Within the category of woody fragrances, there are few scents as rich and enchanting as sandalwood. Often associated with the serene beauty of ancient forests and sacred rituals, sandalwood fragrance offers a transformative experience, evoking a sense of calm sophistication and comforting warmth. Sandalwood oil is showcased in Air Aroma’s best selling Sandalwood Gold scent, as well as Moonshot, and Pomelo Pulp premium library scents. Signature fragrances for Canada Goose, Four Seasons Jackson Hole, and Jaguar Land Rover, also feature the note. Sandalwood’s warm, earthy scent imbues the feeling of timeless luxury when present in a blend. Overall, sandalwood has a floral woodiness that lends itself towards being an extremely versatile and delicious base note.
The Sandalwood Tree
Sandalwood refers to a several species of trees within the genus Santalum. These trees share the characteristics of having heavy, fine-grained wood that gives off a lavish aromatic scent. When sandalwood as we know it is discussed, it is most often in reference to the varietal called true sandalwood, or white sandalwood (Santalum Album). This type of tree is native to India, and can be found distributed throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Islands of the South Pacific. The tree itself is a semi-parasitic varietal, growing from the roots of other tree species and relying on its host for water and nutrients.
White Sandalwood is prized for its fragrant wood which, of the many sandalwood varieties, holds the highest concentration of alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, the chemical compounds responsible for the plant’s distinctive scent and medicinal properties. Sandalwood is often harvested faster than it can be replenished as the trees are slow growing, taking about 30 years to reach an economically useful thickness. In today’s market, pure sandalwood can be quite expensive as demand surpasses supply. It is commonly considered one of the priciest woods in the world.
Both the wood and the roots of the tree contain a yellow, aromatic oil which can be distilled for usage. The raw sandalwood oil that perfumers use in their blends is obtained through the process of steam distillation. This practice begins with the heartwood and roots being ground into powder. The output is then processed in distillation stills, which are injected with steam. As condensation is produced, the oil is separated from water and purified for final use.
Uses in History
Throughout time, sandalwood has been revered for its fragrant wood and healing properties. The trees have been cultivated since antiquity for their heartwood, which plays a major role in many funeral ceremonies and religious rites. For example, in Buddhism, sandalwood is used as incense and burnt during prayer and meditation to purvey its calming properties. Ancient Egyptians imported sandalwood for the process of embalming and ritual burning as an offering to their Gods.
Modern homeopathic health practitioners continue to utilize sandalwood. The wood’s chemical properties make it a powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent, lending it to uses such as wound healing, aiding in digestion, and calming skin conditions. Sandalwood is also used in the common practice of aromatherapy. It has been found to aid relaxation and sleep by lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Aside from ceremonial and medicinal uses, sandalwood has been used in consumer goods for thousands of years. While the wood of sandalwood trees has been used to produce aromatic ornamental pieces, furniture, fans and more, contemporarily, it is most often consumed in the form of fragrance.
Beginning in early Arabic and Indian perfumery, sandalwood is still one of the most beloved fragrance notes in perfumery today. Known for its woody, balsamic scent, sandalwood delivers a lasting effect that is synonymous with exotic luxury. The oil itself displays fixative properties in fragrance, meaning it can stabilize and increase the longevity of a perfume. This helps to fix notes of a blend which would otherwise evaporate and fade quickly.
Air Aroma’s Sandalwood Gold Fragrance
Fresh, Green, Woody
Australian Sandalwood, Leather, Fennel, Cardamom, Violet, Cedar
Golden hues meander through a deep cavern. Heat of charred ash casts a warm glow on a vast wall of intricate formations. Innate wisdoms reverberate like a smoky silage of woods and spices. Gentle and warm but dark and sultry.
With its warm, rich allure, Sandalwood Gold is a luxurious aroma oil utilized popularly in hospitality, retail, and high-luxury clients. The fragrance is often used for autumn and winter seasonal scenting. Sandalwood Gold is diffused in hotels like Mondrian Park Avenue and Andaz Napa, and premier entertainment facilities like Resorts World Las Vegas, and is a luxurious aroma oil that elevates every space in which it is featured.
Sandalwood is a timeless and enchanting choice for those who appreciate the natural warmth and spiciness of the historic wood. Explore the beauty of sandalwood in Air Aroma’s Sandalwood Gold, Moonshot, and Pomelo Pulp fragrances. Or, design a custom signature scent inspired by the many facets of sandalwood.