Sandalwood
Santalum album & Santalum spicatum
Sandalwood is the aristocrat of perfumery—a creamy, milk-like wood that has captivated civilizations for over 4,000 years. From the sacred temples of India to modern luxury fragrances, this precious ingredient commands prices rivaling gold.
Origin
India, Australia
Price Range
$500-2,000/kg
Scent Profile
Santalol Content
80-95%
Maturity Age
30-60 years
The gold standard of sandalwood, native to southern India. Known for its exceptionally high santalol content, creating the characteristic creamy, milky aroma that defines true sandalwood. The heartwood from Mysore is considered the finest quality in the world.
Santalol Content
45-60%
Maturity Age
15-25 years
A more sustainable alternative with a drier, more angular profile. While lacking the creamy richness of Indian sandalwood, it offers its own unique character with nutty, honey-like facets. Sustainably harvested from plantations in Western Australia.
New Caledonian (S. austrocaledonicum)
Premium quality with 70-85% santalol content. Offers a balanced profile between Indian and Australian varieties.
Hawaiian (S. paniculatum)
Rare variety with unique floral-woody notes. Limited availability due to conservation concerns.
Vanuatu (S. austrocaledonicum)
Emerging source with promising quality. Small-scale sustainable cultivation programs underway.
Why Sandalwood Essential Oil Commands Premium Prices
Sandalwood essential oil represents one of the most valuable raw materials in perfumery, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000 per kilogram depending on origin and quality. This premium pricing reflects the unique characteristics that make sandalwood irreplaceable in luxury fragrances.
The distinctive creamy, milky aroma of authentic sandalwood comes from high concentrations of santalol compounds, particularly α-santalol and β-santalol. These molecules create the smooth, long-lasting base notes that define exceptional woody fragrances.
For perfume enthusiasts seeking authentic sandalwood experiences, look for fragrances that specify the use of natural sandalwood oil rather than synthetic alternatives. While synthetics have their place, nothing quite matches the complexity and depth of genuine sandalwood.
Choosing Quality Sandalwood Perfumes
When shopping for sandalwood perfumes, understanding the difference between Indian Santalum album and Australian Santalum spicatum can help you make informed choices. Indian sandalwood offers the classic creamy profile, while Australian sandalwood provides a more sustainable, albeit different, aromatic experience.
High-quality sandalwood fragrances will typically list the specific type of sandalwood used and may mention sustainability certifications. Look for brands that support responsible sourcing and conservation efforts, ensuring your purchase contributes to preserving these precious trees for future generations.
The best sandalwood perfumes balance the wood's natural properties with complementary notes, creating compositions that highlight sandalwood's unique character while adding complexity and modernity to this ancient ingredient.
Related Woody Ingredients
A dry, pencil-like woody note that complements sandalwood's creamy character in many compositions.
Another precious wood with complex, resinous character that creates luxurious combinations with sandalwood.
A sweet, floral-woody note that shares sandalwood's smooth character and works beautifully in blends.