8 Surprising Benefits of Chandan Powder for Glowing Skin

8 Surprising Benefits of Chandan Powder for Glowing Skin
Published Date - 6 October 2025

Let's talk about something that's been sitting in your nan's beauty cabinet for decades – chandan powder. Real talk, this golden dust has been doing the rounds in Indian skincare for centuries, and there's actually proper science behind why it works. Whether you call it sandalwood powder or chandan, this aromatic wonder has been making waves in the beauty world lately, and honestly, it's about time. From ancient Ayurvedic texts to modern skincare routines, chandan has earned its spot as a go-to ingredient for glowing skin. The best part? It's natural, gentle, and surprisingly versatile – your kind of multi-tasker.

What Makes Chandan Powder So Special?

So what exactly is this magical powder everyone's raving about? Chandan powder comes from grinding the heartwood of sandalwood trees, primarily the Santalum album species. The process is pretty fascinating – the wood is dried, then ground into a fine powder that carries that distinctive, calming fragrance we all know and love.

There are mainly two types you'll come across: white sandalwood (the classic chandan) and red sandalwood. White sandalwood is your gentle, everyday hero, whilst red sandalwood packs a bit more punch for specific skin concerns. The active compounds like santalol and santalenes are what give chandan its skin-loving properties.

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The Science Behind Chandan's Skin Magic

Here's where it gets interesting – chandan isn't just about that gorgeous smell. The powder contains natural compounds that actually interact with your skin on a cellular level. Santalol, the main active ingredient, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it brilliant for various skin types.

What makes chandan stand out from other natural ingredients is its unique ability to cool and soothe skin whilst delivering active benefits. Unlike some harsh natural scrubs that can irritate, chandan works gently, making it suitable for sensitive skin too.

8 Brilliant Benefits of Chandan Powder for Your Skin

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Ready to discover why chandan deserves a spot in your skincare routine? These benefits might just surprise you – some are pretty obvious, but others are proper game-changers.

1. Your Natural Acne Fighter

If breakouts are your nemesis, chandan for acne might be your new best mate. The antibacterial properties in sandalwood powder help combat the bacteria that cause spots in the first place. When you use chandan as a face mask or in your skincare routine, it works to reduce inflammation whilst preventing new breakouts from forming. Unlike harsh chemical treatments that can dry out your skin, chandan treats acne whilst keeping your skin balanced and happy.

2. Brightens and Evens Out Your Skin Tone

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Chandan for glowing skin isn't just marketing speak – it actually works. The natural compounds help fade dark spots, reduce pigmentation, and give you that lit-from-within glow everyone's after. Regular use of chandan face packs can help even out your skin tone, making it look brighter and more radiant. It's like having a gentle, natural highlighter that works from the inside out.

3. Anti-Ageing Properties That Actually Work

Those fine lines don't stand a chance against chandan's antioxidant power. The powder helps fight free radicals that cause premature ageing, whilst the natural compounds work to improve skin elasticity. Using chandan face masks regularly can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep your skin looking youthful and plump.

4. Instant Cooling and Soothing Relief

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Ever had one of those days when your skin feels angry and irritated? Chandan is your cooling hero. The natural cooling properties make it perfect for soothing sunburns, rashes, or just general skin irritation. It's like having a chill pill for your face – the moment you apply a chandan face pack, you can feel that instant cooling sensation that calms everything down.

5. Natural Sun Protection and Tan Removal

Whilst chandan won't replace your SPF (please still wear sunscreen!), it does offer some natural sun protection properties. More importantly, it's brilliant for removing unwanted tan and evening out skin that's been overexposed to the sun. Using chandan face scrub gently helps slough off tanned, dead skin cells whilst the powder's brightening properties work their magic.

6. Minimises Pores Like a Pro

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Large pores got you down? Chandan's natural astringent properties help tighten and refine your skin texture. When used in face masks or scrubs, it helps reduce the appearance of pores whilst controlling excess oil production. It's particularly brilliant for combination or oily skin types that struggle with enlarged pores.

7. Aromatherapy Benefits for Stress-Free Skin

Here's a benefit you might not have considered – the calming scent of chandan actually helps reduce stress, which in turn benefits your skin. When you're relaxed, your skin tends to behave better (fewer stress breakouts, anyone?). Using chandan in your skincare routine becomes a mini spa session that benefits both your mind and your complexion.

8. The Ultimate Multi-Tasker

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What makes chandan powder absolutely worth obsessing over is its versatility. You can use it as a face pack, mix it into scrubs, create your own chandan face wash, or even add it to existing products. It plays well with other natural ingredients like turmeric, rose water, or honey, making it easy to customise for your specific skin needs.

How to Use Chandan Powder in Your Routine

Now that you're convinced (and honestly, who wouldn't be?), let's talk about how to actually use this wonder powder. The beauty of chandan is that it's incredibly easy to incorporate into your existing routine.

DIY Chandan Face Pack Recipes

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For a basic chandan face pack, mix chandan powder with rose water to form a smooth paste. Apply it to clean skin, let it dry for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. For dry skin, add a bit of honey or milk. For oily skin, mix with fuller's earth or neem powder.

Gentle Chandan Face Scrub

Create a gentle exfoliating scrub by mixing chandan powder with oatmeal and a touch of yoghurt. This makes for a perfect weekly treat that removes dead skin cells whilst delivering all those chandan benefits. Massage gently in circular motions, then rinse off.

Choosing Quality Chandan Powder

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Not all chandan powder is created equal, and quality definitely matters when it comes to skincare. Look for pure, authentic sandalwood powder without any added chemicals or fillers. The colour should be a light beige to pale yellow, and the fragrance should be distinctly woody and calming.

When exploring different chandan skin care options, platforms like Smytten make it easier to discover quality products from trusted brands. With access to trial-sized versions from various brands, you can find the perfect chandan-based product without committing to full-size purchases straight away.

Safety First: What to Watch Out For

Whilst chandan is generally gentle and suitable for most skin types, it's always wise to do a patch test first. Some people might be sensitive to sandalwood, especially if they have very reactive skin. Start with small amounts and see how your skin responds.

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Also, make sure you're buying from reputable sources. Pure chandan powder should have that characteristic woody smell – if it's odourless or smells artificial, it might not be the real deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chandan powder on my face daily?

Whilst chandan is gentle, daily use might be a bit much for some skin types. Start with 2-3 times a week and see how your skin responds. If you're using it as part of a chandan face wash or in very small amounts, daily use might be fine.

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Is chandan suitable for all skin types?

Yes, chandan works well for most skin types, but it's particularly brilliant for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Those with very dry skin should mix it with moisturising ingredients like honey or milk.

How long before I see results?

You might notice the cooling and soothing effects immediately, but for longer-term benefits like improved skin tone and reduced acne, give it about 4-6 weeks of regular use.

Can I mix chandan powder with other skincare products?

Absolutely! Chandan plays well with most natural ingredients. Just avoid mixing it with very acidic products or strong actives like retinol in the same application.

Final Thoughts

Let's be real – with all the fancy skincare ingredients out there, it's easy to overlook traditional ones like chandan powder. But sometimes the old-school ingredients are having their moment for good reason. From fighting acne to giving you that natural glow, chandan brings proper benefits without the harsh side effects of some chemical alternatives.

The best part about exploring natural skincare ingredients like chandan is that you can try different formulations and brands to find what works for your skin. Smytten, India's largest product discovery platform, makes this exploration incredibly easy with curated trial packs from over 1,500 trusted brands. Whether you're looking for ready-made chandan face masks or pure powder to create your own DIY treatments, having access to trial-sized versions means you can discover your next favourite without the commitment. With options to try up to 8 minis for just ₹249 and 100% cashback on trial purchases, finding the perfect chandan-based product for your skin becomes both affordable and risk-free.

Your skin deserves ingredients that work, and chandan powder might just become your new obsession. Why settle for maybe when you can try it all and find what truly makes your skin happy?

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