Saving sandalwood

Natural Health, May, 2008 by Stacy Adimando

We love sandalwood oil--that woodsy, earthy smell found in soaps, scrubs, and perfumes--but our passion for it is causing formerly vast supplies of sandalwood trees to disappear in India and Nepal. The trees (which take several decades to produce oil and must be cut down to extract it) are now listed as a threatened species by The World Conservation Union.

Fortunately, several beauty companies are responding by using only trees cultivated or harvested in protection programs--which aim to replant enough trees to sustain the wild population. Check labels for sustainability information, or research a company's harvesting policy before you buy. In the meantime, here's what we recommend:

* Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment ($26; aveda.com)

* Aura Cacia Precious Essentials Aromatherapy Soak in Purifying Sandalwood ($4; auracacia.com)

* Sundari Gotu Kola and Indian Asparagus Mask ($90; sundari.com)

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