Herbal

Clary Sage

Note Profile

Natural 508 perfumes

Also Known As

Clary Sage Absolute

About

Sweet, musky sage

Scent Profile

Clary sage has a sweet, musky herbal aroma with subtle amber, tea-like, and hay facets. Its scent is softer and less camphoraceous than common sage, with a warm, slightly nutty undertone that develops as it dries down. The note can impart both freshness and a mellow, diffusive warmth to compositions.

Citrus 0%

Floral 15%

Fruity 0%

Green 65%

Sweet 0%

Warm 10%

Woody 0%

Earthy 0%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 40%

Origin

Clary sage is primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean region, France, and Eastern Europe. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the flowering tops and leaves of Salvia sclarea. Its cultivation is valued for both perfumery and aromatherapy applications.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use clary sage mainly as a heart note, where it bridges herbal, floral, and amber accords. It blends well with lavender, oakmoss, citrus, and fougère elements, adding complexity and a natural, slightly animalic nuance to both masculine and unisex fragrances.