Quintis Sandalwood, one of the world’s largest suppliers of Indian sandalwood oil, launched its Indian Sandalwood Extra Fine Powder in October this year.
Made from the micronised heartwood of sustainably and ethically grown Indian sandalwood trees in Australia, the powder contains 3% Indian sandalwood oil and properties of anti- Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) antibodies.
Studies commissioned by Quintis found that Indian sandalwood oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties, and bioactivities that are beneficial for the skin.
The freshly developed powder has uncovered new ways in which benefits of the ancient active ingredient can be experienced.
Recent preliminary tests on human skin indicate that sandalwood powder can visibly improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and decrease the shine and oiliness of formulations on the skin.
“The beauty trend of natural products is emerging and changing. Now, consumers are not only looking for natural ingredients in products, but they also want products with properties that are proven to work and that are sustainable.”
“Quintis wanted to bring a product to market that could serve as a clean alternative for beauty and personal care brands wanting to explore alternatives to essential oils,” said Ana Prieto, Product Manager at Quintis Sandalwood.
A good fit
Sandalwood in powder form has multiple benefits when applied topically, including skin calming, skin brightening, and reduced body odour, acne and pigmentation.
According to Prieto, the current generation of consumers are seeking to blur the lines between their digital and physical identities by changing the way they do their makeup so that they look more like their avatars.
What sandalwood powder does is not only improve the skin condition, but also the application of makeup.
When added to cosmetic formulations, sandalwood powder brings another set of benefits due to its extra-fine particle size. It reduces shine on the face, creates a light and soft complexion, and alleviates the problem of makeup settling into wrinkles and fine lines, which make them look deeper.
Its hypoallergenic properties and soothing effects also make it suitable for inclusion in a range of formulations like masks, deodorants, lotions and moisturisers. It can also be used in hair and scalp care, such as shampoos and conditioners, though its main application is expected to be in hair masks.
“More customers are looking for one product to do more things — foundations have serums; creams have serums; and fragrances contain ingredients to help you have a good sleep. One of the most important benefits of sandalwood powder is that it is multifunctional. The aroma and benefits of sandalwood oil are translated into the powder to help you relax your body,” said Prieto.
Quintis plans to further study the effects of sandalwood powder, particularly on personal well-being, an area that the company has identified growing interest among consumers.
“Sandalwood powder has been used for centuries, so we want to prove with modern science its benefits, when data is organised, as traditional Chinese medicine have shown,” Prieto concluded.
