Sandalwood oil

Learn about sandalwood oil.

On this page

• About sandalwood oil
• Safety of sandalwood oil
• What we're doing
• What you can do

About sandalwood oil

Sandalwood oil is extracted from some species of sandalwood trees. It is used as a fragrance in self-care products and cleaning products, as an essential oil in aromatherapy and as an ingredient in some pesticides and acne medications.

Sandalwood oil can be found in products, such as:

• self-care products:
  • fragrance
  • body lotions
  • massage products
  • hair care products
  • sunscreen
  • acne medications
• cleaning products:
  • laundry detergent
  • all-purpose cleaners
• aromatherapy
• pest control products

It may also be used as a flavouring agent in foods.

Safety of sandalwood oil

Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

• body lotions
• massage oils in infants and children up to 8 years of age
• essential oils as body fragrance

The health effects from the daily use of these products may include:

• critical effects on liver function

The draft assessment is also proposing that sandalwood oil:

• is not harmful to the environment
• does not pose a health risk from the following uses or potential uses:
  • as a food flavouring agent
  • cleaning products
  • sunscreen
  • acne medication
  • shampoo
  • facial moisturizer
  • aromatherapy

What we're doing

To reduce Canadians' exposure to sandalwood oil in these products of concern, we're proposing to add sandalwood to the:

• toxic substances list
• cosmetic ingredient hotlist

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

• read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
  • labels on cosmetics must list all ingredients
• dispose of the product safely, following the manufacturer's directions
• limit use of sandalwood oil, from use as a body lotion, an essential oil as a body fragrance, and a massage oil in infants and children up to eight years of age

If you're exposed to sandalwood oil at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:

• relevant laws
• safe handling and storage practices
• requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

For more information

• Use household chemicals safely
• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Monocyclic and Bicyclic Sesquiterpenes Group – information sheet
• Risk assessment of chemical substances