It depends heavily on the source. Indian sandalwood was overharvested for decades and is now tightly regulated, while Australian sandalwood, grown on managed plantations, is generally considered the more sustainable option available on the market today.

Why Indian Sandalwood Became a Concern

Demand for Mysore sandalwood, long considered the finest in the world, drove such heavy harvesting that wild stocks were seriously depleted, leading the Indian government to restrict and control the trade. This scarcity is a big part of why genuine Indian sandalwood oil now carries such a high price tag.

Better Options Today

Australian sandalwood plantations, along with some newer sustainable farming projects elsewhere, have taken pressure off the wild Indian trees while still producing a genuinely good quality oil, if slightly different in character. When buying, look for suppliers who are transparent about where their sandalwood comes from. It is also worth knowing that some fragrances now use synthetic sandalwood molecules entirely, which sidesteps the sustainability question altogether while still capturing much of the creamy, woody character people love. Our guide to perfume ingredients covers sandalwood and sourcing more fully, and our complete guide to perfume has wider context on sustainability in the industry.