Sandalwood essential oil has long been revered for its remarkable benefits, playing a significant role in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and ancient Egyptian rituals. Known for its grounding, soothing aroma, Sandalwood continues to be prized in modern aromatherapy, skincare, and spiritual practices. From calming the mind to promoting clear skin, the therapeutic and aromatic properties of this oil have stood the test of time. Understanding Sandalwood essential oil’s benefits is key to appreciating why it remains a staple in wellness routines around the world.

But did you know there are multiple types of Sandalwood essential oil? While simplifying choices might work for streaming services, when it comes to essential oils, having variety enhances your ability to choose the perfect match for your needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the distinct characteristics of East Indian Sandalwood vs. Australian Sandalwood, helping you discover which type of Sandalwood essential oil is best for you.

What’s The Difference Between Sandalwood Essential Oils?

At Edens Garden, we offer the following Sandalwood oils:

• Sandalwood- East Indian oil (Santalum album)
• Sandalwood- Australian oil (Santalum spicatum)
• Sandalwood- Hawaiian oil (Santalum paniculatum)
• Sandalwood Around The World oil (Santalum spicatum, Santalum paniculatum, Santalum album)

Each of our Sandalwood oils is sourced from sustainable farms that have perfected growing and harvesting the sacred sandalwood tree using renewable practices. 

Chemical Components

The most prevalent natural components in our Sandalwood essential oil varieties include:

• Alpha-santalol
• Beta-santalol
• Farnesol
• Nuficerol

Sandalwood- East Indian oil and Sandalwood- Hawaiian oil each contain very high amounts of alpha-santalol which often make up half of the oil’s constituents. 

Beta-santalol is the second most prevalent component in East Indian and Hawaiian Sandalwood and may constitute anywhere between 10-30% of the oil. 

In general, Australian Sandalwood essential oil contains less santalol than the East Indian and Hawaiian varieties and significant amounts of farnesol and nuficerol, which makes it a standout amongst other EG Sandalwoods in regards to its chemical makeup.

Sandalwood Oil Aromatherapy Uses

Sandalwood Essential Oil is renowned for its wide range of benefits, particularly for the skin and mind. Rich in sesquiterpenols, this oil boasts powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.[1] Using Sandalwood oil for skin can help moisturize dry areas, promote a clearer complexion, and even assist in healing blemishes or scars. Whether you're looking to enhance your skincare routine or tackle specific skin concerns, Sandalwood offers natural support for a radiant, healthy glow.

Beyond skincare, Sandalwood essential oil has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is valued for its ability to balance the nervous system and promote emotional well-being. Known for its grounding and calming effects, it is often used to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and enhance meditation or mindfulness practices. Additionally, Sandalwood acts as a natural remedy for sore throats, congestion, and even disinfecting wounds, showcasing its versatility in both physical and emotional health.

When choosing the best Sandalwood essential oil, it’s essential to consider the different types available, such as Indian and Australian varieties. Both offer unique benefits, with Indian Sandalwood prized for its sweeter, more complex aroma and Australian Sandalwood known for its slightly sharper scent. Depending on your specific needs—whether it's skincare, emotional balance, or respiratory support—one type may be better suited for you than the other.

How to Use Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil is incredibly versatile, offering multiple ways to support both physical and emotional well-being. For those looking to incorporate Sandalwood oil for relaxation, diffusing it throughout your space can create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. Its grounding aroma helps reduce stress and anxiety, making it an ideal addition to meditation or mindfulness practices. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser and let the soothing aroma promote a sense of tranquility and ease.

When it comes to promoting restful sleep, Sandalwood oil for sleep is a natural solution. Whether you choose to diffuse it in the bedroom or apply it topically to your wrists and temples, Sandalwood's calming properties help prepare the mind and body for a deep, restorative night's sleep. You can also blend it with a carrier oil and apply it to the soles of your feet or along the spine to enhance relaxation before bedtime.

Different types of Sandalwood offer specific benefits depending on your needs. 

• East Indian Sandalwood is excellent for pain or inflammation when diluted to 5% and applied topically. 
• Australian Sandalwood essential oil uses include dealing with sore throats or respiratory issues; try diffusing it to purify the air or applying the roll-on to your throat. 
• Hawaiian Sandalwood can be diluted to 1-3% for skin concerns and applied twice daily to help soothe and heal skin irritations.

Through the years, we’ve been asked, “Can I apply Sandalwood oil directly on skin?” but the answer is, no. It is always recommended that you dilute essential oils before topical application. 

What Does Sandalwood Oil Smell Like?

If you’re wondering what smells like Sandalwood oil, you may find the answer is “nothing.” It's world-renowned for its rich, warm, and grounding aroma. At first whiff, Sandalwood oil may seem subtle, but as it develops, it unfolds into a deeper, more complex aroma with earthy, woody, and slightly sweet undertones. When used in Sandalwood essential oil for meditation, its calming scent helps quiet the mind, making it a perfect companion for mindfulness practices, yoga, or simply finding inner peace. Whether applied topically, diffused, or warmed, Sandalwood creates a serene environment that promotes emotional balance and relaxation.

Each variety of Sandalwood offers a distinct aromatic experience. 

• East Indian Sandalwood is considered the classic Sandalwood scent, featuring a smoky, musky aroma with hints of sweetness that make it popular in men's colognes. 
• Hawaiian Sandalwood, on the other hand, has a more pungent, Cedarwood-like scent, providing a strong, grounding base that works well in Sandalwood oil blends. 
• Australian Sandalwood is more delicate, with toasted nut nuances and pine undertones, giving it a softer, more feminine appeal.[2]

For those who enjoy experimenting with blends, Sandalwood pairs beautifully with a variety of other oils. Whether mixed with floral, resin, or spice oils, Sandalwood oil blends add a complex, grounding note that complements and enhances other fragrances. Combining the aromas of East Indian, Hawaiian, and Australian varieties results in a well-balanced scent that is as versatile as it is soothing.

Sandalwood Around The World Oil

Want the best of all three of our Sandalwood oils? Sandalwood Around The World oil encompasses Sandalwood from Australia, East India, and Hawaii. It contains the benefits of all three oils to a heightened degree, along with the oaky, nutty, and smoky nuances of Sandalwood, making it the most luxuriant of all the varieties we offer. If you’re looking to add just one Sandalwood to your collection, Sandalwood Around The World Oil is the next best thing to owning all of our Sandalwood oil varieties. 

SOURCES:

1. 20 Essential and Other Oils for Wrinkles. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/essential-oils-for-wrinkles
2. Sesquiterpene Variation in West Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152738/