Not every body oil has to smell like flowers. Monoi Tiki Tahiti Santal is a sandalwood body oil from Tahiti: warm, woody sandalwood on a base of Tahitian monoi and coconut. It is the non-floral, unisex choice in the range, and a favorite with men. Here is what it smells like, how to wear it on skin, hair and beard, how to use it as a massage oil, and what to pair it with.
What does Santal smell like?
Warm, dry sandalwood with a smooth coconut finish. It is soft and woody rather than sweet, so it reads clean and grown-up on both men and women. Santal was introduced in the 1970s and is one of only two Monoi Tiki Tahiti scents not taken from a flower; the other is Coco.
Like every Monoi Tiki Tahiti oil, Santal starts as Monoi Tiare Tahiti: tiare blossoms (the Tahitian gardenia) steeped in refined coconut oil, and each bottle still holds a dried tiare flower. The sandalwood scent sits on top. Curious about the base? Read what is monoi oil.
Who will love Santal?
- Men who want a body or beard oil that doesn't smell floral.
- Anyone who finds sweet florals too much and prefers a woody scent.
- Couples who want one bottle they can both use.
- Gift shoppers buying for a dad, brother or partner.
Want something lighter? Try Coco, the other unisex scent. Want something warmer and sweeter? Try Vanille. Compare every scent in our monoi oil scent guide.
How to use sandalwood body oil
On skin after the shower
Pat skin until it is just damp, then smooth a few drops of Santal monoi oil over arms, legs, chest and shoulders. Damp skin helps the oil spread thinly, so a little goes a long way. More tips in how to use monoi oil on skin.
As a beard oil
Rub one or two drops between your palms and work them through your beard, then comb. The woody scent is subtle enough to wear every day.
As a sandalwood massage oil
Warm a little in your hands first, then massage in with long strokes. Monoi is a ready-to-use body oil, not a concentrated essential oil, so there is nothing to mix or dilute.
In your hair
Rub one or two drops between your palms and smooth over dry ends, or work more into lengths as a pre-shampoo mask for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo. See how to use monoi oil for hair.
After a day outdoors
Smooth it on after a day in the sun or wind to moisturize dry skin.
Layering and pairing ideas
- Santal soap + Santal oil: lather the Santal monoi soap in the shower, then smooth the oil on damp skin for the same woody scent from head to toe. See all six bars in our monoi soap guide.
- Santal + Coco: the two unisex scents. Coco for a light, beachy day; Santal for the evening.
- Santal + Vanille: a drop of each for a warm, cozy sandalwood-vanilla blend. Read how to wear Tahitian vanilla.
- His and hers: Santal for him, Tiare for her. Read what tiare smells like.
Any two 4 oz oils reach our free U.S. shipping line of $30. For more gift combinations, see the Tahitian holiday gift guide.
Good to know
- It may be solid when it arrives. Monoi is mostly coconut oil, which turns solid below 68°F (20°C). Stand the bottle in warm water for a few minutes to melt it.
- Patch-test first if you are trying a new fragrance, and stop using it if you notice irritation.
- Not a sunscreen. Monoi is a beauty oil; use sunscreen as directed on its label when you are out in the sun.
Sandalwood monoi FAQ
Is Santal floral?
No. It is a warm, woody sandalwood scent and is not taken from a flower, although like every Monoi Tiki Tahiti oil it is built on Monoi Tiare Tahiti.
Is it a good sandalwood oil for men?
Yes. Santal and Coco are the most popular Monoi Tiki Tahiti scents with men, on skin, hair or beard.
Is it a sandalwood essential oil?
No. It is a ready-to-use body oil, so you can apply it straight to skin, hair and beard.
Where is it made, and where does it ship from?
In Papeete, Tahiti, by Parfumerie Tiki, which has made monoi since 1942. Hawaiian Resources Co. of Honolulu is the official U.S. importer and ships every order from Hawaii.
Keep reading: Monoi oil scent guide · Monoi oil vs coconut oil · Tahitian vanilla body oil: how to wear it · Ylang ylang body oil: monoi Ylang Ylang · Monoi soap: the 6 scents and how to use them · Tahitian gift guide: monoi oil gifts under $35 · Tahitian coconut body oil: monoi Coco