Everything You Need To Know About Heartwood X Body By Berner

Heartwood and Bernadette Sukkar have joined forces to merge the Body By Berner mindful movement philosophy with our expertise in rare, high-quality fragrance—resulting in a product that enhances both stillness and motion.

At once uplifting and grounding, our inimitable Indian Sandalwood Incense invites a sense of slow afternoons in sacred spaces, held in the warmth of sunlight and sensuality.

A cult fragrance icon, Indian sandalwood boasts a beautifully complex profile, combining spicy and sweet notes with a sensuality that is both uplifting and grounding.

1. How did you both meet, and how did the collaboration come about?

I met Bernie when Heartwood did a pop-up in Bondi. She mentioned that she was a big fan of our Indian Sandalwood Incense, and the rest is history. We instantly connected over our shared appreciation for sensory-driven experiences and the role scent plays in enhancing movement and mindfulness.

2. What are the key benefits of Indian Sandalwood Incense, especially during movement?

The sesquiterpenes in Indian sandalwood—santalol-alpha and santalol-beta—are scientifically proven to support relaxation and even influence brain waves associated with deep focus. When you inhale the scent of pure Indian sandalwood, the sesquiterpenes enter the bloodstream and have the ability to amplify your ritual by calming the nervous system and boosting your ability to focus. When used during movement, whether it's strength training, yoga, or breathwork, it helps create a sense of clarity and presence.

3. Is there a particular emotion or experience you hope customers will feel when using this incense?

We want customers to feel a deep sense of presence and connection—both to themselves and to the moment. Whether it's used before a workout to set an intention, during a cool-down to restore balance, or in a quiet moment of reflection, this incense is designed to create space for clarity and calm.

4. What makes this sandalwood incense unique compared to others in the market?

Our incense stands apart due to our rare access to authentic Indian sandalwood—one of the world's most precious and sought-after aromatic woods. Nearly extinct in its native India, Indian sandalwood is incredibly difficult to source, taking up to 20 years to reach maturity. Heartwood is the only brand in the world with the ability to sustainably grow, harvest, and use this rare ingredient at scale. While some brands may claim to use Indian sandalwood, they likely include only trace amounts—often from less fragrant parts of the tree—whereas we use only the rich, aromatic heartwood, which holds the highest concentration of santalols. These powerful active compounds are what gives Indian sandalwood its unparalleled scent and deeply therapeutic benefits, gently soothing the nervous system and inviting a sense of calm, clarity, and deep relaxation. See further comparisons in the table below.

5. How would you recommend using the product to get the most from its benefits?

Use it intentionally. Light a stick before starting a workout, during a meditation practice, or as a way to unwind in the evening. Because it burns slowly and cleanly, it’s also beautiful for creating a grounding atmosphere in your space—whether that's a studio, home, or a place of rest.

6. How would you describe the scent?

Indian sandalwood has an unparalleled smoothness—earthy yet refined, with a gentle balsamic undertone that feels both grounding and sensual. Its slow-releasing aroma deepens over time, evolving into a warm, golden embrace that lingers on the skin and in the air, evoking a sense of calm, clarity, and quiet luxury.

7. What trends do you see shaping the beauty/wellness industry, and how does the collaboration align or challenge those trends?

We're seeing a shift toward purity—people want fewer ingredients, better quality, and products that have a real effect on their well-being. There’s also a growing recognition of scent as an essential part of self-care, beyond just perfumes and candles. This collaboration taps into both of those movements, offering something rare and deeply sensory.

8. Are there any plans for future collaborations between your brands?

We’d love to explore more ways to bring movement and scent together. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something special, and we’re excited to see where it leads.