Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum) (CAS 1070895-66-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum)
CAS 1070895-66-7
What Is Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum)?
Sandalwood extract from Santalum austrocaledonicum is a prized aromatic material used in perfumes, incense, and skincare. You’ll encounter it in luxury fragrances, meditation products, and traditional Ayurvedic preparations. This Pacific sandalwood species is valued for its smoother, creamier scent profile compared to Indian varieties. Sandalwood matters because it creates warmth and depth in perfumery, acting as a natural fixative that enhances other notes while providing its own distinctive woody-balsamic character.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum) Smell Like?
New Caledonian sandalwood opens with soft, milky facets reminiscent of warm coconut husks and sweet cream. The heart reveals the signature woody character – smoother and less sharp than Indian sandalwood, with nuances of blonde tobacco and skin musk. As it dries down, it develops a velvety balsamic quality with whispers of vanilla and dried fruits. The overall impression is intimate and meditative, with excellent tenacity that lingers close to the skin for hours.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses Pacific sandalwood as the creamy backbone, softened with cardamom and violet to create a modern, androgynous woody fragrance that became a cultural phenomenon.
Features this sandalwood variety in the drydown, blending it with cypress and spices to achieve a meditative, temple-like woody accord.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
The extract contains primarily α-santalol and β-santalol sesquiterpenoids, though with different ratios than Indian sandalwood. Pacific varieties typically show higher concentrations of bergamotene and other minor constituents that contribute to their creamier profile. Extraction is typically done through steam distillation of heartwood chips, yielding an oil that slowly oxidizes over time, deepening its woody character.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Base note fixative |
| Skincare | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Aromatic and therapeutic |
| Incense | 5-10% | Up to 15% | Core material |
Classic Accords
Tip: Pre-age sandalwood extracts for 6-12 months to allow oxidative rounding of harsh top notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Budget alternative with similar woody profile but lacks the creaminess and tenacity of true sandalwood.
Reconstructed key molecule that captures some aspects but misses the complexity of natural extracts.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Listed in Annex II for potential sensitization at high concentrations.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers sandalwood oils safe at current usage levels, with ongoing studies on sustainable harvesting impacts.
Sustainability
New Caledonian sandalwood is CITES Appendix II listed due to overharvesting concerns. Responsible producers use cultivated trees with 30+ year maturation cycles. Synthetic alternatives are increasingly important to reduce pressure on wild populations while maintaining perfumery traditions.
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References
- Jones et al. (2006). Chemical composition of Santalum austrocaledonicum heartwood oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research.
- IFRA Standards Library – Sandalwood oils Link
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1070895-66-7Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
