Mysore Sandal Soap

Mysore Sandal Soap is one of India's most iconic and historic personal care brands, uniquely positioned as the only soap in the world made with 100% pure sandalwood oil. Its history dates back to 1916 when the Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wodeyar, established the Government Sandalwood Oil Factory to utilize the state's abundant sandalwood reserves. The soap was developed to showcase the therapeutic and aromatic properties of this precious wood, eventually becoming a global symbol of Indian heritage and quality craftsmanship. Manufacturing remains centralized in India, specifically at the factory facilities in Bengaluru and Mysuru, ensuring that the geographical indication (GI) status and traditional formulation are preserved.

Ownership of the brand has remained consistently under the public sector since its inception. Currently, Mysore Sandal is owned and manufactured by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a company fully owned by the Government of Karnataka, India. This state-owned enterprise manages the entire supply chain, from the procurement of sandalwood to the production of various soaps, detergents, and perfumes. As we look towards 2026 and beyond, the brand continues to represent a successful model of a state-owned enterprise maintaining luxury market positioning while staying true to its regional and historical origins.