Sandalwood Oil (CAS 8006-87-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sandalwood Oil
CAS 8006-87-9
What Is Sandalwood Oil?
Sandalwood oil is a prized aromatic oil extracted from the heartwood of sandalwood trees, primarily found in India and Australia. It’s used in perfumes, incense, and skincare products for its warm, woody scent. This oil holds cultural significance in many traditions and is valued for its ability to create deep, long-lasting fragrance bases.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Sandalwood Oil Smell Like?
Sandalwood oil unfolds with a creamy, buttery warmth that evolves into a rich, woody heart. The scent carries hints of milky sweetness, reminiscent of polished antique furniture in a sunlit room. As it dries down, it reveals subtle balsamic undertones and a smooth, almost velvety texture that lingers for hours. The aroma has an inherent softness despite its depth, like cashmere woven from wood fibers.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
The sandalwood forms a creamy foundation that balances the bold jasmine, creating a spiritual yet sensual duality. Its long-lasting woody character allows the floral notes to shine while providing exceptional tenacity.
Here sandalwood is the star, showcased in its purest form to evoke the scent of ancient Buddhist temples. The oil’s natural creaminess prevents the wood notes from becoming too dry or austere.
Australian sandalwood provides a modern interpretation with sharper woodiness contrasted by leather and violet notes. The oil’s inherent longevity makes it perfect for this cult-favorite unisex fragrance.
Mysore sandalwood forms the luxurious core of this bold composition, blending with spices and rose to create a warm, slightly powdery effect that defines the fragrance’s distinctive character.
The sandalwood here is enhanced with carrot seed and cumin to create a sensual, skin-like warmth. The oil’s natural creaminess helps bridge the spicy top notes to the musky base.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sandalwood oil is primarily composed of sesquiterpenols, with santalols (α-santalol and β-santalol) making up 60-90% of the composition. These oxygenated sesquiterpenes are responsible for the characteristic woody odor. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of heartwood from mature trees (30+ years old). Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) has become increasingly important due to sustainability concerns with Indian sandalwood (Santalum album). The santalols have specific stereochemistry that affects their odor quality, with the (Z)-configuration being particularly important for the prized Mysore sandalwood scent profile.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to golden viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 300 °C (approx) |
| Density | 0.965-0.985 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.500-1.510 |
| Optical Rotation | -15° to -20° |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α-Santalol | 115-71-9 | 220.36 | 300 | 4.8 | 0.0001 mmHg |
| β-Santalol | 77-42-9 | 220.36 | 302 | 4.9 | 0.0001 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Provides woody foundation and fixative properties |
| Soap | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds luxury appeal but expensive for mass market |
| Incense | 5-15% | Up to 25% | Traditional use where scent is primary function |
| Skincare | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Valued for fragrance and potential anti-inflammatory effects |
Classic Accords
+ Rose + Patchouli = Chypre
+ Citrus + Lavender = Aromatic Fougère
+ Amber + Tonka = Woody Gourmand
Tip: Pre-dilute sandalwood oil in ethanol before adding to formulations to ensure even distribution throughout the blend.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Often called ‘West Indian sandalwood,’ this more affordable option has similar woody character but lacks the creamy depth of true sandalwood.
Supercritical CO2 extraction yields a richer, more complex sandalwood profile with enhanced fixative properties compared to steam-distilled oil.
A synthetic sandalwood material that captures some of the creamy-woody character at a fraction of the cost, though lacks the natural complexity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Listed in IFRA 49th Amendment as unrestricted for all applications.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen. Contains no regulated fragrance allergens above declaration thresholds.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has conducted extensive safety assessments on sandalwood oil, confirming its safety for current use levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
True sandalwood oil faces significant sustainability challenges due to overharvesting and slow tree growth. Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is now CITES Appendix II listed. Australian plantations provide more sustainable alternatives, though with slightly different scent profiles. Synthetic alternatives help reduce pressure on natural supplies while new agroforestry projects aim to establish ethical, renewable sources of this precious material.
Explore Sandalwood Oil
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Baldovini et al. (2011). Phytochemistry and bioactivity of Santalum essential oils. Journal of Essential Oil Research. DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2011.9700467
- IFRA Standards Library – Sandalwood Oil IFRA 49th Amendment
- Sandalwood Production Manual FAO Forestry Paper
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
