Pterocarpus Santalinus

Pterocarpus Santalinus at a Glance

• Type of tree found native to south India
• Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
• Extract has antioxidant and soothing properties
• Oil has volatile fragrance components
• Also known as red sandalwood

Pterocarpus Santalinus Description

, commonly known as red sandalwood, is a type of tree found in the Eastern Ghats Mountain range of south India. Various parts of the tree have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries (both ingested and applied topically).

yield different responses when applied to skin. Research finds that in addition to its natural antioxidant properties, the extract from this tree contains skin-beneficial ingredients such as calming bisabolol and moisturizing squalene. Studies have determined that the extract can help improve the appearance and feel of irritated skin.

is comprised of volatile fragrance terpenes that can cause skin irritation. One study also found that a traditional bark paste made with water or honey used to treat acne resulted in itchy, red skin and mild swelling. Therefore, this is another case where it’s important to check a product’s ingredient list to see what part of the plant is used to see what benefits – or potential issues – it might have.

Pterocarpus Santalinus References