Palo Santo, or “Holy Wood,” is a tree native to South America that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and spiritual rituals. Renowned for its grounding aroma and therapeutic benefits, the oil extracted from this sacred wood has become a sought-after ingredient in body care products.
Rich in bioactive compounds such as limonene and α-terpineol, Palo Santo oil is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Research indicates that these compounds may support skin health by reducing redness, soothing irritation, and minimizing the risk of bacterial infections on the skin's surface (Fon-Fay et al., 2019; Manzano et al., 2022).
One of the key benefits of Palo Santo oil is its antioxidant activity. Studies suggest that it may help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to premature skin aging. This makes it an excellent ingredient for rejuvenating and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
Palo Santo helps calm the mind and body and is commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. This makes it a great addition to body care products for holistic self-care.
Key Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.
Antimicrobial: Protects against bacterial infections on the skin's surface.
Antioxidant: Combats oxidative stress to prevent premature skin aging.
Rejuvenating: Supports skin health and restores a youthful glow.
Fun Fact:
Palo Santo is harvested sustainably—only dead or fallen trees are used to produce the oil, respecting the trees’ spiritual and ecological significance.
INCI Name: Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil
Source:
Fon-Fay, F. M., Pino, J. A., Hernández, I., Rodeiro, I., & Fernández, M. D. (2019). Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana et Planch essential oil from Manabí, Ecuador. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 31(3), 211-216
Manzano, P., Orellana-Manzano, A., & Pilozo, G. (2022). Bursera graveolens (Palo Santo), Native Species of the Ecuadorian Dry Forest. In Medicinal Plants of Ecuador (pp. 127-133). CRC Press.
Mukhtar, Y. M., Adu-Frimpong, M., Xu, X., & Yu, J. (2018). Biochemical significance of limonene and its metabolites: future prospects for designing and developing highly potent anticancer drugs. Bioscience Reports, 38(6), BSR20181253.
