What Is Clearwood?
Clearwood is a modern aroma ingredient created by DSM-Firmenich that offers a cleaner take on the classic patchouli profile. It is also sold by a handful of other suppliers under generic names yet its unique CAS number 1450625-49-6 makes it easy to identify no matter who puts it on the label.
The material is produced through white biotechnology. In practical terms sugarcane feedstock is fermented with the help of specially selected micro-organisms. After the broth is purified the resulting liquid concentrate is distilled to yield the finished fragrance ingredient. The process avoids heavy solvents and keeps the carbon footprint low compared with traditional extraction methods.
On the safety sheet Clearwood is listed as Saccharum officinarum which is simply the Latin term for sugarcane. While the name may look daunting you can always fall back on the CAS number if the spelling trips you up.
At room temperature Clearwood is a clear to pale yellow liquid that pours easily. Perfumers appreciate its versatility so it now shows up in everything from luxury eau de parfum to household cleaners. Properly stored in a cool dark place it keeps its quality for roughly two to three years before the aroma starts to dull.
Cost wise it sits in the middle ground. It is not as cheap as commodity aroma chemicals yet it is far less expensive than fine natural patchouli oil of similar purity.
Clearwood’s Scent Description
Most professionals place Clearwood squarely in the woody family. Off a paper blotter the first impression is a silky patchouli note minus the muddy edges that can put some people off natural patchouli. A gentle amber warmth rises quickly giving the scent a soft creamy backdrop. As the minutes pass a subtle dry wood facet emerges along with a faint sugarcane sweetness that keeps everything airy rather than earthy.
In the traditional top-middle-base hierarchy Clearwood behaves as a base note that starts making itself known almost from the outset. It anchors compositions for many hours while also smoothing the transition between the heart and the dry-down.
Projection is moderate so it does not shout across the room yet its presence is steady and unmistakable. Longevity is impressive. On a blotter a single drop can still be detected well past the 24-hour mark proving its value whenever you need lasting woody depth without the darkness of heavy patchouli.
How & Where To Use Clearwood
Perfumers often reach for Clearwood when they want the depth of patchouli without its earthy roughness. It bolsters woody or amber bases, adds body to gourmand accords and lends a silky link between floral hearts and darker musks. Because the material is round and clean it can sit beside modern synthetics like Ambrox or Iso E Super without clashing yet it also pairs gracefully with natural oils such as vetiver or cedar.
In fine fragrance the usual dosage lands between 0.5 % and 3 %. Trace amounts simply extend a composition while five percent turns Clearwood into a starring note with pronounced creamy woods and a faint molasses sweetness. Above that level the material can flatten a blend by masking lighter nuances so a stepwise dilution is wise when pushing the upper limits.
Concentration influences character. At low levels Clearwood smells almost ambery giving lift and sheen to floral bouquets. Mid-range dosages reveal that recognisable smooth patchouli vibe. Heavy use brings out a slightly balsamic facet that can feel syrupy if the formula lacks fresh top notes to cut through.
Clearwood behaves reliably in soap bases and detergents where natural patchouli might discolour or lose strength. It also survives candle temperatures with minimal shift. The only clear drawback is its relatively mild projection in air fresheners that rely on quick scent throw. In those cases pairing it with a diffusive booster such as hedione or dihydromyrcenol helps.
Before blending most perfumers prepare a 10 % solution in dipropylene glycol or ethanol. The liquid mixes smoothly though gentle warming to about 30 °C can speed dissolution on cold days. Always label the dilution with date and concentration since the colour remains almost water-clear which makes stock bottles easy to confuse.
Safely Using Clearwood
Work with Clearwood the same way you would handle any potent aroma chemical. Dilute before smelling to avoid overwhelming your nose. Do not sniff straight from the bottle. Set up in a space with good airflow so vapours do not accumulate. Gloves and safety glasses form a simple barrier against splashes that could irritate skin or eyes.
While Clearwood has a low hazard profile brief contact with undiluted material can still trigger redness on sensitive skin. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions even at low percentages so monitor any discomfort and discontinue use if symptoms appear. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before prolonged work with fragrance ingredients.
Short whiffs of a diluted solution are generally considered safe yet high concentrations or extended exposure can lead to headaches or respiratory irritation. Keep bottles sealed when not in use and wipe spills promptly to limit airborne vapours.
Dispose of leftover material or rinse water according to local regulations rather than pouring it down the drain. Store the unopened drum or bottle in a cool dark cabinet under 25 °C away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition.
Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor as updates are common. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category to ensure your final formula meets global safety standards.
How To Store & Dispose of Clearwood
Keep Clearwood in a tightly sealed bottle stored below 25 °C in a cupboard that stays dry and dark. Refrigeration is optional but can stretch the shelf life by a few extra seasons if you blend only occasionally. Sudden temperature swings can cause condensation inside the bottle so allow chilled stock to reach room temperature before opening.
Use polycone caps on both neat material and dilutions. The soft liner molds to the glass thread and blocks slow vapor loss better than a standard dropper top. Dropper bottles look convenient yet they rarely seal fully and can let air creep in which speeds up oxidation and flattens the scent.
Try to keep containers as full as possible. Decant what you need into a smaller bottle rather than leave a half-empty large one since the extra headspace accelerates contact with oxygen. Label every container clearly with the name Clearwood, the dilution percentage, date prepared and any hazard pictograms required by local law. A forgotten bottle with no label is a spill waiting to happen.
Clearwood is derived from renewable sugarcane and shows good biodegradability once dispersed in the environment, still you should never tip bulk leftovers down the drain. Small rinses from cleaning glassware can go into household waste water if your municipality allows fragrant surfactants but dispose of larger volumes through a licensed chemical collection service. Absorb minor spills with paper towel or vermiculite then seal the waste in a plastic bag before discarding.
Rinse empty bottles with soapy water, let them dry, then recycle the glass if local facilities accept fragrance residue. Always follow the latest regional guidelines on solvent disposal to stay compliant and reduce environmental impact.
Summary
Clearwood is a liquid aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich created via sugarcane fermentation. It offers a polished patchouli note touched with creamy amber warmth that settles into a smooth woody base. Perfumers value it for adding depth without the earthy grit of traditional patchouli and for its ability to bridge floral, gourmand and woody accords.
The ingredient has gained traction because it is versatile, sustainable and reasonably priced compared with high grade natural patchouli. It remains stable in most product types, though mild projection means it sometimes needs help from diffusive partners. Shelf life averages two to three years when stored correctly.
You can purchase Clearwood in drum or kilo size directly from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors. Hobbyists and indie brands often source smaller amounts from specialized fragrance suppliers or generic manufacturers that list it by the same CAS number. Whether you blend fine perfume, soap or candles this modern woody note delivers a reliable, clean patchouli signature at a friendly cost.