Indian sandalwood is proven to soothe the skin by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. It inhibits prostaglandin production (PGE2) in a similar manner to aspirin and can suppress a broad range of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with numerous skin diseases such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.² In a study looking at Indian sandalwood as a therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory skin disease, it was found that 75% of paediatric eczema/atopic dermatitis patients treated with topical Santalum album formulations saw a reduction in their Eczema Area and Severity Index score of 50%.³ Keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharides of cutiebacterium acnes showed increased IL-6 and IL-8 production simulating acne like inflammation, when these cell lines are treated with Indian sandalwood oil, it showed a dose-dependent reduction of the above inflammatory markers.⁸

Clinical research commissioned by Quintis has reinforced that Indian sandalwood oil is a powerful antioxidant and offers protection against blue light damage and ambient pollution, after 2021 cellular research found it to be more potent than lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). The study is the first clinical trial that has assessed the effect of Indian sandalwood oil on skin exposed to simulated blue light and pollution. Squalene moohydroperoxidase (SQOOH) levels of the epidermis were measured as the indication of oxidation. Sandalwood oil has shown a dose-dependent decrease in the levels of free radical damage, with a concentration of Quintis Indian sandalwood (1%) representing a 24% decrease in Squalene monohydroperoxide (SQOOH) compared to non-treated study areas.⁴

Indian sandalwood has been shown to inhibit and kill Staph (S. aureus, S. pyogenes and S. epidermidis) and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes and P. granulosum) in invitro assays at concentrations as low as 0.001% - well below levels used in skincare products.²

Proven to brighten and soothe the skin, Indian sandalwood inhibits tyrosinase enzymes responsible for melanin production when the skin undergoes stress, which can cause a dull complexion or pigmentation to the skin.⁵ Studies were completed to probe Indian sandalwood’s anti-tyrosinase potential using TLC-bioautographic and colorimetric methods. Results obtained from colorimetric assays indicated that sandalwood oil is a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase (IC50=171 µg mL-1) in comparison to positive controls, which was supported by the TLC-bioautographic assays indicating α-santalol, the major constituent of Indian sandalwood oil, was the influencing factor.⁵

Matrix metallopolymerase (MMP) enzymes are responsible for breaking down collagen when exposed to stress or with natural and premature ageing, causing wrinkles. A study commissioned by Quintis has reported significant lowering of MMP levels of human skin explants treated with Indian sandalwood oil when exposed to ROS (ozone) and pollution stimulant.⁹