Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum) (CAS 1070895-66-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Sandalwood extract (Santalum austrocaledonicum)

CAS 1070895-66-7

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

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 SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions
Sustainable sourcing concerns
CAS
1070895-66-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What 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.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Uses Pacific sandalwood as the creamy backbone, softened with cardamom and violet to create a modern, androgynous woody fragrance that became a cultural phenomenon.

Tam Dao(Diptyque, 2003)

Features this sandalwood variety in the drydown, blending it with cypress and spices to achieve a meditative, temple-like woody accord.

Layer 2

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

AppearancePale yellow viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (8+ hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Base note fixative
Skincare0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Aromatic and therapeutic
Incense5-10%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

1
Amyris oil CAS 8015-65-4

Budget alternative with similar woody profile but lacks the creaminess and tenacity of true sandalwood.

2
Santalol (synthetic) CAS 115-71-9

Reconstructed key molecule that captures some aspects but misses the complexity of natural extracts.

Layer 3

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

  1. Jones et al. (2006). Chemical composition of Santalum austrocaledonicum heartwood oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research.
  2. IFRA Standards Library – Sandalwood oils Link

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 1070895-66-7
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical 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.

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