What Is Olibanum Sfe Cert?
Olibanum Sfe Cert is an aroma ingredient made from frankincense resin through a modern super-critical fluid extraction, often shortened to SFE. This gentle process keeps more of the original scent molecules intact than older steam methods, giving a cleaner result. The name you see on most catalogs comes from DSM-Firmenich, yet some other suppliers offer similar frankincense extracts made in the same way under different names.
At room temperature the material is a clear to pale amber liquid that pours easily. It is free from gritty bits, so it blends straight into perfume oil, alcohol bases or home care formulas without extra filtering. Most labs list its shelf life at around two years when stored well, though many perfumers find it keeps its punch a little longer if the bottle stays tightly closed and away from light.
Use in fragrance houses is growing because the SFE version offers a bright, almost sparkling twist on classic frankincense. You will see it in fine fragrance briefs, luxury candles and even upgraded shampoos. It is priced in the mid range of natural extracts: not the cheapest ingredient on the shelf yet far from the cost of rare floral absolutes. This balance of quality and price makes it popular for both niche and larger volume projects.
Olibanum Sfe Cert’s Scent Description
Perfumers place Olibanum Sfe Cert in the balsamic family, the group known for warm resinous notes that smooth and join other facets in a blend.
Off a blotter the first hit is brisk and slightly green, like the snap of a fresh pine twig mixed with a spritz of lemon peel. Within a minute a peppery sparkle joins in, giving energy without turning sharp. As the scent settles a creamy woody heart unfolds, hinting at cedar shavings and soft spice. The drydown is mellow resin, sweet yet not sugary, with a faint smoky accent that keeps it feeling airy rather than heavy.
The ingredient sits mainly in the heart of a perfume, bridging bright top notes and deeper bases. It lifts citruses in the opening then ties them to woods amber or musk later on, so the whole composition feels seamless.
Projection is moderate: it radiates just enough to be noticed but will not fill a room. Longevity on skin or fabric is solid, often lingering for six to eight hours before fading to a gentle glow.
How & Where To Use Olibanum Sfe Cert
Perfumers reach for Olibanum Sfe Cert when they want the spiritual feel of frankincense without the heavy smoke often found in older distillations. It slips neatly into amber, incense, fougère or modern woody blends where a soft resin lift is needed. In a citrus cologne a drop grounds the sparkle and adds mystery. In a gourmand accord it offers a dry counterpoint so the sweet notes do not turn cloying.
Typical use sits between trace levels and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent the material gives a fresh pine-citrus tint that brightens top notes then fades into a clean church-like hush. At 1-3 percent the balsamic heart becomes clear and links middle and base notes. Pushed to the upper end it can dominate the blend with a waxy resin tone and may mask delicate florals.
Over-use risks a flat, medicinal aftertaste that feels sticky on skin. It can also dull the overall projection because the resin forms a film that traps lighter molecules. When working in detergent or candle bases keep levels low as heat and surfactants can intensify the peppery facet.
The liquid is easy to weigh and mixes well with alcohol or dipropylene glycol. If adding to an oil base warm the mixture gently to 30 °C for faster fusion. The flashpoint of 45 °C means avoid open heat sources and seal the vessel quickly after dosing to curb loss of top notes.
Before final compounding jot down the exact percentage in your formula. This becomes vital later if IFRA updates the safe limit. A small reference blend at 10 percent in alcohol is handy for quick blotter checks yet always return to the master dilution for production.
Safely Using Olibanum Sfe Cert
Dilution is key so pour a small measured amount into ethanol or a neutral carrier before any evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Instead fan a blotter through the air and let the scent settle before bringing it near your nose. Work in a space with good airflow to prevent vapour build-up.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses while handling the neat liquid. Although classed as low hazard the material can irritate sensitive skin or eyes. Anyone with asthma or fragrance allergies should keep exposure brief and at low levels. Consult a doctor before handling if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Short contact with diluted mixtures is usually safe but extended work at high concentration can dry the skin and may trigger headaches. Clean spills at once with absorbent paper then wash the area with mild soap and water.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark cabinet away from flames or heaters. Dispose of unwanted stock through a chemical disposal service or follow local regulations for solvent waste. Do not pour it down the sink.
Always review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and recheck it often because updates are common. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dose in each product type to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Olibanum Sfe Cert
Keep the bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators or sunny windows. If you have room, a fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C slows oxidation and can stretch shelf life past two years. Whether you chill it or not always let the liquid warm to room temperature before opening so water from the air does not condense inside.
Use bottles with airtight polycone caps. These liners press against the glass and block air far better than glass droppers or rubber bulbs. For working dilutions choose small bottles you can fill close to the top. Less empty space means less oxygen contact which helps the scent stay bright and prevents resin build up on the neck.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name, CAS number, date of receipt and any hazard icons shown on the supplier safety sheet. A quick glance should tell anyone what is inside and how to handle it.
Store away from flames or sparks because the flashpoint sits at 45 °C. Keep acids, strong alkalis and bleach in a separate area to avoid accidental reactions.
When a batch has oxidised or you simply have no further use, do not pour it down the drain. Small hobby amounts can be absorbed into cat litter then sealed in a plastic bag before disposal with household rubbish if local rules allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste company that can process aromatic oils. The extract is partly biodegradable but high resin content means it can linger in water systems so responsible disposal protects the environment.
Summary
Olibanum Sfe Cert is a supercritical CO2 extract of Boswellia carteri that brings the classic aura of frankincense in a cleaner modern form. It opens with citrus and pine touches then settles into sweet resin incense wrapped in gentle amber warmth.
Perfumers use it to bridge top and base notes in amber, woody or incense styles. At low levels it lifts citrus blends. At higher levels it becomes the heart of a rich churchlike accord. Stability is good when stored cool and tight yet the relatively low flashpoint calls for careful handling.
Cost sits in the middle ground. It is more affordable than rare absolutes yet pricier than simple synthetics so most brands can justify it without breaking the budget.
The material is available in bulk from DSM-Firmenich and through several distributor networks worldwide. Hobbyists can source smaller bottles from specialist fragrance suppliers who repackage under their own labels. Always check the CAS number to be sure you are getting the same quality extract.