Sandalwood (Santalum album) powder is a traditional botanical used in skincare for its astringent, mild anti-inflammatory, and fragrance properties. It is often included in face masks and cleansing formulations for oily or acne-prone skin.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sandalwood and its components (e.g., santalol) are recognized fragrance allergens and can cause sensitization. |
Skin irritation/redness | Uncommon | May occur in sensitive skin, particularly with abrasive powder application. |
Photoallergic/photosensitivity reactions | Rare | Sandalwood oil has been documented as a photoallergen in some individuals. |
Pigmentary changes (hyperpigmentation) | Rare | Reported following contact dermatitis or photosensitive reactions in predisposed skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.