Aquilaria Agallocha Wood Oil

Aquilaria agallocha wood oil, commonly known as agarwood or aloeswood oil, is derived from the heartwood of Aquilaria agallocha, an evergreen tree native to South-East Asia. The oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries across the region.

In skincare formulations, this ingredient primarily serves a masking function—helping to improve the sensory profile of products through its distinctive woody aroma. The oil's chemical composition includes compounds such as agarospirol, jinkoh-eremol and hinesol, which research suggests may have anti-inflammatory potential.

The oil contains sesquiterpenes and other aromatic compounds that preliminary molecular studies suggest may interact with inflammatory pathways in skin cells. However, the mechanisms by which these compounds work in a topical skincare context remain largely theoretical at this stage.

Most commonly, agarwood oil functions as a fragrance component in formulations, where its aromatic properties enhance the overall sensory experience of using the product.

This ingredient is typically found in very small concentrations in skincare products (around 0.1% of formulations). It is generally used as part of a multi-ingredient formula rather than as a standalone treatment, so follow the application instructions provided by the specific product you are using.