FlavScents AInsights Entry: Santalum Album Wood Extract (CAS: 84787-70-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Sandalwood oil, East Indian sandalwood oil
- CAS Number: 84787-70-2
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: IFRA reference for sandalwood oil
- Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
- Source: Extracted from the heartwood of Santalum album trees
- Key Constituents: Santalol (alpha and beta), santalene, santalenone
- Composition Variability: Composition may vary by origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Santalum album wood extract is renowned for its rich, woody, and creamy aroma with subtle balsamic undertones. It is often described as having a soft, persistent scent that is both sweet and earthy. The extract is primarily used as a base note in perfumery due to its long-lasting nature and ability to blend well with other fragrances. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it a potent component in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Santalum album wood extract is derived from the heartwood of the Santalum album tree, commonly found in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. The oil is obtained through steam distillation, a process that captures the volatile aromatic compounds. This extract is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with "natural" designations in various regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Sandalwood oil is used sparingly in flavor applications due to its intense aroma. It is typically found in exotic and luxury flavor profiles, such as those mimicking traditional Indian sweets or beverages. The functional role of sandalwood oil in flavor systems is primarily as a background note that adds depth and complexity. Typical use levels in food and beverages are low, often ranging from 0.1 to 1 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is stable under a variety of conditions, including heat and pH variations, but care should be taken to avoid oxidation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Sandalwood oil is a staple in the fragrance industry, used across a wide range of fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and floral compositions. It serves as a base note, providing longevity and depth to perfumes. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired effect and product type. The oil's low volatility makes it an excellent fixative, enhancing the persistence of other fragrance components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Alpha-Santalol: 41-55%
- Beta-Santalol: 16-24%
- Santalene: 5-10%
- Santalenone: 2-5%
These constituents are responsible for the characteristic aroma of sandalwood oil. The composition can vary significantly based on the geographical origin and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS for flavor use by FEMA; no specific restrictions for fragrance use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; IFRA standards apply for fragrance use.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Widely used in traditional products; specific regulations may vary by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in both flavor and fragrance applications, with some country-specific guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Sandalwood oil is generally considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications. Oral exposure through flavor use is minimal, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but considered low due to typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is well-tolerated, with low incidences of irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation is recommended to minimize risk.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Sandalwood oil is valued for its ability to impart warmth and depth to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with floral and citrus notes, enhancing their complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in modern formulations due to cost considerations, but its unique profile can justify its inclusion in premium products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on sandalwood oil is well-established, with extensive historical use and documentation. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines available for most regions.
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 2026-06-16 13:50:03 GMT (p2)