Summarizes the skin studies below; one author works for a sandalwood drug developer
Moy & Levenson 2017, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol · Source
Sandalwood
Santalum album wood oil
A treasured woody scent with a long history in Indian skin care, where sandalwood paste is used to cool and calm skin.
Ayurvedica classic of traditional Indian skin care
89%improved in an open acne study with sandalwood oil
50people in a radiation skin-care study
Why we love it
Sandalwood gives the Body Oil a grounding, woody base note. It has a long history in skin care in India, where sandalwood paste is used to cool and calm skin.
What does the research show?
Blemish-prone skin
In an open study, a regimen of 0.5% salicylic acid with up to 2% sandalwood oil improved mild to moderate acne in about 89% of people over 8 weeks. There was no comparison group.
Eczema and irritation
In an open study in children with eczema, a regimen with colloidal oatmeal and sandalwood oil was well tolerated and appeared to reduce severity.
Skin during radiation
In a study of 50 people having radiation for head and neck cancer, a cream of sandalwood oil and turmeric led to fewer severe skin reactions than baby oil. The study wasn't blinded, and it can't separate sandalwood from turmeric.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Children with eczema: oatmeal and sandalwood regimen well tolerated, severity appeared to fall
Browning 2017 · Source
Radiation skin reactions: fewer severe reactions with sandalwood-turmeric cream vs baby oil
Palatty 2014 · Source
Acne: about 89% improved with salicylic acid plus sandalwood oil
Moy 2012 · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
Sandalwood is a classic of Ayurvedic practice and Indian skin care. Wild Indian sandalwood is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, so responsibly grown plantation oil matters.
Is sandalwood safe on my skin?
Most people use sandalwood without trouble, but like any essential oil it can cause skin allergy in a small number of people. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive, and keep essential-oil products off mucous membranes and broken skin. Much of the research above was run or reviewed by a company developing sandalwood oil as a drug.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research