For thousands of years, Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) has held sacred status in the world of skincare.
Modern dermatological breakthroughs are now shedding light on the intricate biochemical processes that back Indian sandalwood’s longstanding reputation as a skincare powerhouse.
Both in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the bioactive components of sandalwood oil, especially alpha-santalols, deliver powerful benefits for the skin and beyond.
12 formulas and three years later, Heartwood's first cleanser brings the powerful anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and astringent properties of our hero Indian sandalwood to life.
WHY IS IT CALLED 'ALPHA'?
It's called "Alpha" because it's powered by alpha-santalols, the bioactive compounds within Indian sandalwood. It's the alpha-santalol actives that make Indian sandalwood the most purifying, pore-refining and anti-inflammatory of the entire botanical genus; carrying more antioxidants than Vitamin E.
WHY DID WE CHOOSE A BALM?
A luxurious balm-to-milk cleanser was the optimal medium to carry the bioactive alpha-santalol actives to the skin and mind, as Nikki O'Dwyer, Heartwood Director of Spa + Wellness explains, "Our Heartwood Alpha Indian Sandalwood Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types and is designed to give the deepest cleanse, without affecting the skin’s natural PH levels or barrier function.
“I personally and professionally love working with a balm for the strong ‘melting’ effect. When warmed up in the hands before use, the balm works with the skin’s natural thermoregulation to dilate the pores, dissolving anything trapped inside and making for a much deeper cleanse.
Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin, this balm-to-milk cleanser reveals a healthy, clean complexion with every use.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Infused with Indian sandalwood, this luxurious balm-to-milk cleanser delivers the calming, brightening and purifying properties of its alpha-santalol actives to skin and mind.
Heartwood’s advanced formula combines nature’s finest antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to melt away impurities and makeup from the face and eyes, with the help of its organic cotton muslin cloth.
"Our buttery balm-to-milk cleanser helps to re-balance our personal sebum levels, leaving the skin feeling soft, but clean and clear. The hero ingredient is our pure Indian Sandalwood oil, working beautifully within the balm to purify the skin with its strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pore refining properties," says Nikki.
Indian sandalwood’s purifying properties are complemented by deeply nourishing ingredients such as Shea, Jojoba, Milk Thistle, Marula, and Carnauba. This unique blend of botanicals delivers an unparalleled buttery texture, rich in fatty acids and emollients, ensuring the skin is thoroughly cleansed and left soft to the touch without causing irritation or dryness.
WHY DID IT TAKE US SO LONG?
We worked with one of Australia's most celebrated formulators, underwent consumer trials (thanks for all your feedback!) and countless dry-runs in our Heartwood treatment rooms, to ensure that this product encapsulated everything an Indian sandalwood cleanser should. Purifying, nourishing, barrier-benefitting, and transformatively calming for skin + mind.
At Heartwood we have the rare luxury of spending time with customers every day to understand what you really want from your skincare. The Alpha Indian Sandalwood Cleanser pays homage to our unique insight into what customers want, whilst bringing the unique skincare benefits of our hero Indian sandalwood to life.
HOW TO USE IT
TO CLEANSE THE SKIN:
To reveal a healthy complexion and calm mind with every use, warm the balm between your fingertips then gently massage onto a dry face, working the balm into the contours of your face, neck and décolletage.
Allow the cleanser to melt into the pores for a couple of minutes before gently removing with your organic muslin cloth.
Follow with Royal Revival Indian Sandalwood Hydration Serum for a beautiful layering base.
AS A CALMING + HYDRATING MASK:
Apply the balm to dry face, neck and décolletage, taking the time to inhale the woody scent, allowing the calming alpha-santalol actives to take effect on your nervous system. After 15-20 minutes, add a little water and massage your face for 30 seconds. Remove with your damp organic cotton muslin cloth.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Shea
Shea contains an artillery of goodness for the skin. Rich in fatty acids, Shea deeply moisturises and protects the skin to keep hydration in and environmental pollutants out.
It’s also anti-inflammatory and antioxidative, slowing production of inflammatory cells and restoring skin to a younger, brighter, and smoother state.
Jojoba
Jojoba is known for its unique composition, which most closely resembles our own sebum, allowing it to penetrate deeply and protect with antioxidant rich vitamin E.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is not only a strong antioxidant, its abundance of linoleic fatty acids also work to help restore optimal natural moisture levels to keep skin buoyant and radiant.
Marula
Marula oil is highly absorbent, hydrating, softening, and soothing.
The amino acids within Marula oil including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and myristic acids deeply hydrate the skin and soothe skin irritations while the skin-boosting omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have emollient properties to soften the skin.
Carnauba
Carnauba wax leaves skin hydrated, protected, and soft to the touch.
Its water repellent properties create a barrier on the skin, helping to maintain moisture and preventing water loss and harm from external environmental stressors.
