Sandalwood oil is one of the oldest known perfume ingredients with a history spanning 4000 years of continuous use. Despite this extensive history, it has only been used in European and American perfumery for the past two hundred years. But have you ever wondered what the perfumers of today think about this incredible ingredient?
We all have our rituals when it comes to wearing fragrance; rituals we have developed from observing the people around us, beauty hacks offered by sales consultants at department stores, or the sage advice imparted by our parents during adolescence. But as fragrance trends change, as do our tastes, and sometimes merging scents can transform an experience into an individual aroma. The question is, how?
Across cultures and time, sandalwood oil has been used to soothe the mind, body, and spirit, identified in many ancient medical systems. Its reputation for healing, and for its ability to neutralise stress, has complimented its illustrious fragrance reputation, making it the perfect addition to the soothing and healing world of aromatherapy. But how has this industry been shaped over time and what are the benefits of sandalwood in this well known, healing industry?
The new millennium has been the beginning of a renaissance in perfumery with new brands rapidly emerging, and niche fragrances flourishing. As their numbers increased, department stores rejoiced since sales declined after the rise of discount stores and grey market e-tailers that offered the same fragrances at lower prices. Emerging niche brands were attractive for their uniqueness, authenticity and craftsmanship. But how has the conversation shifted around the use of sandalwood and how are modern fragrance brands embracing this wildly popular ingredient since more sustainable sources have become available? Clayton Ilolahia discusses the use of sandalwood as a keystone in the future classics of the fragrance industry and how sandalwood has once again become an ingredient of choice.
For nearly 30 years, March 22nd has been synonymous with World Water Day, celebrating water and raising awareness of the global water crisis. Across the agriculture and forestry industries, water is key to our successes and for us, is a precious and valued resource. It sustains our plantations and the delicate ecosystems that exist within them, but what are some innovations and initiatives that have been adopted across our industry and our clients' industries that help support a positive future for water, for all?
The shaping of sandalwood's place in the fragrance world has spanned decades, morphing through revolutions and mesmerising perfume trailblazers. With new expressions happening in art, fashion, literature and music, sandalwood started its rise to popularity. But what are the perfumes that cemented its reign over some of the most coveted fragrances over the past century? We take a look at the influence and the prestige of this mighty ingredient in our celebration of International Fragrance Day 2021.
As humans, women have paved the way for humanity in a male-centric society as thought leaders and innovators for centuries, though many have been overshadowed by gender-based cultural norms. On International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating diversity in the sciences and agriculture – professions that have shaped our love and understanding of nature – and show our support for this year’s #IWD theme of ‘Challenge to Change’.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a forester for a day? Or how the 21st century has shaped the way forestry operates? Our Head of Forestry Research, Ken Robson, sat down with us to share his thoughts and give you a small insight into what it's like to work with such a wonderful species.
Regardless of which side of the world you live on, #wellness encompasses a wide range of traditions and lifestyles boasting over 44.6 million tags on Instagram, as of this writing. Millions of people are seeking solutions for holistic living which includes adopting a plant-based diet and cultivating environmental consciousness. If we look to indigenous communities around the world, their traditions and practices are based on these foundations.
Ancient, healing and rare. Out of the 15 varieties of sandalwood, Australian and Indian sandalwood share the same vignettes. Once you smell sandalwood, you experience the same scent that our ancestors would have smelled centuries ago. Time ceases to exist – when we work with sandalwood’s oil or wood, we’re calling upon our past and inviting them to our present. As two of the most coveted varieties, Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum or Fusanus spicatus) are distinct in use and scent, yet both are grown on Australian soil today.
Australia, home to over 24,000 species of native plants and understood by Aboriginal peoples and their incredible knowledge of native flora and fauna. This knowledge, passed down through story and learnings, has informed many traditional medicine practices of Aboriginal peoples, some of which has transcended into modern uses. Find out how Traditional Owner, Carol Pettersen, grew up learning about the uses of the land and how to treat many common ailments with natural remedies, and why tradition is crucial for the future.
As an inimitable scent used for centuries, natural sandalwood is more than just a pretty smell. Though its scent is a main selling point in fragranced products, its powerful role as an active beauty ingredient is only scratching the surface of what it can truly offer as a single ingredient, or as a complement to other skincare ingredients. Find out how sandalwood is bridging the gap between 'trend' and 'function', to bring a new meaning to 'functional fragrance'.
The term “ageless” has been on product labels for a while now, replacing ageist descriptions such as “anti-aging,” “youth,” and even “restorative.” It’s inevitable: our skin is going to change as we get older. Ageless beauty is about choosing products with ingredients that offer us the best benefits at every age, and as the rise of social media reflects the importance of these trends, we start to understand how sandalwood - and its benefits - intersects the beauty sphere.
It’s safe to say naturals are the original muse of the fragrance industry—and the muse for synthetics. Without naturals, we would be unable to synthesize botanicals to formulate into commercial products we use every day. Synthetics certainly have their place in fragrance and cosmetics, but when it comes to the clean beauty and wellness industries, naturals reign supreme. Find out how naturals will never be replaced by synthetics, as written by Deniz Ataman.
For many of us, we can only dream about wandering through endless sandalwood trees but for Danny Hettiarachi, Quintis' Product Manager, visiting our Kununurra plantations is part of the job. Step into the magic that is our Indian sandalwood plantations and experience a small slice of heaven from Danny's perspective.
Fragrance is an obvious choice for the unique and aromatic sandalwood oil, but how can this complex ingredient be used in different ways? Deniz Ataman uncovers the multi-faceted applications of our plantation grown Indian sandalwood for Perfumer & Flavorist in their October issue.
When you first think of sandalwood, you may be transported across oceans or into a different time thanks to it's hypnotic fragrance. But have you ever considered adding sandalwood to your next meal? From chicken to chocolate, John Wright explores the use of sandalwood in foods for Perfumer & Flavorist's August edition.
An ancient Indian health system goes luxe as niche skincare brands give it a modern facelift. What exactly is Ayurvedic skincare, and why is it trending now?
The Quintis annual harvest has drawn to a close, delivering rich heartwood that will be processed into high quality Quintis Indian sandalwood oil and wood-based products.
Long venerated in Buddhist cultures, Indian sandalwood was used to carve the first known sculpture of Buddha - the nearest thing to the physical presence of such a karmically perfect person. As hundreds of millions of Buddhists celebrate Vesak day globally, we explore the significance of Sandalwood in Buddhism.
For Andrew Brown, the nuances of Indian sandalwood oil have become second nature. As Head of R&D for Quintis, he is caretaker of this precious tree - and the potent, pure oil that it produces.
As the wellness trend surges, customers are seeking natural solutions to balance their mind, body and spirit. And according to industry experts, ingredients may hold the key to connecting with consumers.
With renowned powers to relax the mind, yoga and sandalwood can each help users reach new spiritual heights - but can combining them bring twice the benefit? Global experts in yoga and aromatherapy explore this potential.
