This Or That: What’s The Difference Between Sandalwood Essential Oils?

by Bella Martinez April 21, 2022

Sandalwood essential oil variations on a shelf

In Ayurvedic texts, Sandalwood is said to impart excellence in all that it touches and can be found in holy Indian purification ceremonies. In ancient China and Egypt, Sandalwood was used in medicine, religious rituals and perfumery for its deep, soothing aroma. Today, Sandalwood is still valued for its renowned aroma and therapeutics.

So why offer four types of Sandalwood? Some have said that we should reduce consumer’s choices or “overchoice,” and while that might be true for Netflix, when it comes to Sandalwood essential oil, we believe more is better! Let's look at the unique qualities of EG’s Sandalwood varieties to find out why that is.

This Or That: 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, Sandalwood- Australian 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.

Therapeutic Properties

Like most oils belonging to the sesquiterpenols family, Sandalwood is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to heal and moisturize skin.[1] Furthermore, Sandalwood is a sore-throat remedy, decongestant, disinfectant and balances the nervous system in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Sandalwood is both grounding and calming.

Here’s which Sandalwood we gravitate to assist with a variety of needs:

Sandalwood- East Indian: Reach for this variety when pain or inflammation strikes by diluting to 5% with a carrier oil and applying topically. 

Sandalwood- Australian: Grab this Sandalwood when combating a sore throat, or when illness strikes. We recommend applying the roll-on to the outside of a sore throat or diffusing to purify.

Sandalwood- Hawaiian: When skin problems arise, dilute this oil to 1-3% and apply to the skin. Use twice daily as needed. 

Aroma Profiles

One whiff makes it clear why Sandalwood’s aroma is so renowned. At first, Sandalwood is quite subtle, but the aroma develops and becomes more complex when applied topically and diffused or warmed. These oils are unique, in that they blend well with variegated classes of oils, such as florals, resins and spices.

  • Sandalwood- East Indian may be the truest to a traditional Sandalwood aroma. It’s rounded, smoky with a hint of sweetness and musk, making this oil a favorite in colognes for men.
  • Sandalwood- Hawaiian is pungent, Cedarwood-like, and the strongest of Edens Garden’s Sandalwoods. It aroma makes it a nice base for blending.
  • Sandalwood- Australian is subtle, with toasted nut nuances and pine undertones. It is delicate, feminine and delights the senses.[2]  
  • Sandalwood Around The World is well-balanced, combining the aromas of all three of these Sandalwood varieties.

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/

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5 comments

Edens Garden

December 22, 2023 at 10:39 am

Hi Roberto! Yes, we offer international shipping!

Roberto

December 22, 2023 at 10:38 am

DO YOU OFFER INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING??

Mr. Scott

September 7, 2023 at 10:38 am

Any idea on what Art of Shaving Sandalwood essential oil is closest to?

Kathy Swafford

May 3, 2022 at 10:03 am

best breakdown I have seen anywhere. Very well done. thank you.

Mary Kate Santulli

April 25, 2022 at 9:01 am

A great informative piece on sandalwood! Thank you for breaking it all down. I will definitely invest in Sandalwood Around the World…sounds like the best of all worlds.