How to Spot Real Sandalwood: The Truth About Fake Sellers, Myths, and What You’re Really Paying For

Introduction

Stop me if you’ve heard this before…
You’re browsing online for Indian Sandalwood — maybe you want it for meditation, skincare, or simply because you love the fragrance. You come across something labeled “pure white sandalwood powder” at ₹250 for 100 grams. Sounds tempting.

But when it arrives, the story changes. The aroma fades in days, the stick looks off, and when you sand it, no fragrance at all.

This is the reality many buyers face. The sandalwood market is full of fakes, artificially perfumed woods, and misleading labels. Thousands of sellers use tricks to pass off cheap wood as Santalum album, the true sandalwood heartwood.

I’m Ayush Rai, founder of AR78 Sandalwood. At AR78SandalwoodWorld, we’ve dedicated years to sourcing pure sandalwood heartwood sticks, sandalwood powder, and sandalwood oil — while educating buyers on how to identify authenticity.

This guide will show you how to recognize fake sandalwood, debunk common myths, and teach you simple tests to ensure you’re holding the real thing.

1. Why is Genuine Indian Sandalwood (Santalum Album) Expensive

Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) is often called the “gold of the forest” for a reason:

• Takes decades to mature: Heartwood develops only after 15–20 years. The outer sapwood has no oil, no aroma, and no value.
• Only the heartwood matters: When sellers offer “100g sandalwood stick” at ₹250–₹500, it’s almost always sapwood or artificially scented.
• High demand, limited supply: In 2025, genuine sandalwood sells for ₹15,000–₹20,000 per kg (₹1,500–₹2,000 per 100g).

👉 SEO takeaway: If it’s cheap, it’s not real Indian sandalwood heartwood.

2. Fake Sandalwood Flooding the Market

Sadly, much of what’s sold as sandalwood powder or sandalwood sticks online is fake.

Fake Seller Tactics

• Artificial fragrance sprayed on low-grade wood — smells strong initially but fades quickly.
• Sapwood passed as heartwood — lightweight, pale, and worthless.
• Perfumed powder — low-grade wood ground, scented, and marketed as “pure sandalwood powder.”

Even reviews can be misleading, since many buyers post feedback immediately after receiving artificially perfumed products.

3. Common Myths About Sandalwood

❌ Myth 1: Sticks are “de-oiled.”
✅ Truth: Oil can’t be removed without crushing the heartwood and distilling. Whole sticks remain oil-rich if real.

❌ Myth 2: Real sandalwood has a strong, lasting surface aroma.
✅ Truth: Genuine sandalwood heartwood smells subtle. Aroma fades on the surface but revives when sanded.

❌ Myth 3: Cheap sandalwood is real.
✅ Truth: In 2025, ₹1,500–₹2,000 per 100g is the standard. Anything less is fake.

4. How to Identify Real Sandalwood Products

Here are the most reliable tests:

• Sandpaper Test – rub lightly; aroma should revive.
• Color Test – real heartwood is consistently brown; sapwood is pale.
• Weight Test – heartwood feels heavy; sapwood feels hollow.
• Water Test – real sandalwood heartwood sinks slightly due to oil.
• Powder Check – authentic sandalwood powder is naturally fragrant, brown, and oil-rich.

5. Why Reviews Aren’t Enough

Many fake sellers use:

• Cashback/freebie offers for 5-star reviews
• Misleading product images
• Paid or fake reviews

Instead, look for:

• Consistent brown color
• Mentions of aroma revival after sanding
• Sellers offering education and transparency (like AR78 Sandalwood)

6. How AR78 Sandalwood Guarantees Authenticity

At AR78 Sandalwood, we ensure you never face this confusion again.

• 🪵 100% Heartwood Only – no sapwood, no artificial scent.
• 🔍 No Perfume Additives – every aroma is natural.
• ✅ AR78 Stamp of Trust – engraved on every sandalwood heartwood stick to mark authenticity.
• 🧪 Encouraged Testing – sand, weigh, soak — our products pass every test.
• 💬 Education First – at AR78SandalwoodWorld, we don’t just sell, we teach you how to buy smart.

7. Closing Thoughts: Buy Smart, Buy Authentic

By now, you know:

• Fake sandalwood = strong scent that fades
• Real sandalwood = subtle aroma that revives with sanding
• Price reflects purity — genuine sandalwood is valuable

When you see the AR78 Sandalwood mark, you know it’s real: whether sandalwood powder, sandalwood oil, or sandalwood heartwood sticks.

👉 Shop 100% authentic sandalwood now at: www.ar78sandalwoodworld.com
📲 Follow on Instagram: @ar78sandalwoodworld

Real wood. Real oil. Real results.