Sandalwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that may offer some health benefits. However, more research is necessary to understand these benefits.

Sandalwood essential oil is in many perfumes and air fresheners. It comes from the wood and roots of Santalum album, or the East Indian sandalwood tree.

Manufacturers have produced West Indian and African sandalwood oils in the past, but they’re no longer widely available.

In alternative medicine, people use sandalwood and its essential oil to help treat various conditions, from the common cold to muscle problems. Few studies have scientifically tested these traditional uses, but some research suggests sandalwood may have health benefits.

Below, learn about sandalwood’s potential health benefits, risks and side effects, and how to use sandalwood at home.

Sandalwood essential oil has many traditional uses. For centuries, East Indian sandalwood oil has been a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, the folk medicine of India. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have also used sandalwood.

These traditions use sandalwood oil with other therapies to help manage things like:

Sandalwood’s scent also makes it a popular choice for perfumes and aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic oils to promote mental and physical health outcomes. Many ancient cultures practiced aromatherapy. It remains popular among some people today.

Despite its traditional use, further research in clinical trials and studies is necessary to understand and support sandalwood’s health benefits.

Some studies have supported the idea that sandalwood has health perks. Below are some of sandalwood’s potential benefits:

Anti-inflammatory effects

Sandalwood may have anti-inflammatory effects by altering cell signaling in the body.

A 2018 research article suggests that these effects may make sandalwood oil an effective part of treatment for certain inflammatory conditions, like:

However, researchers are awaiting the results of larger clinical trials to confirm if sandalwood may be a safe and effective option for treating skin conditions like these.

Reducing anxiety

A 2017 study suggests that lavender, sandalwood, and orange-peppermint aromatherapy helped reduce self-reported feelings in anxiety of 87 women undergoing a breast biopsy.

In a 2016 pilot study of 32 people in Vienna, Austria, participants inhaled lavender and sandalwood oil. The study found that the participants’ blood pressure levels were lower and that the cortisol levels in their saliva were lower after the aromatherapy.

Although these results are promising, larger clinical trials are necessary to prove whether sandalwood can help with anxiety.

Wound healing

A 2016 study suggests that sandalwood oil may help to heal wounds on the top layer of skin.

Researchers in 2014 found that skin cells contain olfactory receptors for sandalwood. When they activated those receptors, it appeared to promote skin cell growth.

More research is necessary to learn about sandalwood’s potential wound-healing properties.

Fighting cancer

A 2021 study discusses human and animal studies into the potential anticancer effects of sandalwood on:

A 2019 article suggests the compound alpha-santalol in sandalwood may be responsible for its anticancer effects. However, the authors conclude that further research is necessary.

According to a 2017 article, neither neat sandalwood oil nor ointments containing 10% sandalwood album oil caused irritation in a patch test on humans.

The article authors suggest sandalwood album oil may be safer than other species of sandalwood. For example, Western Australian and Hawaiian sandalwood both contain the irritant farnesol.

Some people may be allergic to sandalwood oil, so you should always patch test before using this product on your skin.

The free alcohols found in sandalwood oil are known as santalol. They’re responsible for its scent and effects. To meet the international standard for authentic sandalwood oil, a product must have a minimum free alcohol level of 90%.

Some cosmetic products may also contain sandalwood oil. You can check product labels to see what other ingredients these products might contain.

It’s also a good idea to check with your healthcare professional before using sandalwood oil or cosmetics containing this oil, particularly if you’re using them for health conditions. A doctor can advise you on safety and other potential treatments.

Some people have allergic reactions to essential oils. If you’re using sandalwood oil for the first time, test a small amount of sandalwood oil mixed with a carrier oil or lotion on a small patch of your skin. Wait to see if you react before using larger amounts.

There are many ways to use sandalwood oil in aromatherapy at home. You can:

  • put a few drops in an ounce of your favorite lotion
  • heat it in a small kettle of water to scent your home
  • evaporate it using an essential oil infuser
  • mix a few drops with an ounce of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil, and apply to your skin

Traditional medicine suggests sandalwood oil may have certain health benefits, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is necessary to confirm these health benefits.

In the meantime, the scent alone may be comforting and enjoyable. You can speak with your doctor about trying sandalwood oil in skin care products or aromatherapy.

Since some people may be allergic to essential oils, patch test sandalwood oil before using it on large amounts of your skin for the first time.