Chandan: sandalwood in skin care, tradition and evidence
Why sandalwood is central to Indian beauty rituals, what dermatology reviews report about Santalum album oil and how to use it safely.
1 min read · Updated 2026-11-14
Chandan in Indian life
Sandalwood paste, chandan, is applied as a tilak in temples, mixed into ubtans for brides and used to cool the skin in summer. Its soft, woody scent is one of the most recognisable in Indian perfumery.
The oil and its chemistry
Sandalwood oil is steam-distilled from the heartwood. It contains more than 125 related compounds, led by alpha- and beta-santalol. Santalum album produces oil much richer in these than other species.
What dermatology reviews report
A 2017 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology describes laboratory evidence that the oil calms inflammatory pathways, acts against several skin microbes and slows overactive cell growth. It also summarises early clinical trials in acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts and molluscum. One author worked for a company developing sandalwood oil drugs, so we read these findings as promising rather than settled.
Safety
Sandalwood is well tolerated by most people, but sensitisation does occur. Patch test any product with sandalwood oil, especially on the face.
Sustainability
Over-harvesting pushed wild Indian sandalwood close to extinction in its native range. Much of today's oil comes from cultivated plantations.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For skin conditions, see a dermatologist.
Questions
What is East Indian sandalwood oil?
It is the essential oil distilled from the heartwood of Santalum album. It is also called sandalwood album oil.
Can sandalwood cause allergy?
Rarely. Patch test data compiled by Tisserand found about 0.3 per cent of dermatology patients reacted to a 2 per cent dilution and about 1.2 per cent to a 10 per cent dilution.
Is sandalwood sustainable?
Wild Indian sandalwood was heavily over-harvested. Much of today's Santalum album oil comes from cultivated plantations.
Sources
This guide is general information about traditional and natural care. It is not medical advice. For a skin, scalp or health condition, speak to a dermatologist or qualified practitioner.
