Woody

Sclarene

Note Profile

Molecule 5 perfumes

About

Sclarene has a dry, woody, and amber-like scent profile, reminiscent of cedarwood and ambergris. It imparts warmth and depth to compositions, often serving as a backbone for woody and ambery fragrances. Its aroma can also contribute a clean, slightly resinous nuance to blends.

Scent Profile

Sclarene smells dry, woody and amber-like, closer to cedarwood and ambergris than to a sweet resin. A quiet, waxy undertone runs through it, nearer to beeswax than to tree sap. It stays low in volume, warm and subtly resinous rather than loud, with a faint herbal edge from the clary sage it comes from. One account describes it hotter, almost metallic like steam off hot iron, but both agree it stays dry rather than sweet.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~48h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy, Amber · Musk · Leather, Waxy & Fatty

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

sclarene

Names this molecule

CAS 511-02-4

The note name IS the molecule.

How the layers join

Origin

Sclarene is a diterpene hydrocarbon typically isolated from clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil through fractional distillation. It can also be found in small quantities in other plant sources but is most commonly obtained as a byproduct of clary sage oil production for use in perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use sclarene primarily as a base note to provide structure and longevity in woody, ambery, and chypre fragrances. It blends well with cedarwood, vetiver, amber, and musks, serving as a fixative and enhancing the richness of the composition. Its subtle resinous quality helps bridge woody and ambery elements in modern perfumery.