Sandalwood Oil vs Essential Oils: What’s the Difference?

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On January 22, 2026

Many people use the terms sandalwood oil and essential oils interchangeably. While sandalwood oil can be an essential oil, the two are not the same thing.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product for pooja, fragrance, skincare routines, or home use.

Let’s break it down simply.

What Is Sandalwood Oil?

Sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree. It is known for its:

Warm, woody aroma
Long-lasting fragrance
Traditional use in pooja, rituals, and perfumery

Pure sandalwood oil is obtained through steam distillation of mature sandalwood wood, which is why it is considered rare and valuable.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained from:

Flowers
Leaves
Bark
Roots
Seeds

Examples include:

Lavender oil
Eucalyptus oil
Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil

They are commonly used for:

Aromatic purposes
Home fragrance
Personal care routines

Key Difference Between Sandalwood Oil and Essential Oils

Aspect	Sandalwood Oil	Essential Oils
Source	Sandalwood heartwood	Various plant parts
Category	A specific oil	A broad category
Aroma	Deep, woody, long-lasting	Varies by plant
Rarity	High	Varies
Traditional use	Pooja, rituals, fragrance	Aromatic & general use

Important:
Sandalwood oil is one type of essential oil, but not all essential oils are sandalwood oil.

Why Sandalwood Oil Is Often Treated Separately

Sandalwood oil stands apart because:

Sandalwood trees take many years to mature
Extraction yields are low
The aroma develops and deepens over time
It has strong cultural and spiritual significance

This is why sandalwood oil is usually discussed on its own, not just as another essential oil.

Fragrance Difference: Sandalwood Oil vs Other Essential Oils

Sandalwood oil has a soft, creamy, woody scent
Many essential oils have:
- Sharp
- Fresh
- Herbal
- Citrus-like notes

Sandalwood is often used as a base fragrance, while other essential oils are used as top or middle notes.

Usage Differences in Daily Life

Sandalwood Oil Is Commonly Used For:

Pooja and spiritual rituals
Traditional fragrance practices
Calm, grounding environments

Essential Oils Are Commonly Used For:

Home fragrance blends
Diffusers
Cleaning or freshening spaces

The choice depends on purpose, not superiority.

Is Sandalwood Oil Better Than Other Essential Oils?

Not necessarily — they serve different needs.

Choose sandalwood oil for:
- Traditional use
- Warm, long-lasting aroma
- Spiritual settings
Choose other essential oils for:
- Fresh or energising scents
- Blends and variety
- Short-term fragrance use