11 Indian Herbs That Rival Korean Skincare Trends

6. Sandalwood (Chandan) — Soothing, balancing classic

Sandalwood paste is a classic for soothing inflamed or irritated skin and for imparting a smooth, matte finish in traditional care. The wood’s calming properties come from compounds that show mild anti-inflammatory effects and a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance that many people find grounding. K-beauty trends often emphasize calming toners and essences; sandalwood offers a culturally grounded alternative that’s especially suited to oily or irritated complexions. For home use, mix a small amount of sandalwood powder with rose water or milk for a short mask, and avoid prolonged sun exposure immediately after exfoliating treatments. Genuine sandalwood oil is expensive and can be adulterated; buy from trusted sources or opt for standardized extracts to avoid impurities. Remember that aromatic oils can be sensitizing, so dilute them and patch-test before topical use.