Long before modern skincare, Indian households kept a piece of chandan and a grinding stone in the house. Sandalwood has been part of Ayurvedic skin care for centuries — and it still works the same simple way today. Here is what it is traditionally used for, and how to use it at home.
Traditional benefits of chandan for skin
- Cooling. Sandalwood paste is traditionally applied to calm heat, rashes and irritation — the same reason it is used for tilak on the forehead.
- Soothing blemishes. In Ayurvedic practice, chandan is traditionally used on pimples, marks and uneven skin tone.
- Brightening. Regular ubtan with sandalwood is a bridal tradition across India for soft, glowing skin.
A note of honesty: these are traditional uses, not medical claims. For any skin condition, consult a doctor.
White chandan or red chandan — which one for skin?
White sandalwood powder is the classic all-round choice — gentle, fragrant, and suits most skin. Red sandalwood (lal chandan) powder is traditionally preferred for oily skin, blemishes and marks. Many households keep both.
Three simple ways to use it
1. Basic face pack
Mix one spoon of sandalwood powder with rose water into a smooth paste. Apply to the face, leave for 15–20 minutes, rinse with cool water. Use 2–3 times a week.
2. Traditional ubtan
Mix sandalwood powder with besan (gram flour), a pinch of turmeric, and milk or curd. Apply, let it semi-dry, and rub off gently. This is the classic pre-wedding glow ritual.
3. Spot application
Rub a chandan stick on a wet stone and apply the fresh paste directly on blemishes or areas of irritation. Leave overnight if comfortable.
One warning: purity decides everything
Skin results depend completely on what is actually in the packet. Powder mixed with talc, starch or dye can do more harm than good. Always patch-test first, and buy only lab-tested sandalwood — every batch we sell is third-party tested with no fillers, no fragrance, and no colour added.
Explore our Skincare & Ayurveda collection — pure chandan powder, lal chandan powder and sandalwood oil, tested and certified.