The use of Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) oil for supporting or treating dermatitis is justified primarily by traditional use, with limited scientific validation. Historically, Indigenous Australians have used sandalwood preparations for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, applying the oil or infusions to the skin to relieve irritation, wounds, and inflammatory conditions. This traditional knowledge has influenced the inclusion of Australian Sandalwood oil in some modern topical products marketed for eczema, dermatitis, or irritated skin.

Scientifically, there is some preliminary support for sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, mostly from in vitro studies. For example, studies have demonstrated that certain components of sandalwood oil, such as alpha- and beta-santalol, can inhibit inflammatory mediators and possess mild antimicrobial properties. However, robust clinical evidence specifically focused on the efficacy of Australian Sandalwood oil in treating dermatitis in humans is lacking. Most available clinical research is either limited to small pilot studies, in vitro assays, or studies on related species like Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album).

In summary, while traditional use and some laboratory data suggest potential benefits, there is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to fully validate the use of Australian Sandalwood oil for dermatitis. The evidence supporting its use for this condition is therefore rated as 2 out of 5.