FlavScents AInsights Entry for Sandalwood Oil (CAS: 8006-87-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Sandalwood oil is a natural complex material derived from the heartwood of sandalwood trees, primarily Santalum album. It is known for its rich, woody aroma and is widely used in both flavor and fragrance industries. The CAS number for sandalwood oil is 8006-87-9. While it does not have a single molecular structure due to its complex nature, its key constituents include alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, which contribute significantly to its characteristic scent. The oil's composition can vary based on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Sandalwood oil is renowned for its warm, creamy, and woody aroma with subtle balsamic undertones. It is often described as having a soft, persistent scent that can act as both an impact note and a background modifier in formulations. The oil's diffusion is moderate, providing a long-lasting fragrance profile. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, sandalwood oil is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Sandalwood oil is primarily obtained from the heartwood of Santalum album trees, native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that preserves its aromatic compounds. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural fragrance" designation under various regulatory frameworks. The composition of sandalwood oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin and the age of the wood used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, sandalwood oil is used sparingly due to its intense aroma. It is primarily employed in exotic and oriental flavor profiles, adding depth and warmth. Typical use levels in food and beverages are low, often ranging from 0.1 to 1 ppm, depending on the desired intensity. Sandalwood oil is stable under a variety of conditions, including heat and pH variations, making it a versatile component in flavor formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Sandalwood oil is a staple in the fragrance industry, used across various fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and chypre. It serves as a base note, providing longevity and depth to perfumes. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products vary from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its low volatility ensures a lasting presence, making it a preferred choice for high-end perfumes and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The primary constituents of sandalwood oil include alpha-santalol and beta-santalol, which together account for approximately 60-70% of the oil's composition. Other notable components include santalene and santalenone. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as the tree's age and the extraction method used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, sandalwood oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in cosmetics and flavors. In Latin America, regulations can vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Sandalwood oil is considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly established, but it is used at low levels in food products. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though it can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent sensitization.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Sandalwood oil is valued for its unique aroma and fixative properties. It blends well with floral, citrus, and oriental notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate blends. It is often underutilized in modern formulations, where its traditional appeal can add a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on sandalwood oil is well-established, with extensive documentation on its sensory properties and regulatory status. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and blending techniques are often based on experience rather than formal studies. There are known gaps in toxicological data, particularly concerning long-term exposure effects.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-05-19 12:48:35 GMT (p2)
