56.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · skin conditioning agent · antimicrobial agent · aromatic compound
Santalum Album Oil
Also known as: Sandalwood Oil, East Indian Sandalwood Oil
Category
essential oil
Bottom Line: Santalum Album Oil is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in diluted form in cosmetics
- applied to intact skin
- consumed in small amounts in food
- used under professional guidance in supplements
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other skin irritants
- you have a history of respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to sandalwood or related plants
- you have open wounds or broken skin
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you are taking medications that may interact
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial oils, perfumes, moisturizers. Use in diluted form to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Consume in moderation; high doses may be harmful.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, aromatherapy products. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Supplement
Capsules, extracts. Use under professional supervision to avoid side effects.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Santalum Album Oil is generally safe for skin contact, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Santalum Album Oil may pose moderate risks, including potential toxicity.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Santalum Album Oil can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions due to sensitivity.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk.
- elderly — Generally safe but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; use with caution. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on effects during breastfeeding; use cautiously. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Santalum Album Oil is widely used for its aromatic and potential therapeutic properties, though safety data is limited.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | Not established | Not available | Insufficient data | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human patch test | Low irritation potential | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | Potential sensitizer | Human clinical study | Moderate concern for sensitive individuals | EFSA Opinion (2019) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Santalum Album Oil is widely used for its aromatic and potential therapeutic properties, though safety data is limited.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food flavoring.
- Potential allergen for some individuals.
- Limited data on long-term safety in supplements.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Santalum Album Oil
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Generally safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Santalum Album Oil
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Santalum Album Oil
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in food at specified concentrations.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Santalum Album Oil is generally permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited to cosmetic use at specified concentrations.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. Always perform a patch test.
It is permitted in food but should be consumed in moderation to avoid adverse effects.
Possible side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-29T07:28:16.415806Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.