Essential Oils & Aromatherapy · Essential oil
Sandalwood Oil
Santalum album L. and Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC. · also called East Indian sandalwood oil, white sandalwood oil, Australian sandalwood oil (S. spicatum)
Sandalwood oil is the costly, woody-smelling oil distilled from the heartwood of sandalwood trees. It is used in perfume, massage oils and aromatherapy. Human research is small: ten-person wart and molluscum pilots, and tiny anxiety and stress studies. Safety first: it is a known skin allergen, it should not be swallowed, and many oils sold as sandalwood are not.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil comes from the heartwood of Santalum album and related trees. It is a documented skin allergen and should not be swallowed. Human research is small and mostly uncontrolled. Shop oils are often adulterated, and the main source tree is described as Vulnerable.
What it is
Santalum album L. (East Indian sandalwood) and Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC. (Western Australian sandalwood) are accepted species in GBIF, in the sandalwood family Santalaceae. Most studies used S. album, and the two species differ in santalol content.
The main compound is alpha-santalol, with over 100 constituents identified. Heartwood is distilled for the oil.
What the research shows
Skin: two 10-person open pilots (warts, molluscum) reported clearing in most people, with no comparison group. Two small studies of a sandalwood and turmeric cream found less radiation dermatitis than baby oil, but it is a mix. A review of skin uses was partly written by a company that develops a sandalwood drug.
Calm and stress: a 34-person pilot gave no conclusions, a lavender-sandalwood blend beat placebo for biopsy anxiety, and healthy-volunteer experiments saw small body changes. The EEG study was company-funded. Dish and animal studies of alpha-santalol, including cancer work, do not show benefit in people.
Fake and mixed oils
Sandalwood oil is costly, and fakes are common. In a 2021 test none of six shop oils met the ISO standard. Only one had both alpha- and beta-santalol, three looked like Amyris oil and two were synthetic mixtures. A survey of 150 websites judged that good Santalum album oil at a realistic price was a negligible share of what is sold. Look for the full botanical name and ask a pharmacist.
Conservation
A 2016 plant paper says natural populations of S. album in places such as southern India are threatened by over-exploitation. A secondary source describes the species as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2019 assessment) and says India banned timber export. We could not open the IUCN page, and no source we read confirms a CITES listing, so both are not verified at source.
Traditional use
A 2025 review says the heartwood has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for skin, heart and lung conditions. Tradition is not proof.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Heartwood used for skin, heart and lung conditions in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (2025 review).
- Used as a perfume and calming scent in aromatherapy.
Studied for research
- Common warts, oil on skin, insufficient
- Molluscum contagiosum, oil product, insufficient
- Skin reaction to radiotherapy, sandalwood and turmeric cream, very low
- Psoriasis, eczema, acne, insufficient
- Anxiety in palliative care, insufficient
- Anxiety before a biopsy, lavender-sandalwood scent, low
- Relaxation and stress recovery in healthy adults, very low
- Itch and stress in older women, three-oil blend, very low
Main compounds
- alpha-Santalol, the main compound
- beta-Santalol, second marker of S. album
- Over 100 constituents identified in all
Common forms
- Steam-distilled essential oil
- Diluted massage oil
- Aroma stone or diffuser
- Branded skin creams and blends (studied products)
Research links: Poison Control: Essential oils · Essential oils, contact allergy review (abstract) · Commercial sandalwood oils vs ISO standard (abstract) · Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (abstract) · Wart pilot (abstract) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Santalum album
- Naming authority
- L.
- Common names
- East Indian sandalwood (English); White sandalwood (English); Western Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum) (English)
- Family or group
- Santalaceae (sandalwood family), per GBIF
- Classification
- Plantae > Santalaceae > Santalum > Santalum album
- Native range
- Southern India is named in a 2016 paper; not otherwise checked.
- Habitat
- Not checked.
- What it looks like
- Part used: Heartwood is distilled for the oil.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Amyris balsamifera (West Indian sandalwood); Note: A tree of a different family whose oil was found sold as sandalwood in a 2021 test.; Name: Santalum spicatum; Note: A different species; oils differ in santalol content and are not interchangeable.
- Sustainability and conservation
- S. album is described as Vulnerable (IUCN) in a secondary source and as threatened by over-exploitation in southern India in a 2016 plant paper. IUCN and CITES not verified at source.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine | A 2025 review says the heartwood has a long history of use mainly for skin, heart and lung conditions. This is traditional use, not proof. | Han et al. 2025 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| alpha-Santalol PubChem 11085337 | sesquiterpene alcohol | Heartwood oil Main constituent; an ISO standard sets a minimum (value not read). | Named as the major constituent of the oil. Cell and animal work reports anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects. In one healthy-volunteer skin-absorption study it caused changes read as sedative. 28 1 20 8 | Laboratory |
| beta-Santalol PubChem 6857681 | sesquiterpene alcohol | Heartwood oil Not read. | Second marker of S. album; suppressed inflammatory signals in skin cells like alpha-santalol. 29 15 10 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins | COX pathway (suggested) | Sandalwood oils and santalols lowered cytokines and prostaglandins in skin cells exposed to a bacterial toxin, similar to ibuprofen. 15 | Laboratory research |
| Cancer cell growth | Cell-cycle and apoptosis pathways | alpha-Santalol affects cell growth in cancer cell lines and animals. No human cancer trial was read. 20 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not established in the sources read. The healthy-volunteer study shows the oil has measurable effects after skin application.
- Distribution
- Not established.
- Metabolism
- Not established.
- Elimination
- Not established.
- Bioavailability
- Not established. A 2025 review names limited bioavailability for alpha-santalol.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Whole oil, isolated alpha-santalol, wood extracts, branded creams and blends behave differently. Skin studies used specific products; blends cannot be credited to sandalwood.
Nutritional composition
Sandalwood oil is not a nutrient. It is a food-flavour ingredient at tiny intakes per a 2008 review.
1 low certainty3 very low certainty5 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Sandalwood Oil, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Common warts (oil on the skin)Not enough evidence
- Molluscum contagiosum (oil product on the skin)Not enough evidence
- Skin reaction to radiotherapy (cream containing sandalwood oil and turmeric)Very low certainty
- Psoriasis, eczema and acneNot enough evidence
- Anxiety in palliative care (massage or aroma stone)Not enough evidence
- Anxiety before a breast biopsy (lavender-sandalwood scent tab)Low certainty
- Relaxation and stress recovery in healthy volunteersVery low certainty
- Brain activity (EEG) during smellingNot enough evidence
- Itch and stress in older women (three-oil massage blend)Very low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Complete clearing of warts or molluscum spotsRadiation dermatitis grade (RTOG)Systolic blood pressure after stressSalivary cortisol
What is Sandalwood Oil good for?
The uses people ask about and how strong the human evidence is for each. None is proven. Read each one with the safety section.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Common warts (oil on the skin)
Not enough evidenceOne open study of 10 people reported that treated warts cleared in 8. There was no comparison group, so it does not show the oil works.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One open pilot of 10 people with common warts, oil applied twice daily for 12 weeks.
Results
8 of 10 had complete resolution of treated warts and 2 had moderate improvement. No irritation or other adverse events were reported.
Effect sizes as reported
8/10 complete resolution
Why this rating
Ten people, no control group and no blinding. Warts often clear without treatment.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
People with common warts, including children (Nationwide Children's Hospital).
Limits
Tiny, uncontrolled. Species and product not named in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Sandalwood oil has antiviral activity in lab reports, so skin viruses were a natural target.
Traditional use
Traditional use of the wood for skin conditions is described in a 2025 review.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established in the human study read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sandalwood oil is a known skin allergen. Do not put the neat oil on skin. Products in the studies were specific preparations; ask a clinician before treating warts or any skin problem.
Molluscum contagiosum (oil product on the skin)
Not enough evidenceOne open study of 10 people reported that molluscum spots cleared in 9. It had no comparison group.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One open-label pilot of an East Indian sandalwood oil product in people aged 22 months to 29 years.
Results
9 of 10 had complete resolution within 12 weeks; no side effects were reported.
Effect sizes as reported
9/10 complete resolution
Why this rating
Ten people, no comparison group. Molluscum can clear by itself.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Children and adults with molluscum.
Limits
A specific product, not shop oil. Do not copy it at home.
Why researchers looked
Molluscum is a viral skin infection with few easy treatments.
Traditional use
Not described.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sandalwood oil is a known skin allergen. Do not put the neat oil on skin. Products in the studies were specific preparations; ask a clinician before treating warts or any skin problem.
Skin reaction to radiotherapy (cream containing sandalwood oil and turmeric)
Very low certaintyTwo small randomized studies in India found less radiation skin reaction with a sandalwood oil and turmeric cream than with baby oil. The cream is a mix, so sandalwood cannot be credited.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two randomized studies (50 people with head and neck cancer; women with breast cancer) using one branded turmeric and sandalwood cream against Johnson's baby oil.
Results
Lower dermatitis grades with the cream at several time points in both studies.
Effect sizes as reported
p-values reported; numbers of events not in the abstracts
Why this rating
Combination product, compared with baby oil rather than a proven care product, assessor-blinded only, small, and from one research group.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
People having radiotherapy.
Limits
Cannot separate sandalwood from turmeric; authors ask for double-blind trials.
Why researchers looked
Radiation skin burn is common and has few proven preventives.
Traditional use
Both ingredients are used in Ayurveda.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
This is a medical setting. Never add products to irradiated skin without the cancer team's advice.
Psoriasis, eczema and acne
Not enough evidenceA review says the oil has shown promise for these, but the review was partly written by a company that develops a sandalwood drug. We found no published controlled trial numbers.
3 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No controlled human trial read. The psoriasis paper reports only a company-linked interim phase 2 statement ('well tolerated and helpful') without numbers.
Results
Lab skin models showed reversal of psoriasis-like changes; cell studies showed lower cytokines.
Effect sizes as reported
No human numbers
Why this rating
Lab and company-linked sources only; no human trial results available to read.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
People with psoriasis, eczema or acne (not tested in numbers we could read).
Limits
Dish and tissue results do not show benefit for people. Company-linked sources.
Why researchers looked
Lab work shows sandalwood oil lowers inflammatory signals in skin cells.
Traditional use
Traditional skin use is described in a 2025 review.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
In lab work (cells and reconstructed skin) the oil and its santalols lowered inflammatory signals in a way that resembled ibuprofen.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sandalwood oil is a known skin allergen. Do not put the neat oil on skin. Products in the studies were specific preparations; ask a clinician before treating warts or any skin problem.
Anxiety in palliative care (massage or aroma stone)
Not enough evidenceA pilot of 34 patients was too small to draw any conclusion, and its author said so.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One pilot randomized trial: massage with 1% sandalwood oil, almond oil alone, or sandalwood on an aromastone.
Results
Results were not strong enough to produce coherent statistics; 25% dropped out.
Why this rating
34 people, 25% attrition, scent cannot be hidden from people.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Palliative-care patients in four English counties.
Limits
The author wrote that no assumptions could be drawn.
Why researchers looked
Aromatherapy is widely used in palliative care for comfort.
Traditional use
Not described.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Scented products can trigger asthma or skin reactions in some people. Ask the care team before using any oil in a hospice or hospital.
Anxiety before a breast biopsy (lavender-sandalwood scent tab)
Low certaintyA blend of lavender and sandalwood lowered self-rated anxiety more than placebo in 87 women. Because it is a blend, sandalwood cannot be credited.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomized placebo-controlled trial of external scent tabs.
Results
Self-reported anxiety fell more with the lavender-sandalwood tab than with placebo (p = .032).
Effect sizes as reported
p = .032
Why this rating
Randomized and placebo-controlled but a blend, self-rated, a single procedure and scent is hard to blind.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Women having an image-guided breast biopsy.
Limits
Two oils together; cannot tell which did what.
Why researchers looked
Waiting for a biopsy is stressful.
Traditional use
Not described.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
A scent tab does not replace talking to the care team about worry.
Relaxation and stress recovery in healthy volunteers
Very low certaintySmall experiments in healthy adults saw lower blood pressure and, with one species, lower cortisol after smelling sandalwood. Skin absorption gave mixed signals.
2 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two small experiments: 32 healthy adults smelling Santalum album and S. spicatum under experimental stress; healthy adults with oil absorbed through skin.
Results
Both sandalwood oils lowered systolic blood pressure during recovery; cortisol fell with Western Australian sandalwood versus control. In the skin study the whole oil gave physiological deactivation but self-rated activation; alpha-santalol gave sedative-type changes.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given in abstracts
Why this rating
Small healthy-volunteer experiments, short-term, scent cannot be hidden, outcomes are body measures.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Healthy adults.
Limits
Not a test in anxious or sleepless people; different species and routes.
Why researchers looked
Sandalwood is a widely used calming scent.
Traditional use
Traditions are not described in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established. Alpha-santalol and the whole oil behaved differently in the skin-absorption study.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Healthy-volunteer lab findings. They do not show the oil helps anxiety, sleep or stress in daily life.
Brain activity (EEG) during smelling
Not enough evidenceSmelling sandalwood changed brain-wave activity in one experiment, but task performance improved only with lemon oil.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One experiment, sandalwood versus lemon, camphor and no scent, with EEG.
Results
Sandalwood produced beta and gamma activity in the prefrontal cortex; no performance gain is reported for it.
Why this rating
A company-funded EEG experiment; the number of people is not in the abstract.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Healthy adults.
Limits
Funded by a fragrance company (Nippon Kodo).
Why researchers looked
Scents are studied for their effect on mood and memory.
Traditional use
Not described.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Brain-wave changes are not proof of a benefit.
Itch and stress in older women (three-oil massage blend)
Very low certaintyA blend of lavender, chamomile and sandalwood was linked to less itch and stress than a sandalwood-only massage. The comparison group also got sandalwood, so the study says little about sandalwood.
1 studiesNot covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One non-randomized study of 59 women aged 65 or over.
Results
Itch (p = .039) and stress (p < .001) scores were better with the blend.
Effect sizes as reported
p-values only
Why this rating
Not randomized, blend of three oils, control also had sandalwood.
Form and dose studied
Not covered. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the oil.
Who was studied
Women aged 65 and over in Korean senior centres.
Limits
Cannot isolate sandalwood.
Why researchers looked
Itch is common in older adults.
Traditional use
Not described.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Older skin is fragile. Essential oils can cause allergic reactions.
Connections to the rest of health
How Sandalwood Oil connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Common warts (oil on the skin): One open study of 10 people reported that treated warts cleared in 8. There was no comparison group, so it does not show the oil works. Molluscum contagiosum (oil product on the skin): One open study of 10 people reported that molluscum spots cleared in 9. It had no comparison group. | 5 12 6 13 14 17 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Psoriasis, eczema and acne: A review says the oil has shown promise for these, but the review was partly written by a company that develops a sandalwood drug. We found no published controlled trial numbers. | 12 16 15 | |
| Anxiety Support | Not enough evidence | Anxiety in palliative care (massage or aroma stone): A pilot of 34 patients was too small to draw any conclusion, and its author said so. Anxiety before a breast biopsy (lavender-sandalwood scent tab): A blend of lavender and sandalwood lowered self-rated anxiety more than placebo in 87 women. Because it is a blend, sandalwood cannot be credited. | 11 23 18 | |
| Calm Relaxation | Very low certainty | Relaxation and stress recovery in healthy volunteers: Small experiments in healthy adults saw lower blood pressure and, with one species, lower cortisol after smelling sandalwood. Skin absorption gave mixed signals. | 9 8 | |
| Stress Reduction | Very low certainty | Relaxation and stress recovery in healthy volunteers: Small experiments in healthy adults saw lower blood pressure and, with one species, lower cortisol after smelling sandalwood. Skin absorption gave mixed signals. Itch and stress in older women (three-oil massage blend): A blend of lavender, chamomile and sandalwood was linked to less itch and stress than a sandalwood-only massage. The comparison group also got sandalwood, so the study says little about sandalwood. | 9 8 17 | |
| Better Focus | Not enough evidence | Brain activity (EEG) during smelling: Smelling sandalwood changed brain-wave activity in one experiment, but task performance improved only with lemon oil. | 19 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Hair Beauty | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Common warts (oil on the skin) Studied for: Molluscum contagiosum (oil product on the skin) | 5 12 6 13 14 16 15 17 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Anxiety in palliative care (massage or aroma stone) Studied for: Anxiety before a breast biopsy (lavender-sandalwood scent tab) | 11 23 18 9 8 19 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Positive patch tests in 1.4% to 1.8% of clinic patients tested. Preparation or compound: Sandalwood oil on skin |
3 21 |
| Adulterated oils | Documented risk | 0 of 6 shop oils met ISO. Preparation or compound: Oils sold as sandalwood |
10 7 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete clearing of warts or molluscum spots | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 5 6 |
| Radiation dermatitis grade (RTOG) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 13 14 |
| Systolic blood pressure after stress | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 9 |
| Salivary cortisol | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 9 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory cytokines | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Lowered in skin cell cultures. | 15 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| alpha-Santalol | Biological association | Laboratory | Named as the major constituent of the oil. Cell and animal work reports anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects. In one healthy-volunteer skin-absorption study it caused changes read as sedative. Preparation or compound: Heartwood oil |
28 1 20 8 |
| beta-Santalol | Biological association | In vitro | Second marker of S. album; suppressed inflammatory signals in skin cells like alpha-santalol. Preparation or compound: Heartwood oil |
29 15 10 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 9 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Sandalwood Oil. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of the studies cited, read the Poison Control article and checked species names in GBIF and compounds in PubChem. Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Company-linked and company-funded sources are flagged. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 29
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burdock 2008 Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.) Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 17980948 · DOI |
Safety review mixed |
Literature on sandalwood oil | Santalum album oil oil Not reported here |
The review says sandalwood oil is used as a food flavour at about 0.0074 mg/kg a day, has low acute oral and dermal toxicity in laboratory animals, and that occasional irritation or sensitization in humans is reported. It says toxicity data are limited. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Toxicity and use data Limitations: Authors are from a consulting group (Burdock Group) that does safety work for flavour industries; the abstract does not state who paid. Funding and conflicts: Not stated; authors from the Burdock Group consultancy. Read: abstract |
| Celedon 2016 Heartwood-specific transcriptome and metabolite signatures of tropical sandalwood (Santalum album) reveal the final step of (Z)-santalol fragrance biosynthesis Plant J · PMID 26991058 · DOI |
Plant biochemistry study plant |
Santalum album tree | Santalum album heartwood heartwood Not reported here |
In its introduction the paper says that in places such as southern India natural populations of this slow-growing tree are threatened by over-exploitation. The oil has four major sesquiterpenols. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fragrance biosynthesis Limitations: A biochemistry paper; the conservation statement is background only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Geier 2022 Contact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data of the years 2010-2019 Contact Dermatitis · PMID 35417610 · DOI |
Retrospective patch test database analysis |
10930 Dermatitis patients in German-speaking clinics |
Sandalwood oil in patch tests (12 oils tested) oil on skin (patch test) Not reported here |
Of 10,930 patients, 908 (8.3%) reacted to at least one oil. Sandalwood oil gave 1.8% positive reactions. Masseurs and cosmeticians were over-represented among those sensitized. 1.8% positive for sandalwood Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Positive patch-test reactions Limitations: Clinic patients, not the general public. Funding and conflicts: No funding stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Han 2025 Santali Albi Lignum: From traditional efficacies to pharmacological properties and modern therapeutic applications J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 40419205 · DOI |
Systematic review of the wood (not the oil) mixed |
Santalum album heartwood in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine | Santalum album heartwood and its extracts heartwood Not reported here |
Heartwood has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for skin, heart and lung conditions. 216 compounds are known, mainly sesquiterpenes; activities were shown in vitro and in vivo. The authors say toxicology and pharmacokinetics need more research. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional use and pharmacology Limitations: About the wood and its extracts, not bottled oil; lab and animal evidence for most effects. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Haque 2018 Topical Sandalwood Oil for Common Warts Clin Pediatr (Phila) · PMID 28954520 · DOI |
Open label pilot, no comparison group |
10 People with common skin warts (HPV) |
Sandalwood oil (species not named in abstract), applied to warts oil Not reported here twice daily for 12 weeks |
8 of 10 had complete resolution of all treated warts; 2 had moderate improvement. No skin irritation or other adverse events were reported. 8/10 (80%) complete resolution Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Complete resolution of treated warts; adverse events Limitations: Ten people, no control group, no blinding; warts can clear on their own. Species and product not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Haque 2018 Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with an East Indian sandalwood oil product J Dermatolog Treat · PMID 29103323 · DOI |
Open label pilot, no comparison group |
10 People aged 22 months to 29 years with molluscum contagiosum (a viral skin infection) |
East Indian sandalwood oil (EISO) product, applied to lesions oil product Not reported here twice daily, up to 12 weeks |
9 of 10 had complete resolution within the 12-week study. No side effects, irritation or pain were reported. 9/10 (90%) complete resolution Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Resolution of lesions; side effects Limitations: Ten people, no control group; molluscum often clears without treatment. A specific product was tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Hartman-Petrycka 2021 The Assessment of Quality of Products Called Sandalwood Oil Based on the Information Provided by Manufacturer of the Oil on Polish, German, and English Websites Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 34335846 · DOI |
Website survey (not lab testing) n/a |
150 150 websites (50 each in Polish, German, English) |
Products called sandalwood oil oil Not reported here |
Good-quality Santalum album oils at a realistic price were a negligible share of products sold online. Without the botanical name and a price range for unadulterated oil, the chance of buying a reliable product is low. negligible share Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Botanical name and price as quality signs Limitations: Judged from website text and price, not from testing the oils. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared. Read: abstract |
| Hongratanaworakit 2004 Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption Planta Med · PMID 14765284 · DOI |
Controlled physiological experiment |
Healthy volunteers wearing breathing masks | East Indian sandalwood oil (Santalum album) and alpha-santalol, applied to skin oil Not reported here single sessions · vs control |
Alpha-santalol caused changes interpreted as relaxing or sedative. Sandalwood oil gave physiological deactivation but behavioural activation (more alert on self-rating). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Eight body measures (blood pressure, pulse, breathing, skin conductance, etc.) and mood ratings Limitations: Healthy adults, one short session, 2004. The number of people is not in the abstract. Not a test in anxiety. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Höferl 2016 A Pilot Study on the Physiological Effects of Three Essential Oils in Humans Nat Prod Commun · PMID 30549622 |
Pilot experiment with experimental stress |
32 Healthy adults exposed to experimental stress |
Inhaled East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Western Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) oils; lavender oil, inhaled Not reported here single sessions · vs control |
Both sandalwood oils lowered systolic blood pressure, mainly in the recovery phase. Salivary cortisol fell during recovery with Western Australian sandalwood compared with the control. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood pressure, heart rate, skin conductance, salivary cortisol Limitations: 32 healthy people; lab stress, not a clinical illness; the scent is hard to blind; short-term. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Kucharska 2021 A Comparison of the Composition of Selected Commercial Sandalwood Oils with the International Standard Molecules · PMID 33924603 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis of 6 products n/a |
6 Six commercial oils sold as sandalwood |
Oils sold as sandalwood, tested by GC-MS oil Not reported here · vs ISO 3518:2002 |
None of the six met the ISO standard. Only one contained both alpha- and beta-santalol (characteristic of Santalum album). Three looked like Amyris balsamifera oil, and two were synthetic mixtures. Labels were correct in only three cases. 0 of 6 met ISO Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition against the ISO standard Limitations: Only six products from shops in one setting. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared. Read: abstract |
| Kyle 2006 Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of anxiety in palliative care patients: results of a pilot study Complement Ther Clin Pract · PMID 16648093 · DOI |
Pilot randomized trial |
34 Palliative-care patients |
Massage with 1% Santalum album (sandalwood) oil, or sandalwood oil on an aromastone oil Not reported here · vs massage with sweet almond carrier oil |
The data were too limited to generate coherent statistics (25% dropped out). The author wrote that no assumptions could be drawn, though the results 'seem to support' the notion that sandalwood is effective. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anxiety scores Limitations: Pilot, 34 people, 25% attrition, scent is hard to blind. The author's own words say no conclusion can be drawn. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Moy 2017 Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology J Clin Aesthet Dermatol · PMID 29344319 |
Narrative review mixed |
Skin conditions (acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts, molluscum) | East Indian sandalwood oil (Santalum album), including a pharmaceutical-grade oil oil Not reported here |
The review says the oil has shown promise in clinical trials for acne, psoriasis, eczema, common warts and molluscum contagiosum. We did not read those trials, apart from the wart and molluscum pilots. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Summary of lab and clinical work Limitations: Narrative review. Second author is an employee of Santalis Pharmaceuticals, which holds IND applications for sandalwood oil. Funding and conflicts: Second author employed by Santalis Pharmaceuticals, a sandalwood oil drug developer. Read: abstract |
| Palatty 2014 Topical application of a sandal wood oil and turmeric based cream prevents radiodermatitis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy: a pilot study Br J Radiol · PMID 24694358 · DOI |
Pilot randomized study, assessor blinded |
50 People with head and neck cancer having more than 60 Gy radiotherapy |
Vicco turmeric cream with sandalwood oil (a combination product) cream Not reported here started day 1, continued until 2 weeks after radiotherapy · vs Johnson's Baby Oil |
Lower grades of dermatitis with the cream at all time points, and less grade 3 dermatitis (p < 0.01). The authors said larger double-blind trials are needed. p-values only in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Radiation dermatitis grade (RTOG) Limitations: Combination product, so sandalwood alone is not tested. Small pilot; compared with baby oil. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Rao 2017 Sandalwood Oil and Turmeric-Based Cream Prevents Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients: Clinical Study Medicines (Basel) · PMID 28930259 · DOI |
Investigator blinded randomized study |
Women receiving breast radiotherapy (50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions daily for 5 weeks) | Vicco turmeric Ayurvedic cream containing sandalwood oil and turmeric (a combination product) cream Not reported here daily for 5 weeks · vs Johnson's Baby Oil |
The cream delayed and reduced radiodermatitis: fewer grade 1 cases at week 2 (p = 0.025) and fewer grade 2 and 3 cases at weeks 3 and 4. The authors asked for double-blind trials. p-values only in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Radiation dermatitis grade (RTOG) and time of onset Limitations: Combination of sandalwood and turmeric, so the effect cannot be given to sandalwood. Not double-blind; group size not in the abstract. Compared with baby oil. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Sharma 2014 Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine/chemokine production in skin cells by sandalwood oils and purified alpha-santalol and beta-santalol Phytother Res · PMID 24318647 · DOI |
Cell study in vitro |
Human skin cells in a dish | East Indian and Western Australian sandalwood oils; alpha- and beta-santalol oil and isolated compounds Not reported here · vs ibuprofen |
Both oils and the santalols reduced inflammatory signals released by skin cells exposed to a bacterial toxin, in a way that resembled ibuprofen. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cytokines and prostaglandins Limitations: Cells in a dish; not a test of skin disease in people. Funding and conflicts: One author listed from a sandalwood-oil company (Levenson); not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Sharma 2017 East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) Alleviates Inflammatory and Proliferative Pathologies of Psoriasis Front Pharmacol · PMID 28360856 · DOI |
Lab study in reconstructed skin models, with interim report of an ongoing Phase 2 trial in vitro |
Lab skin models; interim mention of people with mild to moderate psoriasis | East Indian sandalwood oil (EISO), applied to skin oil Not reported here · vs untreated tissue |
In lab psoriasis skin models the oil reversed psoriasis-like changes. The paper only says the interim Phase 2 trial found the oil 'well tolerated and helpful' without giving numbers. none given for people Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin tissue markers; interim symptom report Limitations: Mostly lab work. No human numbers in the abstract. Authors include employees of the company that developed the oil. Funding and conflicts: Several authors are at Santalis Pharmaceuticals (affiliations listed in the paper; read as company-linked). Read: abstract |
| Shim 2023 Aromatherapy Massage for Relief of Pruritus and Stress in Older Women Altern Ther Health Med · PMID 35325869 |
Quasi experimental (non randomized) study |
64 Women aged 65 and over in Korean senior centres (59 analysed) |
Massage with a blend of lavender, Roman chamomile and sandalwood in sweet almond oil (a combination) oil blend, massage Not reported here · vs massage with 0.25% sandalwood oil |
Itch and stress scores were better in the blend group than in the control group (p = .039 and p < .001). No adverse effects were seen. The control group also received sandalwood, so the study cannot show what sandalwood does. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Itch score, skin hydration, pH, Perceived Stress Scale Limitations: Not randomized; blend of three oils; control also had sandalwood; small. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Trambert 2017 A Randomized Controlled Trial Provides Evidence to Support Aromatherapy to Minimize Anxiety in Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy Worldviews Evid Based Nurs · PMID 28395396 · DOI |
Randomized, placebo controlled trial |
87 Women having an image-guided breast biopsy |
External aromatherapy tabs: lavender-sandalwood blend (a combination), or orange-peppermint blend scent tab (blend) Not reported here during the biopsy · vs matched placebo tab |
Self-reported anxiety fell more with the lavender-sandalwood tab than with placebo (p = .032). The biopsy itself gave some relief in all groups. p = .032 Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Self-reported anxiety (Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory) Limitations: Blend of two oils, so sandalwood cannot be credited. Scent is hard to blind; self-rated anxiety; one procedure. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Ueda 2023 Effects of inhaling essential oils of Citrus limonum L., Santalum album, and Cinnamomum camphora on human brain activity Brain Behav · PMID 36624922 · DOI |
Experimental study with EEG |
Healthy adults doing a memory task | Inhaled sandalwood (Santalum album), lemon and kusunoki (camphor) oils oil, inhaled Not reported here single sessions · vs fragrance-free control |
Task performance improved after lemon oil. Sandalwood inhalation produced beta and gamma activity in the prefrontal cortex. No performance gain is reported for sandalwood. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Brain activity (EEG) and 2-back task performance Limitations: Brain-wave changes are not health benefits. Number of people not given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Funded by Nippon Kodo Co., Ltd.; two authors are its employees. Read: abstract |
| Wang 2025 Therapeutic potential of alpha-santalol: Sources, mechanisms, and anti-tumor prospects Fitoterapia · PMID 41167347 · DOI |
Narrative review of preclinical work mixed |
Cell and animal studies | alpha-Santalol isolated compound Not reported here |
Cell and animal studies show effects on cell growth and death pathways. The authors say limited bioavailability and the need for robust clinical trials hinder use in care. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Anti-tumour mechanisms Limitations: Preclinical only; no human cancer data. Dish and mouse results do not show benefit in people. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Warshaw 2017 Positive Patch-Test Reactions to Essential Oils in Consecutive Patients From North America and Central Europe Dermatitis · PMID 28614106 · DOI |
Retrospective patch test analysis |
62354 Patients tested in North American (NACDG) and central European (IVDK) clinics |
Santalum album 10% in petrolatum (IVDK only) and other oils oil on skin (patch test) Not reported here |
In the IVDK group, 1.4% reacted to S. album. Among European patients who reacted to oils but not to the fragrance markers, 38% reacted to S. album. Sandalwood was not patch-tested in the North American group. 1.4% positive Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Positive patch-test reactions Limitations: Clinic patients; the test concentration is a test standard, not a safe-use figure. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| de Groot 2016 Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy Dermatitis · PMID 27427818 · DOI |
Narrative review of patch test data |
Patients suspected of contact dermatitis | Essential oils including sandalwood oils on skin Not reported here |
Nearly 80 essential oils have caused contact allergy. Nine, including sandalwood, gave more than 2% positive patch tests in consecutive patients. Most reactions come from pure oils or high-concentration products. Masseurs may get occupational contact dermatitis. >2% positive for sandalwood Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Positive patch-test reactions Limitations: Clinic patients are already suspected of allergy, so rates do not apply to the general public. Relevance data are often missing. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| n/a 2020 NCCIH: Aromatherapy n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Says aromatherapy is sometimes used for insomnia, but it is unknown whether it helps because little rigorous research has been done. Page last updated January 2020. It has no safety statements about skin, swallowing, pregnancy, children or pets. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: Page updated 2020; nothing sandalwood-specific. Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center): Essential oils n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Says some essential oils are poisonous if absorbed through the skin or swallowed; children may be more susceptible; oils must be locked away from children and pets; essential oil products are not well regulated and contents (species, strength, contaminants) can be unclear; dilute in a carrier oil to lower skin reaction risk and do not use on damaged skin. It gives no sandalwood-specific toxicity. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: General article; nothing specific to sandalwood. Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 Wikipedia: Santalum album (secondary source) n/a · Source |
Encyclopedia (secondary) n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Describes S. album as Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1), citing a 2019 assessment (Arunkumar, Dhyani and Joshi), names over-exploitation and habitat loss as threats, and says India has banned export of the timber. Does not mention CITES. The IUCN page itself returned HTTP 403 and was not read. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Limitations: Secondary source. IUCN Red List page could not be opened; treat the category as not verified at source. Read: page |
| n/a 2026 GBIF Backbone: Santalum album L. n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Match API 2026-10-25: usageKey 2889785, status ACCEPTED, scientificName Santalum album L., family Santalaceae, exact match. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 GBIF Backbone: Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC. n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Match API 2026-10-25: usageKey 3788877, status ACCEPTED, family Santalaceae, exact match. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 PubChem: alpha-Santalol n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
CID 11085337, formula C15H24O. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Read: full-text |
| n/a 2026 PubChem: beta-Santalol n/a · Source |
Registry/regulator page n/a |
n/a | n/a |
CID 6857681, formula C15H24O. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: n/a Read: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- Evidence strength: nothing is above low certainty; most uses are insufficient.
- No controlled trial of plain sandalwood oil for warts, molluscum, eczema, psoriasis, acne, anxiety or sleep.
- No sandalwood-specific data on pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, pets or interactions.
- IUCN and CITES were not verified at source; LiverTox, EMA and FDA were not read.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 4
Complete clearing of warts or molluscum spots
Increase in trials
Whether every treated lesion had gone at the end of the study.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main result of the two pilots.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Without a comparison group the natural clearing of these infections cannot be excluded.
Safety implication
No adverse events were reported in these small studies, which cannot rule out skin allergy.
Radiation dermatitis grade (RTOG)
Decrease in trials
A clinician score of how severe the skin reaction to radiotherapy is.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main outcome in the two radiotherapy studies.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A clinician-rated outcome, but for a combination product.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
Systolic blood pressure after stress
Decrease in trials
The upper blood pressure number, measured during and after a lab stress task.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Marker of stress recovery in the pilot.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Short lab effect in healthy people; not a treatment for blood pressure.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Both sandalwood oils lowered systolic blood pressure, mostly in the recovery phase, in 32 healthy adults. |
Salivary cortisol
Decrease in trials
A stress hormone measured in spit.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 4
- Sandalwood oil is a known skin allergen. Do not put the neat oil on skin.. In patch-test clinics sandalwood oil gave 1.8% positive reactions in a German network (10,930 patients tested to oils) and 1.4% in a larger European/North American analysis. A review lists it among nine oils with more than 2% positive patch tests, and says most reactions come from pure oils or high-concentration products. These are clinic patients, so rates do not apply to everyone. Case series 3 21 22
- Do not swallow sandalwood essential oil.. Poison Control says some essential oils are poisonous if swallowed or absorbed and that children may be more susceptible. It gives nothing specific for sandalwood. A 2008 safety review describes low acute toxicity in animals and a tiny food-flavour intake, but says toxicity data are limited. That is not advice to swallow the bottled oil. Regulatory 24 1
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and pets: no sandalwood-specific data found.. None of the sources read describe sandalwood oil in pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies, children, pets, asthma or epilepsy. Absence of data is not proof of safety. Poison Control says oils must be locked away from children and pets. Gap 24
- Expensive oil is often adulterated or fake.. In a 2021 test none of six shop oils sold as sandalwood met the ISO standard; two were synthetic mixtures and three looked like a different tree's oil (Amyris). A survey of 150 websites found real, fairly priced Santalum album oil was a negligible share of products. Laboratory 10 7
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic skin reaction (contact allergy) Clinic populations. Masseurs and cosmeticians were over-represented among the sensitized. | 1.8% of 10,930 patch-tested clinic patients (Germany, 2010-2019); 1.4% in a European group tested to S. album 10% in petrolatum | mild to severe; severity is not given for sandalwood Usually clears when the oil is stopped; not stated in the abstracts | Case series 3 21 22 |
| Skin irritation A 2008 safety review. | Occasional cases in the literature (no rate) | not stated not stated | Review 1 |
| Adverse effects in the skin studies Tiny studies cannot rule out allergy. | None reported in 10 people with warts, 10 with molluscum, and 59 older women (blend) | none reported n/a | Case series 5 6 17 |
Liver
No liver injury from sandalwood oil was found in the sources read. LiverTox was not checked. 1
How often. Not established.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Sandalwood Oil supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 1
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines, herbs and supplements general | Not described for sandalwood oil in the sources read. | No interaction data found. | Gap Not enough evidence 24 | Ask a pharmacist, especially before surgery. |
Who should check first 2
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Swallowing essential oil, especially by or near children | Do not swallow. If anyone may have swallowed it, call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222). | Regulatory 24 |
| Known allergy to sandalwood, fragrances or essential oils; damaged skin | Avoid. Poison Control says not to use oils on damaged skin. Stop and ask a clinician if a rash appears. | Case series 3 24 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Animal studies show low acute oral and dermal toxicity, and the review calls the data limited. No dose is given here.
Amounts. No safe amount is established, and this page gives none.
Onset and course. Not described.
Repeated use. Repeated skin use is linked to sensitization in patch-test data.
Animal data. Low acute oral and dermal toxicity in laboratory animals (per a 2008 review). Pets: nothing specific read.
Toxic parts. Oil is the concentrated form.
Not read. Original toxicology studies, CIR/IFRA and EU opinions were not read.
Quality is the main problem: substitution and synthetic mixes are documented.
Lab test of six shop oils. None met ISO 3518:2002; only one had both alpha- and beta-santalol; three looked like Amyris balsamifera; two were synthetic mixtures; labels were right in three cases. 10
Web survey. Good Santalum album oil at a realistic price was a negligible share of 150 websites' products. Botanical name and price were used as quality clues, not lab results. 7
Species differences. S. album and S. spicatum oils differ in santalol content and were not shown to act the same. 15
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- If anyone, especially a child, may have swallowed essential oil, call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222) or emergency services at once.
- Stop use and seek care for spreading rash, swelling, blistering or breathing trouble after contact.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is sandalwood oil?
Is sandalwood oil safe on the skin?
Can I swallow sandalwood oil?
Is sandalwood oil safe in pregnancy or around children and pets?
We found no sandalwood-specific data. Poison Control says oils must be locked away from children and pets. Ask a doctor or midwife about pregnancy.
Does sandalwood oil treat warts?
One open study of 10 people found treated warts cleared in 8 over 12 weeks, with no comparison group. Warts can clear on their own. See a clinician.
Does sandalwood oil help molluscum, psoriasis or eczema?
Does sandalwood oil reduce anxiety or help sleep?
What does alpha-santalol do?
Is real sandalwood oil hard to find?
Is the sandalwood tree endangered?
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of the studies cited, read the Poison Control article and checked species names in GBIF and compounds in PubChem. Only abstracts were read for papers. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Company-linked and company-funded sources are flagged. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. This page is information, not a recommendation to use anything.
Sources 29
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Burdock GA, Carabin IG. Safety assessment of sandalwood oil (Santalum album L.). Food Chem Toxicol. 2008. PMID 17980948. DOI 10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.092. (abstract)
- Celedon JM, Chiang A, Yuen MM, et al. Heartwood-specific transcriptome and metabolite signatures of tropical sandalwood (Santalum album) reveal the final step of (Z)-santalol fragrance biosynthesis. Plant J. 2016. PMID 26991058. DOI 10.1111/tpj.13162. (abstract)
- Geier J, Schubert S, Reich K, et al. Contact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data of the years 2010-2019. Contact Dermatitis. 2022. PMID 35417610. DOI 10.1111/cod.14126. (abstract)
- Han C, Zhang Z, Adiham A, et al. Santali Albi Lignum: From traditional efficacies to pharmacological properties and modern therapeutic applications. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025. PMID 40419205. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120031. (abstract)
- Haque M, Coury DL. Topical Sandalwood Oil for Common Warts. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018. PMID 28954520. DOI 10.1177/0009922817691536. (abstract)
- Haque M, Coury DL. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with an East Indian sandalwood oil product. J Dermatolog Treat. 2018. PMID 29103323. DOI 10.1080/09546634.2017.1402115. (abstract)
- Hartman-Petrycka M, Lebiedowska A. The Assessment of Quality of Products Called Sandalwood Oil Based on the Information Provided by Manufacturer of the Oil on Polish, German, and English Websites. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021. PMID 34335846. DOI 10.1155/2021/9934143. (abstract)
- Hongratanaworakit T, Heuberger E, Buchbauer G. Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil and alpha-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption. Planta Med. 2004. PMID 14765284. DOI 10.1055/s-2004-815446. (abstract)
- Höferl M, Hütter C, Buchbauer G. A Pilot Study on the Physiological Effects of Three Essential Oils in Humans. Nat Prod Commun. 2016. PMID 30549622. (abstract)
- Kucharska M, Frydrych B, Wesolowski W, et al. A Comparison of the Composition of Selected Commercial Sandalwood Oils with the International Standard. Molecules. 2021. PMID 33924603. DOI 10.3390/molecules26082249. (abstract)
- Kyle G. Evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing levels of anxiety in palliative care patients: results of a pilot study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2006. PMID 16648093. DOI 10.1016/j.ctcp.2005.11.003. (abstract)
- Moy RL, Levenson C. Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017. PMID 29344319. (abstract)
- Palatty PL, Azmidah A, Rao S, et al. Topical application of a sandal wood oil and turmeric based cream prevents radiodermatitis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy: a pilot study. Br J Radiol. 2014. PMID 24694358. DOI 10.1259/bjr.20130490. (abstract)
- Rao S, Hegde SK, Baliga-Rao MP, et al. Sandalwood Oil and Turmeric-Based Cream Prevents Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients: Clinical Study. Medicines (Basel). 2017. PMID 28930259. DOI 10.3390/medicines4030043. (abstract)
- Sharma M, Levenson C, Bell RH, et al. Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine/chemokine production in skin cells by sandalwood oils and purified alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. Phytother Res. 2014. PMID 24318647. DOI 10.1002/ptr.5080. (abstract)
- Sharma M, Levenson C, Clements I, et al. East Indian Sandalwood Oil (EISO) Alleviates Inflammatory and Proliferative Pathologies of Psoriasis. Front Pharmacol. 2017. PMID 28360856. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2017.00125. (abstract)
- Shim MS, Je NJ, Lee DY. Aromatherapy Massage for Relief of Pruritus and Stress in Older Women. Altern Ther Health Med. 2023. PMID 35325869. (abstract)
- Trambert R, Kowalski MO, Wu B, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial Provides Evidence to Support Aromatherapy to Minimize Anxiety in Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2017. PMID 28395396. DOI 10.1111/wvn.12229. (abstract)
- Ueda K, Horita T, Suzuki T. Effects of inhaling essential oils of Citrus limonum L., Santalum album, and Cinnamomum camphora on human brain activity. Brain Behav. 2023. PMID 36624922. DOI 10.1002/brb3.2889. (abstract)
- Wang R, Shi G, Liu Y, et al. Therapeutic potential of alpha-santalol: Sources, mechanisms, and anti-tumor prospects. Fitoterapia. 2025. PMID 41167347. DOI 10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106957. (abstract)
- Warshaw EM, Zug KA, Belsito DV, et al. Positive Patch-Test Reactions to Essential Oils in Consecutive Patients From North America and Central Europe. Dermatitis. 2017. PMID 28614106. DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000293. (abstract)
- de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy. Dermatitis. 2016. PMID 27427818. DOI 10.1097/DER.0000000000000197. (abstract)
- n/a. NCCIH: Aromatherapy. n/a. 2020. (full-text)
- n/a. Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center): Essential oils. n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- n/a. Wikipedia: Santalum album (secondary source). n/a. 2026. (page)
- n/a. GBIF Backbone: Santalum album L.. n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- n/a. GBIF Backbone: Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC.. n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- n/a. PubChem: alpha-Santalol. n/a. 2026. (full-text)
- n/a. PubChem: beta-Santalol. n/a. 2026. (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The botanical (Latin) name on the label and 100% pure oil
- A dark glass bottle and a batch number
- Essential oils are strong: dilute for skin, and do not swallow unless a qualified professional directs it
- Keep away from children and pets
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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