Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) Essential Oil

Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil

Botanical name: Santalum album
Common name: Sandalwood Essential Oil
Plant part used: Heartwood
Extraction method: Steam distilled
Country of origin: India

Sandalwood essential oil has been used for centuries in both spiritual and therapeutic practices. The oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of Santalum album trees, grown primarily in the southern parts of India’s Western Ghats—specifically Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra’s Konkan region. The finest quality wood is typically found in the rain-shadow forest regions of Marayoor and Mysore.

Indian sandalwood trees mature slowly, with the heartwood beginning to develop around 15 years and reaching optimal oil quality at approximately 25–60 years. Government regulations in India protect this precious resource, allowing only the use of legally sourced trees—either fallen or cultivated under managed forest schemes. Timber is auctioned by the government before being processed for oil production.

The highest grade oil, known as Vilayat Budha Class, comes from mature heartwood and has historically been reserved for sacred carvings and boutique perfumery. There are over 15 recognised grades of sandalwood based on the part of the tree used. Lower grades may come from roots, sapwood, or sawdust, but only the top-tier heartwood yields the deep, rich profile that Indian sandalwood is renowned for. This grade also offers the highest content of Z-alpha-santalol and Z-beta-santalol, the main constituents responsible for sandalwood’s therapeutic and aromatic value.

Although sandalwood is also cultivated in places like Australia and New Caledonia, Indian sandalwood remains the benchmark due to its distinct aroma and complex chemistry. Despite India's own demand exceeding 2000 metric tonnes annually, current legal production falls below 100 tonnes—highlighting the risk of adulteration in global supply chains.

Zurma is proud to offer certified 100% pure Indian sandalwood essential oil produced exclusively from Vilayat Budha Class heartwood. The oil is steam distilled in India, tested and packed in France, and complies with FEMA and FDA flavouring standards. GCMS and COA documentation is available for every batch to guarantee authenticity and quality.

Aromatic Profile

Warm, rich, and softly sweet with a creamy, woody depth. Floral and balsamic notes develop as it settles on the skin—an enduring base note in perfumery.

Key Constituents

Z-alpha-santalol ~ 45%

Z-beta-santalol ~ 20%

trans-alpha-bergamotol ~ 6%

epi-beta-santalol ~ 3%

Therapeutic Actions

Emotional: Deeply grounding and emotionally balancing. Useful during meditation, grief, anxiety, and creative work.
Skincare: Calms irritated or inflamed skin, supports wound healing, reduces the appearance of scars, and helps retain moisture. Suitable for dry, ageing, or acne-prone skin.
Nervous system: Soothing during stress, insomnia, low mood, or nervous tension.
Immune system: Traditionally used for sore throats, laryngitis, and general immune support.
Genito-urinary system: May help with cystitis, thrush, and adrenal fatigue.

Blends Well With

Myrrh, Vetiver, Lavender, Clove, Frankincense, Rose, Jasmine, Bergamot, Palmarosa, Black Pepper, Geranium, Benzoin.

Safety Notes

Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitising when used appropriately. For topical applications, Tisserand & Young (2014) recommend diluting to 2% or less.

Do not apply undiluted to the skin.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy unless under guidance.

Always patch test before use.

Why Choose Zurma

At Zurma, we source essential oils with integrity and transparency. Our Indian sandalwood oil is obtained from trusted sources, legally harvested and traceable to origin. Every batch is GCMS-tested and meets our strict internal quality controls for scent, purity, and consistency.

We don’t compromise on quality—and we never stock sandalwood oil that’s been cut with fillers, synthetics, or low-grade wood extractions.

Please note: This product information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice.