What Is Clove Bud Sfe?
Clove Bud Sfe is a natural fragrance ingredient obtained from dried clove buds through supercritical CO₂ extraction. The process uses pressurised carbon dioxide at relatively low temperatures so the resulting material keeps the full aromatic profile of the spice while remaining free from solvent residues.
The product is marketed by DSM-Firmenich, one of the major aroma houses, though similar CO₂ clove extracts are available from other suppliers under different names. At room temperature the material is a mobile amber-to-golden liquid that pours easily and blends readily with most perfume solvents.
Because it offers the familiar clove character without the harsh burnt facets sometimes found in steam-distilled oils, Clove Bud Sfe sees regular use in fine fragrance, personal care and home scent products. Perfumers turn to it when they need a smooth spicy accent that feels authentic and modern.
Stored in a tightly closed, light-protected container at cool room temperature the extract keeps its quality for roughly two to three years before subtle oxidation may dull its brightness. In cost terms it sits around the middle of the price ladder: more expensive than simple synthetic clove notes yet far more affordable than rare floral absolutes.
Clove Bud Sfe’s Scent Description
This material falls into the spicy family. Off a perfume blotter it opens with a vivid burst of warm clove that immediately evokes freshly ground spice. Within seconds you can also pick up a soft woody undertone, a touch of sweet vanilla-like warmth and a faint hint of leather that lends depth. There is a mild medicinal sparkle typical of eugenol yet the overall impression remains smooth and refined.
In the traditional structure of a perfume, Clove Bud Sfe acts mainly as a middle note thanks to its medium volatility. It rises quickly enough to join the opening but then anchors itself and keeps the heart alive for hours, edging into the base as the composition dries down.
Projection is moderate to strong at first, giving a clear spicy aura around the wearer, then settles into a comfortable glow. On a paper blotter the scent stays discernible for eight hours or longer and in a finished perfume it can continue to whisper well into the following day depending on dosage.
How & Where To Use Clove Bud Sfe
Perfumers reach for Clove Bud Sfe when they need a clear, realistic clove that is smoother than steam-distilled oil yet still full of character. It slips neatly into carnation reconstructions, bolsters the spice in ambery themes and adds warmth to gourmand accords built around vanilla or tonka. Used sparingly it can even sharpen citrus or herb top notes by supplying a dry nip that stops sweetness from feeling flat.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere from trace amounts up to about 5 % of a formula. At under 0.5 % the material gives a diffusive spicy lift without declaring itself. Around 1-2 % the clove becomes recognisable and lends body to florals like rose or ylang. Closer to 4-5 % it dominates, reading as a bold clove centerpiece suited to holiday candles or masculine orientals.
Concentration changes perception. Low levels feel airy and almost peppery, mid levels grow creamy with a carnation nuance while high levels reveal heavier eugenol that can edge into medicinal. Over-use risks turning a perfume harsh, numbing other notes and causing performance issues in skin care bases where eugenol interacts with surfactants.
Functional products welcome Clove Bud Sfe thanks to its stability in soaps, detergents and candles. It survives alkaline pH and heat better than many naturals though its dark colour can tint pale bases so preliminary trials are wise. Alcoholic fine fragrance poses no special hurdles but plastic packaging may need compatibility checks for long-term storage.
Prep is minimal: weigh the material, warm gently if viscosity has increased and pre-dilute to a 10 % solution in ethanol or triethyl citrate for easier handling. Because eugenol can clump with chilled waxes filter the solution before adding to cold process soap. Label the dilution with date and strength so future adjustments stay accurate.
Safely Using Clove Bud Sfe
Begin every session by diluting the raw material. Undiluted spice extracts can overwhelm the nose and irritate skin so prepare a working solution before evaluation. Avoid taking a direct sniff from the bottle; instead waft the scent from a blotter held at a short distance. Keep the workspace well ventilated so vapours disperse quickly, especially during large batch weighing. Gloves and safety glasses protect against accidental splashes.
Eugenol rich materials may cause skin sensitisation in some people. Short contact at low concentrations is usually well tolerated yet repeated exposure or higher doses can provoke redness or itching. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional prior to handling fragrance ingredients, even naturals.
Inhalation of concentrated vapour over long periods is unwise. If you feel light-headed step outside and reassess your ventilation. Clean up spills immediately with an absorbent cloth then dispose of it in a sealed bag.
Always read the supplier’s latest safety data sheet for current hazard classifications, recommended exposure limits and first aid advice. Regulations evolve so check for updates each time you order a new batch and confirm that your intended level complies with the current IFRA standard.
How To Store & Dispose of Clove Bud Sfe
Clove Bud Sfe keeps its best character when shielded from light, oxygen and heat. A refrigerator set between 4 °C and 10 °C slows oxidation and colour change, yet a steady cool dark cupboard also works if space is limited. Whichever location you choose avoid temperature swings as condensation can introduce moisture that dulls the scent.
Use bottles made of amber glass or high grade aluminium fitted with polycone caps. These caps compress to form an airtight seal that ordinary droppers or screw tops cannot match. For dilutions choose the smallest container that will hold the lot so the headspace stays minimal. Topping up partly empty bottles with inert gas such as nitrogen is another way to push back oxidation when large volumes must be stored.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name, CAS number, concentration and hazard pictograms where required. Dating each label helps track shelf life and rotate stock before quality dips. Keep the record sheet or digital log showing when a batch was first opened so you can retire it on time.
Spills wipe up easily with paper towel or absorbent granules. Place the used material in a sealed bag then into general waste unless local rules specify hazardous disposal. Small leftover amounts can be mixed with an inert carrier like cat litter before binning. Never rinse sizeable quantities down the sink; although eugenol is ultimately biodegradable it can create a strong odour plume and upset water systems.
When disposing of larger volumes contact a licensed waste handler and list the material as natural essential oil waste containing eugenol. Empty containers should be triple rinsed with alcohol, allowed to dry then recycled or discarded according to municipal regulations.
Summary
Clove Bud Sfe is a supercritical CO2 extract of dried clove buds that delivers a vivid spicy clove profile with the smoothness only this modern process can give. Its scent sits in the heart to base of a formula adding warmth to florals, depth to amber accords and realism to gourmand blends.
The ingredient has earned a loyal following because it balances natural authenticity with better stability than steam distilled clove oil while remaining reasonably priced. It works across fine fragrance, soaps and even cleaning products though its strong eugenol core means careful dosing is key.
Store it cool and snug with polycone caps, watch for oxidation over time and remember that darker colour does not always equal lost quality. Cost is mid tier, availability is good and the scent is unmistakable so it remains a must have for anyone building a versatile spice palette.
Commercial buyers can source directly from DSM-Firmenich or through authorised distributors. Hobbyists and small brands will find repacked quantities online from specialist aroma suppliers or generic CO2 extract vendors, making this premium clove note accessible at almost any scale.