The information here describes the ingredient in general. Its possible sources may vary and do not necessarily show the origin or form used in a particular YUMA product. For product-specific information, check the relevant product page.
Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) belongs to the Santalaceae family and the genus Santalum. Traditionally, sandalwood trees in India were cut down only when they died naturally, a practice that changed in the 20th century due to increasing demand. This shift, combined with forest fires and the long maturation period of the tree, led to significant sustainability issues. Today, Indian sandalwood is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as an endangered species.
Sandalwood essential oil mainly contains alpha- and beta-sandalol, molecules that are now primarily produced in laboratories. Research into creating synthetic molecules with a sandalwood scent intensified in the 1950s, resulting in a large number of alternative synthetic fragrance ingredients available today.
An interesting biological property of sandalwood is that it acts as a parasite, absorbing nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants for its growth. One such plant is Davana EO, which often grows at the base of sandalwood trees in India.
In Indian tradition, sandalwood holds prominent cultural and religious significance. It symbolizes protection and the fulfillment of desires, and no ceremony in India takes place without it. It is considered one of the four sacred woods, alongside acacia, sassafras, and teak.
Sandalwood is a plant thief. Instead of producing all its own nutrients, it parasitizes the roots of other plants, taking the nutrients it needs to grow.
In Indian culture, sandalwood is considered one of the four sacred woods, alongside acacia, sassafras, and teak. No religious ritual is considered complete without it.
Despite its cultural significance, Indian sandalwood risks becoming a memory. Overexploitation has placed it on the red list of endangered species, making sustainable cultivation critical for the future.
The IFRA Standards form an industry self-regulatory system. They may prohibit or restrict the use of particular fragrance ingredients, or set specifications, according to end use. The status below reflects the IFRA data recorded for this ingredient. It is not a product certification and does not replace applicable law or assessment of the finished product.