend with almost anything.
Fragrance Pyramid
Olfactive Character
Creamy, warm, and milky. Sandalwood is soft and smooth, never sharp. It has a skin-like quality that makes it one of the most wearable materials in perfumery. The scent is meditative and calming.
Origin & Harvest
Santalum album from India (Mysore) is the most prized but heavily regulated. Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is the sustainable alternative. The trees must be at least 15 years old before harvest. The heartwood is steam-distilled.
Key Molecules
Alpha-santalol and beta-santalol are the primary aroma compounds, providing the creamy, woody character. Indian sandalwood has a higher santalol content than Australian. Synthetic alternatives like Javanol and Polysantol are widely used.
Safety & Regulation
Natural sandalwood oil is well tolerated with low sensitisation potential. Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is IUCN-listed as vulnerable. Sustainable sourcing is essential. IFRA compliant.
In Perfumery
One of the oldest and most valued perfumery materials. Essential to Samsara by Guerlain and Tam Dao by Diptyque. Pairs with rose, oud, vanilla, and virtually everything else. In KIDA KYO, sandalwood provides creamy, meditative warmth.
History
Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism for over 4,000 years. Indian sandalwood has been used in temple rituals, Ayurvedic medicine, and perfumery throughout recorded history. Overharvesting led to strict Indian government controls.
