Santalol
A component of sandalwood essential oil. It adds a woody scent; some people may develop contact allergy.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Santalol (INCI Santalol) is the main fragrant component of sandalwood essential oil, an alcohol compound from the sesquiterpene group. In a formula it works as an aromatic ingredient: it gives a soft warm woody scent, which is why it is used in scented cosmetics and products with a sandalwood note. On efficacy, this is an aromatic ingredient, not a skincare active. Sandalwood oil is credited with soothing properties, but in the role of a fragrance santalol's job is the scent, not skin care. There is little serious evidence for a cosmetic action, so it should be treated as a perfumery component. During pregnancy and breastfeeding its topical use in a finished product is systemically negligible, so it can be used. Sensitivity to scents during this period is individual, so go by how you feel. Tolerance needs a caveat. The irritation potential is low, but the allergy risk is medium: like any essential-oil component, santalol can cause contact allergy in predisposed people. Most people have no reaction, but on sensitive and dermatitis-prone skin aromatic sesquiterpenes are better tested in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santalol safe during pregnancy?
Santalol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Santalol for?
Santalol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Santalol and what does it do in cosmetics?
A component of sandalwood essential oil.
What's the INCI name for Santalol?
The INCI name is Santalol.
See Santalol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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