Sandalwood essential oil has hundreds of therapeutic benefits. Native Americans and Aboriginal tribes recognized these and used the wood in religious offerings, for meditation and other holistic ceremonies.
In the East, especially in India, sandalwood paste is applied to acne prone skin to prevent blemishes. Many folks also apply the cooling sandalwood paste on the skin in between the eyebrows or on the forehead- the location of the legendary Third Eye- to calm down feelings of anger and anxiety. Egyptians have also been known to use sandalwood for embalming.
I have experimented a great deal with sandalwood essential oil in my beard oil recipes and have experienced fantastic results. The aroma is not at all overpowering- something that is a must for me. Its lingering woodsy scent is also very calming. So, today, I am going to highlight the benefits of sandalwood oil and also discuss a few awesome sandalwood beard oil recipe blends which I am sure you will love!
Properties of Sandalwood Oil
- Method of extraction – Steam distillation
- Color – Pale yellow
- Aroma – Sweet and woodsy
- Characteristics – non toxic, non-irritant
Contraindications of sandalwood oil
Avoid using a sandalwood beard oil recipe if you are allergic to balsam oil. Also avoid using the concentrated oil directly on the skin as it could lead to rashes and burns in extreme cases. Do dilute the oil with carrier oils like Jojoba oil before use.
I like the sweet woodsy aroma of sandalwood oil and hence I do not like mixing it with strong carrier oils that completely mask off its sweet fragrance. Therefore, I choose light or virgin oils in my sandalwood beard oil recipes.
I also normally like to use the oil standalone and do not prefer adding other essential oils with it for the same reason. That said; sandalwood essential oil mixes very well with other essential oils and can be used easily for your skin and hair care formulations. In general; the oil is great when mixed with lighter oils like chamomile, lavender and patchouli essential oils.
Therapeutic Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil
- Excellent for oily, acne prone skin
- Is also quite beneficial for very dry skin or beard dandruff, flaking and itchiness.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Prevents premature aging thanks to its antioxidant properties.
- The oil also has antiseptic properties that can be used for healing cuts and nicks caused during shaving.
- You can use it to get rid of scar tissue.
- The oil’s calming properties help in managing stress, anger and anxiety
- The light and cheerful fragrance uplifts the senses and diminishes sadness or feelings of guilt.
- When used for massaging into the beard at night, sandalwood oil can relieve insomnia and help you sleep better.
- The oil is also known for its aphrodisiac properties.
- Some of the most important properties of sandalwood oil include anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-microbial action.
Difference between Sandalwood essential oil and sandalwood seed oil
When you go to purchase the oil to use in your sandalwood beard oil recipe, you might get confused due to the different types of oils available. In general you might find an essential oil of sandalwood and also an oil labeled as ‘sandalwood seed oil’ – the latter is derived from the sandalwood seed or kernel.
Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the wood of the sandalwood tree and has a very sweet, nutty and woodsy aroma whereas the oil derived from kernel or seed is milder, though equally fragrant.
Both the oils have therapeutic and medicinal benefits and are being extensively used in aromatherapy today. However, Sandalwood seed oil is relatively new in the market and its formulations are still being researched. So I want you to only use pure Sandalwood essential oil and not the kernel/seed oil.
With that note, we will discuss some easy sandalwood beard oil recipe blends.
Sandalwood Beard Oil Recipes
Sandalwood Beard Oil Recipe 1
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of chamomile essential oil
- 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 1 oz of a light carrier oil such as grapeseed oil
Method:
Mix the oils together. When ready to use, rub a teaspoon of the blend into your palms and smooth it throughout the beard. This is a manly blend which will keep you smelling great all day long. This beard oil recipe is especially suitable for people with sensitive skin. Both chamomile and sandalwood oils have soothing, astringent and antiseptic properties which can reduce acne, dandruff and other beard issues.
Sandalwood Beard Oil Recipe 2
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of cypress essential oil
- 5 drops of rose geranium essential oil
- 15 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 1 oz of a light carrier oil such as grapeseed oil
Method:
Mix all the oils and store them in a dark colored glass bottle with stopper. The above is a styptic blend that can stop bleeding caused during shaving.
Sandalwood Beard Oil Recipe 3
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 1 oz of a light carrier oil such as grapeseed oil
Method:
Mix all oils together and use this blend daily on the beard to fight acne and other skin problems.
Sandalwood Oil Beard Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. shea butter
- 1 oz beeswax
- 1 oz. jojoba oil
- 1 oz sweet almond oil
- 1 oz. coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder (for fragrance and color)
- ½ tsp sandalwood essential oil
- ½ tsp clove fragrance oil –optional (do not use clove essential oil)
- ½ tsp patchouli oil
Method:
Over low heat (I use a double broiler), melt the shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil. Mix and stir briskly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and add the jojoba and sweet almond oils and mix well. Next, add the cinnamon, sandalwood, clove fragrance (if using) and patchouli oil. Pour into a small glass jar. Allow the balm to cool completely. Use daily after showering.
Conclusion
Sandalwood essential oil is therapeutic oil that is famous for its scent and reduces inflammatory conditions. It is one of the best oils to use in beard oil recipes as it acts as a soothing and cooling dressing for rashes, itchiness and pimples. I am sure you will love all of the above sandalwood beard oil recipe blends- enjoy!
