Sandalwood use reaches back into the depths of time, to ancient Egypt, India, and China. Known for thousands of years for its numerous mind and body benefits, sandalwood continues to be used throughout the world in many forms, including sandalwood soap. In addition to the benefits offered by its fragrance, sandalwood soap also has much to offer the skin itself.

In ancient cultures, such as that of India, the scent of sandalwood has long been appreciated for its affects on the mind, some would even say on the soul. Sandalwood has been used in a religious context for thousands of years, helping to calm the mind and ease meditation. It’s not surprising that today sandalwood is used by practitioners of aromatherapy to offer relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. Clinical studies, according to the National Cancer Institute, have demonstrated some positive benefit from aromatherapy, and researchers continue to study its potentials.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, serving to protect all that is underneath it in part by blocking harmful bacteria from entering. Protecting it from becoming too dry is important, not just for appearance, but also for health. When skin gets dry to the point of cracking, those cracks in the surface of the skin offer an opportunity for germs and bacteria to enter the body. A good quality sandalwood soap, made with true Sandalwood oil, cleanses without drying, its own oils remaining to protect the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple.

In the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine, still relied upon by many in India today and gaining recognition throughout the world, sandalwood is believed to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a broad range of skin disorders, ranging from mild abrasions to acne to dermatitis. Clinical studies are in progress to determine how effective this traditional remedy is, and some researchers are even seeking to test its effectiveness in helping to treat serious skin diseases, such as cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.