Sandalwood (scientific name: Santalum album , Japanese name: Byakudan, English name: Sandalwood) is an evergreen tall tree of the Santalaceae family native to India and Southeast Asia. The aromatic compounds extracted from the heartwood have been widely used since ancient times for perfumery, religious ceremonies, medicine, cosmetics, and more. Its sweet, deep, woody scent is also highly valued as a material for mental stabilization and relaxation.
In traditional medicine (Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, etc.), it has been used to treat skin problems, relieve inflammation, stabilize the mind, regulate respiratory and urinary conditions, maintain body temperature balance, etc. In recent years, it has also attracted attention as an ingredient in scalp care, and is used in cosmetics to regulate sebum balance and scalp environment.
In terms of components, the essential oil is composed mainly of α-santalol and β-santalol , and is rich in sesquiterpenes and terpenoids . Based on these components, basic research and traditional use information suggests that it may have physiological activities such as anti-inflammatory , antibacterial , antioxidant , neurostabilizing , and skin barrier support .
Characteristics of sandalwood
- Scientific name: Santalum album
- Classification: Santalaceae
- Japanese name: Byakudan (sandalwood)
- English name: Sandalwood
- Origin: India, Southeast Asia
- Part used: Heartwood (essential oil/powder)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Sesquiterpene alcohols: α-santalol, β-santalol
- Terpenoids: Santarene, bisabolols
- Phenolic compounds: trace polyphenols
- Other: Trace essential oil components, resin components
Expected effects (scalp, hair growth, health focus)
- Scalp environment support: With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been suggested that it may contribute to improving scalp conditions such as dandruff, itchiness, and sebum imbalance.
- Hair condition support effect: It has been suggested that this product may contribute to maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth by stabilizing the scalp environment and maintaining blood flow balance.
- Anti-inflammatory and skin soothing support effects: It has been suggested that this may contribute to reducing skin irritation and redness, and stabilizing the sensitive skin environment.
- Antibacterial and cleansing support effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining the microbial balance on the skin and scalp.
- Relaxation and autonomic nervous system support: It has been suggested that the relaxing effects of aromatic ingredients may contribute to stress balance adjustment.
- Antioxidant and anti-aging support effects: It has been suggested that this product may contribute to maintaining a healthy skin and hair follicle environment by suppressing oxidative stress.
- Supports respiratory and body temperature balance: Based on its traditional use, it has been suggested that it may contribute to respiratory comfort and maintaining body temperature balance.
