Sandalwood oil, Australian (CAS 8024-35-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sandalwood oil, Australian
CAS 8024-35-9
What Is Sandalwood oil, Australian?
Australian sandalwood oil is a precious essential oil steam-distilled from the heartwood of Santalum spicatum trees. You’ll encounter it in luxury perfumes, aromatherapy products, and high-end candles. This warm, woody oil carries deep spiritual significance in Aboriginal cultures and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Sandalwood oil, Australian Smell Like?
Australian sandalwood oil unfolds with an initial burst of dry, peppery woodiness that distinguishes it from Indian varieties. The heart reveals creamy nuances of coconut flesh and soft vanilla, underpinned by a persistent balsamic warmth. Unlike its sweeter cousin Santalum album, this oil maintains a drier character through the dry down, leaving traces of antique wood and sun-baked earth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Australian sandalwood provides structural dryness that balances the fragrance’s caramelized notes, creating a modern interpretation of woody oriental accords.
Used alongside Vietnamese cedar, the Australian variety adds arid sophistication to this minimalist wood composition.
The oil’s peppery facets enhance the fragrance’s signature pencil shavings accord, contributing to its cult status.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Australian sandalwood oil contains a distinct sesquiterpene profile dominated by α-santalol (40-50%) and β-santalol (20-30%), with significant quantities of trans-α-bergamotol (5-15%) that impart its characteristic dry quality. Unlike Indian sandalwood, it contains higher levels of spicatol and Epi-β-santalol. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of heartwood chips that must age 15+ years to develop full aromatic potential.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Optical Rotation | +5° to +15° |
| Flash Point | >100 °C |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α-santalol | 115-71-9 | 220.35 | 302 °C | 5.2 | 0.0001 mmHg |
| β-santalol | 77-42-9 | 220.35 | 309 °C | 5.1 | 0.00008 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used as woody fixative |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Provides longevity |
Classic Accords
Tip: Pre-dilute to 10% in DPG to improve blending of this viscous material.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More affordable woody substitute with similar tenacity but lacks creamy nuances.
Reconstituted sandalwood note without geographical character, used for cost-sensitive applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Listed as safe for all application types.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex III.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels (2017).
Sustainability
Australian sandalwood faces sustainability challenges due to slow growth rates (15-30 years to maturity). Ethical suppliers implement controlled wild harvesting and plantation programs. The 2014 CITES listing for Santalum album has increased pressure on Australian resources, prompting development of responsible harvesting protocols by Indigenous landowners.
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References
- Jones et al. (2016). Chemical composition of Australian sandalwood oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research. DOI 10.1080/10412905.2015.1093556
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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