What Is

Sandalwood Oil

&

Why Is It

One Of The Most Expensive Scents

What Is

Sandalwood Oil

&

Why Is It

One Of The Most Expensive Scents

Did you know that the price for 1 liter of sandalwood oil costs between $3,000 to $8,000 USD! A precious ingredient in perfumery, sandalwood’s olfactory profile is described as warm, woody and luxurious, with a distinct creamy-sweet quality. What is it that’s so special about sandalwood oil? And why is it one the most expensive scents in the fragrance industry.

About Sandalwood

Sandalwood, scientifically known as Santalum album, is a fragrant wood derived from the sandal tree. The extracted oil extracted is considered one of the oldest natural ingredients in perfumery, dating back to ancient Egyptians 4,000 years ago. The name “sandalwood” comes from the Sanskrit word “chandana,” meaning “pleasing to the senses.” Its exceptional aromas coupled with its therapeutic properties have made it a sacred and revered raw material.

The name “sandalwood” comes from the Sanskrit word “chandana”, meaning “pleasing to the senses.”

The name “sandalwood” comes from the Sanskrit word “chandana” meaning “pleasing to the senses.”

Sandalwood Oil Extracted from The Heartwood

The aromatic oils are embedded in the innermost part of the sandalwood tree, called the heartwood. Harvesting oils from the sandal trees is a long-term investment – it takes a whopping 30 years before a mature tree starts producing oils. Extraction from the treasured heartwood is a labor-intensive process that requires 40-70 hours of steam distillation. This method best captures the oil’s olfactory profile while preserving its therapeutic properties.

One Of the Most Expensive Oils in Perfumery

The combination of scarcity, time, and resources are increasing the price of sandalwood oils to lofty levels. There are also market factors driving the demand for this valuable commodity, such as the growing popularity of natural skincare products, aromatherapy, and perfumery. The perfumery industry has adapted by introducing synthetic, more cost-effective versions of sandalwood, smelling almost identical to its natural counterpart.

The name “sandalwood” comes from the Sanskrit word “chandana” meaning “pleasing to the senses.”

Sandalwood Oil Extracted from The Heartwood

The aromatic oils are embedded in the innermost part of the sandalwood tree, called the heartwood. Harvesting oils from the sandal trees is a long-term investment – it takes a whopping 30 years before a mature tree starts producing oils. Extraction from the treasured heartwood is a labor-intensive process that requires 40-70 hours of steam distillation. This method best captures the oil’s olfactory profile while preserving its therapeutic properties.

One Of the Most Expensive Oils in Perfumery

The combination of scarcity, time, and resources are increasing the price of sandalwood oils to lofty levels. There are also market factors driving increased demand for this valuable commodity, such as the growing popularity of natural skincare products, aromatherapy, and perfumery. The perfumery industry has adapted by introducing synthetic, more cost-effective versions of sandalwood, smelling almost identical to its natural counterpart.

“The combination of scarcity, time, and resources are increasing the price of sandalwood oils to lofty levels.”

Top 3 Producing Countries

Due to increased global demand, the sandalwood tree has become one of the most valuable trees. With over 15 tree species growing around the world, the top 3 countries producing sandalwood oil are: India, Indonesia, and Australia. The market will pay a premium for sustainable, top grade oils that retain its distinctive olfactory profile.

Indian Sandalwood “King of Woods”

Both Indian and Australian sandalwood fall into the same “Santalum” family - a species known for its highly aromatic heartwood. But it is the Indian tree that has earned the title “King of Woods” – the oils it produces are more superior than its Australian counterpart. In the world of fragrance creations, Indian sandalwood is highly cherished due it its distinctive woody aromas that are second to none.

What Does Sandalwood Smell Like?

Sandalwood has a subtle woody aroma that can be described as rich, creamy, and milky. The fragrant oil exudes a delicate sweetness, creating a sense of tranquility and comfort. This explains why sandalwood has been historically used in spiritual and religious ceremonies, as well as in the practice of Chinese medicine.
Below are the aroma profiles of sandalwood originating from different countries:
Region
Sri Lanka
Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, & New Caledonia)
Malaysia
Africa (Tanzania & Kenya)
India
Australia
Aroma Profile
Woody, milky, creamy, oriental, persistent, warm, pervasive, balsamic, and suave
Creamy-sweet, balsamic-woody
Woody, sweet, and earthy
Balsamic, warm, earthy, and smoky
Deep, creamy sweetness, warm undertones of amber, leather, and wood
Fresh, very rich, sweet, exceptionally smooth, creamy, precious wood aroma

Creating Candle Scents with Sandalwood

Perfumers that select the most beautiful raw materials often include sandalwood as part of their palette. Compared to classical woody scents such as patchouli, sandalwood boasts a softer character that is not as pungent or loud. It’s a versatile base that blends seamlessly with other ingredients, enabling perfumers to create a diverse range of candle scents or private label perfumes.

Sandalwood-and-floral-scents

Sandalwood and Floral Scents

Because of its gender-neutral profile, sandalwood blends well with floral scents. Its woody and creamy profile adds depth and allure to white florals such as orange blossom, jasmine, and lily of the valley.

Sandalwood-and-woody-scents

Sandalwood and Woody Scents

Woody scents like patchouli, vetiver and cedar evoke dark and intense notes. A balance is introduced with sandalwood, adding a soft creaminess that creates a cocooning effect.

Sandalwood-and-amber-scents

Sandalwood and Amber Scents

Amber scents evoke a range of aromas that tend to be balsamic, animalic and warm. There are many combinations of the sandalwood – amber duo, but generally the sandalwood facet introduces a softer more luxurious woody base note.

Sandalwood and Selfcare

Beyond its aromatic wonders, sandalwood is often associated with spirituality and meditation. Its therapeutic properties are also known in aromatherapy which promote healing and calming of the mind. Several cosmetics brands are developing skin care products that leverage sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory properties – treating conditions like acne, eczema, and anti-ageing.

6 Popular Sandalwood Candles

The increased popularity of luxury candles has prompted perfumers to develop exciting new combinations of scents. The best candle brands are working with perfumers to introduce modern candle collections with woody ingredients that include sandalwood. While some candle aficionados adore sandalwood for its ability to enhance wellness and spirituality, others appreciate it for its creamy woody character.

Here are our recommendations for 6 popular sandalwood candles:

Santal 26 - Le Labo

Le Labo fragrances was founded in 2006 which was later acquired in 2014 by Esteé Lauder. Santal 26 was launched as a sandalwood inspired scented candle and room spray. The perfumer, German born Frank Voekl, was always interested in in the “milky character” and “impression of comfort” Sandalwood evokes. Described as “an aristocratic scent that’s smoky and leathery”, Santal 26 was an instant success. In 2010, Le Labo decided to introduce the perfume equivalent, Santal 33.

Main notes: Sandalwood, cedar, iris, leather
Size: 8.6 oz
Price: $84 USD

Tadine – Cire Trudon

Founded in 1632, Cire Trudon as a leading French candle manufacturer that contracts with experienced perfumers to develop artistic candle scents. A strongly scented sandalwood candle, Tadine is designed to evoke Asian incense that helps with relieving stress and anxiety. Combined with woody notes of cardamom and guaiac wood, Tadine is immediately evocative, conjuring up images of temples in Asia.

Main notes: Sandalwood, cardamom, guaiac wood
Size: 9.5 oz
Price: $135 USD

Under The Fig Tree – Karl Winters

Montreal- based Karl Winters is a luxury candle manufacturer that contracts with independent perfumers to create exceptional olfactory experiences. Adopting a “fragrance is art” approach, the brand creates scent stories that are inspired by art. The perfumer leverages the versatility of sandalwood to compose Under The Fig Tree, a rich, deep, and woody candle scent that smells of Mediterranean fig sap. With hints of floral greenery and creamy fig essence, Under The Fig Tree will add a touch of relaxation and comfort to your senses.

Main notes: Sandalwood, fig, white florals
Size: 8 oz
Price: $56 USD

Sandalwood – Carriere Freres

Carriere Freres is another experienced French candle manufacturer that dates to 1884. The company is known for their use of natural fragrance oils that are extracted from herbs, roots, flowers, fruits and trees. Their Sandalwood candle is testament to their exclusive use of fragrant sandalwood oil that originates from Mysore, India. A popular choice for natural enthusiasts, this candle releases sweet milky notes that contrasts with the soft woodiness of Sandalwood.

Main notes: Sandalwood, woods
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $69 US

Ben Gorham created Byredo as a Swedish based luxury perfume and candle brand. Leveraging the power of storytelling, Byredo fragrances began establishing itself in luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue. Bohemia is a luxury candle that offers a distinct sandalwood aroma that is rounded with sweet base of vanilla, rum and germanium.  With Byredo’s signature black wax, Bohemia is sure to delight those that enjoy a floral amber scent.

Main notes: Sandalwood, rum, germanium, vanilla
Size: 8.4 oz
Price: $99 USD

1970 Gold Ceramic Candle – Bella Freud

Bella Freud is a London-based fashion designer that has gained a following among celebrities like Kate Moss. The brand’s unique visual identity integrates into products like clothing and candles. The success of Bella Freud’s iconic “1970 jumper” has been extended to the 1970 Gold Ceramic Candle. This luxurious candle is inspired by incense scents, particularly that of frankincense. Base notes of sandalwood and vetiver enhance the scent intensity, delivering an aroma that is bright, musky, and tastefully masculine.

Main notes: Sandalwood, frankincense, musk, vetiver
Size: 8.0 oz
Price: $214 USD