Ingredient decoder

Sandalwood oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking

Sandalwood oil in plain English

Sandalwood oil is an essential oil from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree, with a creamy, woody scent. It is gentler than many essential oils but can still cause allergic reactions in some people. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is sandalwood oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Sandalwood oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil
  • Sandalwood essential oil
  • Santalum album oil
  • East indian sandalwood oil

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is sandalwood oil comedogenic?

Sandalwood oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does sandalwood oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking.

What else is sandalwood oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, sandalwood oil can also appear as Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Sandalwood essential oil, Santalum album oil or East indian sandalwood oil.

Sources