Sandalwood Australian Essential Oil

About Australian Sandalwood

There are two main sandalwoods on the market. Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) has been so heavily harvested that wild stocks are now threatened and tightly protected, which makes genuine, ethically sourced Indian oil scarce and expensive. Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is a different native species, harvested in Western Australia under a government licensing system designed to keep supply sustainable.

The aroma differs too. Australian sandalwood is a touch drier and more resinous than the creamy Indian profile, while still delivering the warm, grounding, woody character sandalwood is loved for. Its main constituents include alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, along with bisabolol, trans-farnesol and cis-lanceol, which is why it is valued in both fine fragrance and skincare.

Prefer a ready-diluted option? See our Sandalwood Australian Oil 3% Dilution in Jojoba Oil.

Mental & Emotional Benefits:

• Promotes deep relaxation and reduces anxiety
• Natural sedative properties, supports sleep and eases insomnia
• Enhances mental clarity and focus
• Grounding and centring during meditation and yoga
• Gentle aphrodisiac properties

Physical & Therapeutic Benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic,supports wound healing and minor skin irritations
• Antimicrobial and antiviral, may support respiratory health and immunity
• Helps relieve coughs, sore throats, and chest infections
• Supports the healing of acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis

Skin & Beauty Benefits:

• Antioxidant and astringent, promotes firmer, smoother skin
• Promotes skin cell regeneration
• Helps reduce redness and inflammation
• Widely used in anti-ageing formulations and toners

• Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add 3–5 drops to an aromatherapy diffuser. The woody, grounding aroma is ideal for meditation, focus, or creating a calming sleep environment.
• Topical Application: Dilute before applying to skin (see dilution guide below). For an easy on-the-go roller, add 4–6 drops to a 15ml roller bottle and top with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Apply to wrists, temples, behind ears, or the soles of feet.
• Skincare Serum: Add 2–3 drops to your preferred carrier oil (Jojoba or Rosehip work particularly well). Apply nightly to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Alternatively, add to an existing moisturiser to boost its rejuvenating properties.
• Massage: Add to a carrier oil or massage base at a 2–3% dilution for full-body application. For tired muscles, blend 1 drop Sandalwood with 10 drops Kunzea in 25ml of carrier oil.
• Bath: Add 4–6 drops of Sandalwood Oil to a warm bath to support relaxation and sleep. Always disperse in a carrier oil or bath base before adding to water.
• Inhalation: Add 1–2 drops to a tissue and inhale at distance, or inhale directly from the bottle for a quick calming effect.
• Medicinal Use: Dilute in a carrier oil or lotion and apply to the chest and neck to help with coughs, sore throats, and chest congestion

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• For external use. Always dilute in a carrier oil before applying to skin and patch test first.
• Avoid contact with the eyes and keep away from mucous membranes.
• Seek advice before use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or on children.
• Store in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed.
• Classified as a dangerous good. Cannot be sent overseas or by express post within Australia.

What makes Australian Sandalwood different from Indian Sandalwood?

They are two different species. Australian sandalwood is Santalum spicatum, harvested sustainably in Western Australia under government licence. Indian sandalwood is Santalum album, which has been heavily over-harvested and is now threatened and tightly protected. Australian sandalwood has a slightly drier, more resinous aroma, while Indian is creamier, but Australian is the far more sustainable and available choice.

Is Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil safe to use on skin?

Yes, Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil is approved by Australia’s TGA for direct topical skin application, though we recommend diluting to 1–2% for facial use and 2–4% for body application. Always perform a patch test first. Avoid during pregnancy and keep away from children.

Is Australian sandalwood CITES-restricted?

Indian sandalwood is the species under heavy protection due to over-harvesting. Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is harvested under a strict government licensing system through the Western Australian Sandalwood Act, which is designed to keep the resource sustainable.

What does Australian sandalwood smell like?

Warm, woody, earthy and sweet with a slightly balsamic edge. It is a base note, so it lingers and helps anchor and round out a blend, working well with citrus, floral and other woody oils.

What is Australian sandalwood used for in aromatherapy?

It is traditionally used to promote relaxation and a calm, grounded feeling, which makes it popular for meditation and evening blends. Add a few drops to a diffuser or dilute it in a carrier oil for massage.