Mysore Sandal Soap, India’s oldest and most iconic soap brand, has a history dating back to 1916. It was founded under the leadership of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, who established a Government Soap Factory to utilize the region’s abundant sandalwood reserves. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with purity and tradition.
In 1980, the Karnataka government merged the Mysore and Shimoga sandal oil factories with the Bangalore soap factory to create Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). The company adopted the emblem of Sharabha, a mythological creature symbolizing wisdom, courage, and strength, as its official insignia.
Mysore Sandal Soap holds a unique distinction—it is the only soap in the world made from 100% pure sandalwood oil. This exclusivity has been legally protected with a geographical indication (GI) tag, ensuring its authenticity and preventing unauthorized use. The soap gained immense popularity, and in 2006, cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni was roped in as its first brand ambassador.
Despite its legacy, KSDL has faced production challenges due to a decline in sandalwood reserves in Karnataka. This has led to the factory operating at just 25% of its manufacturing capacity. To counter this, the company has started procuring sandalwood through open market auctions and is even considering imports from other countries.
To keep up with evolving consumer preferences, KSDL expanded its product range in 2017 with the launch of ‘Mysoap,’ featuring variants like Rose Milk Cream, Jasmine Milk Cream, Orange Lime, Cologne Lavender, and Fruity Floral.
Mysore Sandal Soap remains a cherished part of India’s cultural and skincare heritage, standing strong for over a century despite challenges. Its commitment to quality and authenticity continues to win hearts, making it a true icon in the Indian FMCG sector.
