Mysore Sandal Soap

Mysore Sandal Soap is produced by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), a government-owned company in Karnataka, India. The soap has a rich history dating back to 1916 when Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the king of Mysore, established the Government Soap Factory in Bangalore. The factory was created in response to the abundance of sandalwood in the Mysore Kingdom, which couldn’t be exported to Europe due to the disruptions of World War I. In 1980, the factory merged with sandalwood oil facilities in Shimoga and Mysore to form KSDL.

What sets Mysore Sandal Soap apart is that it is the only soap globally made with 100% pure sandalwood oil. KSDL holds a geographical indication tag for the soap, granting it intellectual property rights that protect the brand, maintain quality, and prevent unauthorized use. In 2006, Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was appointed as the first brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, further enhancing its visibility and appeal.