Essential oils are all the rage these days – and for good reason. Derived from plants, flowers, trees and other natural sources, essential oils pack a powerful punch when it comes to things like aromatherapy and natural health and wellness.
Two of the most popular essential oils are sandalwood and frankincense. But which one is better? Let’s break it down in our ultimate comparison of sandalwood vs. frankincense essential oil!
The Basics on Sandalwood Oil and Frankincense Oil
Sandalwood oil and frankincense oil are two popular essential oils with unique properties. We’re going to go through all of the similarities and differences between the two in this post, but first, here’s a helpful chart that will guide you through each oil’s key attributes:
Sandalwood Oil | Frankincense OIl | |
Derived From | Roots and wood of Santalum album, East Indian sandalwood tree | Resin of the Boswellia tree |
Look and Smell | Woody, earthy scent that’s somewhat sweet and balsamic; viscous, somewhat amber-colored appearance | Musky, somewhat earthy scent, with a thick, golden-yellow appearance |
Top Health Benefits | Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties | Anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties |
Best Used For | Relieving stress, healing, skin, hair, and tooth health | Boosts immune system function, reduces stress and anxiety, eases digestion |
Cons | Can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and dryness | Can cause skin irritation if used undiluted |
Who Can Use? | Those with serious medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or liver damage | Anybody except pregnant women and those on blood thinners |
Best Carrier Oils | Castor, avocado, almond, grapeseed | Jojoba, coconut, almond, grapeseed |
Shelf Life | 4 to 8 years | 1-2 years |
What is Sandalwood Oil?
Sandalwood oil is derived from the roots and wood of the Santalum album tree, which is native to India. It has a woody, earthy, and slightly sweet scent.
Sandalwood oil is often used in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties. It’s thought to help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. Some also use it to help with focus and meditation. The scent triggers the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotions and memory. This may have the ability to promote feelings of calmness.
Not only that, but sandalwood oil is thought to be beneficial for skin and hair health. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe irritation, redness, and inflammation. The antioxidants in the oil may also help promote the regeneration of skin cells. Many use it to improve complexion, even out skin tone, and reduce signs of aging. For hair, it may moisturize dry strands and scalp.
What is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense oil is an essential oil derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a woody, earthy, and slightly sweet scent. The oil is viscous and amber in color.
Some of the top touted health benefits of frankincense oil include its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties. It may help reduce stress, ease digestion, and promote healthy skin. The compounds in frankincense oil may help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frankincense oil is best used for aromatherapy, skincare, and in relieving minor aches and pains. It’s said to be great for reducing stress and anxiety when inhaled or used during massage. Applying it to the skin may help minimize signs of aging and reduce acne breakouts.
Not only that, but the antiseptic properties of frankincense make it useful for oral health and treating toothaches. It’s also sometimes used to ease gut and digestion issues like cramps, nausea, and constipation.
Sandalwood Oil vs. Frankincense Oil: Look and Smell
Sandalwood oil and frankincense oil are both popular essential oils known for their pleasant aromas and touted therapeutic benefits. But they have some key differences in appearance and smell.
Sandalwood oil has a rich, woody, and slightly sweet smell. The oil ranges in color from pale yellow to golden amber and has a thick, viscous texture. When diluted, it has an earthy, balsamic fragrance.
Frankincense oil has an intensely spicy, uplifting aroma, often described as piney or lemony. The oil itself tends to be clear to pale yellow or greenish in color. It has a medium viscosity and sometimes leaves behind a gum-like residue.
Top Health Benefits of Sandalwood and Frankincense Oil
Sandalwood oil contains compounds like santalols that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Sandalwood oil may help reduce inflammation, heal wounds, boost immunity, and alleviate respiratory issues. It’s also said to be great for skin health – it may help soothe rashes, even out skin tone, and reduce signs of aging. Massaging with sandalwood oil before bed may also promote relaxation and sleep.
Frankincense oil contains boswellic acids that may help fight inflammation, reduce pain, and even prevent cancer. Frankincense may enhance immunity, ease digestion, relieve anxiety and depression, and speed up wound healing.
It’s also said to be amazing for oral health – it can prevent gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Frankincense oil may even help minimize acne, scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks.
Top Uses for Sandalwood and Frankincense Oil
Both of these essential oils offer some great therapeutic benefits, but they also have some key differences in terms of their properties and best uses.
Some of the top touted uses for sandalwood oil include:
- Stress relief – Sandalwood is great for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. The soothing scent alone can have meditative effects. Add a few drops to a diffuser or bath.
- Skin health – Sandalwood has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It may help moisturize and soften skin too. Add it to body lotions, creams, masks, etc.
- Hair and scalp care – Sandalwood is said to stimulate hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp. It may also help moisturize dry hair and scalp and reduce dandruff. Use it in hair oils, masks, and shampoos.
- Oral/dental health – Due to its antiseptic qualities, sandalwood oil may help treat mouth ulcers, gingivitis and other oral issues. Add a drop to toothpaste or do an oil-pulling treatment.
Now for frankincense. Some top uses include:
- Immune support – Frankincense contains compounds that are said to help boost the immune system and fight illness. It’s best used in a diffuser.
- Inflammation – The boswellic acids in frankincense may act as natural anti-inflammatories, making it helpful for arthritis, asthma, IBS, and more inflammatory issues.
- Anxiety and depression – Like sandalwood, frankincense has stress-busting properties. Inhaling its soothing scent can promote relaxation and balance mood. Add to a diffuser or bath.
- Digestive aid – Frankincense may help stimulate digestion, reduce bloating/gas, nausea, and stomach pain.
- Skin healing – Frankincense has antiseptic, astringent, and wound-healing abilities. It may help treat acne, boils, scars, and more. Use it diluted in creams or toners.
Pros and Cons of Frankincense Oil
As you now know, frankincense oil has some great benefits – but also some potential drawbacks to be aware of.
On the pro side, frankincense is an amazing essential oil that’s said to be wonderful for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It may lower anxiety and depression symptoms.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like arthritis or muscle pain when applied topically. Its woody, earthy scent is very calming for many people. Of course, frankincense may also support the immune system, digestion, and oral health.
That said, undiluted frankincense oil can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s important to dilute it properly with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. It should be avoided by pregnant women as it may have hormone-like effects. Frankincense may also interact with blood thinning medication, so people taking blood thinners should consult their doctor before using it.
The oil can also rarely cause allergic reactions in some people, with symptoms like rashes, hives, or swelling. So it’s a good idea to do a patch test before wide-scale use.
Pros and Cons of Sandalwood Oil
One of the most widely touted benefits of sandalwood oil are its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it highly effective for relieving stress and healing skin, hair, and tooth health. Moreover, this oil has regenerative properties that help in making our skin younger and softer.
However, sandalwood oil might not be suitable for everyone. It can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and even dryness if used undiluted. Therefore, it’s best to test the oil on a small area of skin before using it regularly.
Also, individuals who have serious medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or liver damage should be cautious before incorporating this oil into their routine.
Are Sandalwood Oil and Frankincense Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
No, sandalwood oil and frankincense oil are not true substitutes for each other.
While both oils have some overlap in terms of therapeutic properties, their scents, sources, and ideal uses are distinct enough that they cannot perfectly substitute for one another.
However, they can complement each other nicely in certain blends and formulations. When swapping them in a recipe, it’s best to be mindful of scent pairings and skin sensitivities rather than using a 1:1 substitution. Always keep your desired use in mind!
Best Carrier Oils for Sandalwood and Frankincense Oil
When it comes to finding the best carrier oils for sandalwood and frankincense essential oils, there are a few good options to consider.
For sandalwood oil, some of the top choices are:
- Jojoba oil – This oil has a similar consistency to sebum, our skin’s natural oils. This makes it great for moisturizing and absorbing into the skin when blended with sandalwood. The nutty aroma also complements the woody scent of sandalwood.
- Coconut oil – This is a nourishing carrier oil that helps sandalwood absorb into the skin and hair. The tropical scent goes well with warm, earthy sandalwood. Look for organic, unrefined coconut oil.
- Sweet almond oil – This oil is light and absorbs easily without leaving the skin feeling greasy. Almond oil doesn’t have a strong scent, so the sandalwood fragrance comes through. It’s soothing for dry, irritated skin.
- Grapeseed oil – This is another lightweight option that won’t clog pores. It also has mild astringent properties to help tone and tighten skin. Grapeseed has a faintly sweet scent that won’t compete with sandalwood.
For frankincense oil, some recommended carrier oils are:
- Jojoba oil – In addition to being highly absorbent, jojoba is soothing for inflammatory skin conditions, which complements frankincense’s anti-inflammatory effects.
- Argan oil – This luxurious and nutrient-rich oil hydrates dry, mature skin. When paired with frankincense, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Avocado oil – Thick and ultra-hydrating, avocado oil supports skin health and regeneration. Its rich texture also makes it bioavailable, meaning the frankincense compounds assimilate well.
How to Choose and Use Sandalwood Oil and Frankincense Oil Safely
When buying any essential oils, including sandalwood and frankincense, always opt for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils. Check that the bottle is sealed properly and stored out of sunlight.
Once opened, most essential oils can last one to two years before oxidizing (though sandalwood can last significantly longer). Start by using the oils in lower dilutions first to check for any allergic reactions.
Follow usage guidelines and enjoy these ancient oils safely.
Sandalwood vs. Frankincense Oil Shelf Life and Storage
Frankincense oil has a shelf life of one to two years when stored properly. To maximize its shelf life, your oil should be kept in dark glass bottles away from light and heat. Ideally, it should be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
Don’t let the oil come in contact with moisture – make sure the bottle is tightly sealed. If stored properly, high-quality frankincense oil can sometimes last up to three or four years before losing its aromatic properties and becoming rancid, though this isn’t super common.
In comparison, sandalwood oil has a much longer shelf life of four to eight years. It should also be stored in a dark glass bottle and kept away from light and heat. Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life as well.
One difference with sandalwood oil is that it can be kept at room temperature since it is less volatile than frankincense oil. As long as it is sealed tightly in an airtight bottle, this oil will remain stable for years with its aroma and properties intact.
Sandalwood vs. Frankincense Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
When it comes to essential oils, sandalwood and frankincense are two heavy hitters that are often compared to each other due to their similar uses and benefits.
Overall, the choice between sandalwood and frankincense oil ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs. So why not try both and see which one works best for you?
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