Caramelised Sandalwood By-Product Absolute — Santalum austrocaledonicum | Biolandes

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Caramelised Sandalwood By-Product Absolute — A Rare, Rediscovered Rarity

By-absolutes — materials produced from the by-products or waste streams of essential oil and absolute manufacturing — are a genuinely new and rare category in natural perfumery. This one, produced by Biolandes from New Caledonian Santalum austrocaledonicum, was once a regular part of their offering before being discontinued, and has only recently returned to the market. It is a material of real character: nostalgic, vintage, and quite unlike any conventional sandalwood absolute or oil.

This is not a sandalwood replacement, and should not be approached as one — treat it as a genuinely distinct material in its own right. Rather than the familiar creamy, lactonic sandalwood profile, this by-absolute delivers a roasted, gourmand-leaning character of real depth — dark maple syrup, cocoa powder, and caramelised sugar, evolving into a sophisticated powdery-woody drydown of remarkable tenacity.

Scent Profile

An intensely sweet, roasted opening — dark maple syrup and caramelised sugar with cocoa-powder undertones, more reminiscent of an oakwood CO₂ extract than classical sandalwood. As it develops, nutty and spicy nuances emerge, softening into a genuinely sophisticated powdery-woody drydown. Some evaluators note subtle green or mint-like top facets alongside occasional animalic undertones — a genuinely complex, sometimes challenging material that rewards patient evaluation. Exceptional tenacity, persisting over 400 hours on a smelling strip.

Perfumery Applications

Best approached as a distinctive character material rather than a straightforward sandalwood substitute. In small amounts it supports and deepens a sandalwood accord with genuine gourmand complexity; used more generously it becomes a compelling modifier in its own right. Particularly effective layered with a classical sandalwood oil, where it lends an instantly aged, vintage quality — the rich, complex heart of century-old sandalwood alongside a more familiar modern base. Equally rewarding in gourmand compositions built around chocolate, coffee, or maple accords, and as a fixative in sophisticated woody orientals. IFRA 51: completely unrestricted.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with our New Caledonian Sandalwood Absolute, Indian or Mysore-style sandalwood oil, coffee CO₂ extract, cocoa absolute, vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, labdanum, and modern sandalwood aromachemicals.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Santalum austrocaledonicum Vieill.
• Common Name: Sandalwood By-Absolute
• Botanical Family: Santalaceae
• CAS Number: 1070895-66-7
• Manufacturer: Biolandes, France
• Origin: New Caledonia
• Extraction Method: By-product absolute (from essential oil/absolute manufacturing waste stream)
• Concentration: 100% pure, undiluted
• Classification: Base note
• Appearance: Golden, viscous liquid — warm gently before use
• Odour Family: Woody / Roasted / Caramel / Cocoa / Gourmand
• Longevity: Over 400 hours on a smelling strip
• IFRA 51: Unrestricted — 100% in finished product
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute
• Note: A genuinely rare, rediscovered material — distinct in character from our classical New Caledonian Sandalwood Absolute despite sharing the same botanical species; not a direct sandalwood replacement

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps. Limited stock available.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.