Molecule Minute 009 — Sandalwood. Bold typographic title card for a perfume ingredient education series exploring the scent, chemistry, and role of sandalwood in fine fragrance

What Is Sandalwood in Perfume?

Sandalwood is structure without smoke.

Sandalwood oil is distilled from the heartwood of Santalum trees.

It has been used in ritual, incense, and fine perfumery for centuries.

Line illustration of Indian sandalwood heartwood chips and sticks from Santalum album, the raw material steam-distilled to produce sandalwood essential oil used in luxury perfumery

WHAT DOES SANDALWOOD SMELL LIKE?

- Creamy

- Soft

- Woody

- Milky

- Smooth

Unlike cedar, it is not sharp.

FUNCTION IN PERFUME

Sandalwood:

- Provides creamy base structure

- Extends longevity

- Smooths floral transitions

It is a foundational base note

Chemical structure of sandalwood molecule (alpha-santalol), the key fragrance compound found in Santalum album Indian sandalwood oil, used in luxury perfumery as a creamy, woody base note

TAKEAWAY

If a perfume feels:

- Smooth

- Creamy

- Quietly woody

Sandalwood is likely present.

 

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