What Is Clove Bud Sfe?
Clove Bud Sfe is a concentrated aromatic extract obtained from dried clove flower buds using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, a technology that became widely adopted in fragrance production during the 1990s. In this process carbon dioxide is pressurized and heated just past its critical point, allowing it to act as a solvent that gently pulls the volatile molecules from the plant matter.
The result is a liquid material that carries a very high percentage of the natural constituents found in clove buds yet is free of the waxes and heavier residues present in traditional essential oils. Because the extraction runs at comparatively low temperatures the integrity of the raw aroma profile is kept intact.
Clove Bud Sfe is considered a natural ingredient since it originates from plant matter and no synthetic aroma chemicals are added during production. Visually the material is a clear to pale amber liquid with moderate viscosity that flows easily at room temperature.
Within the perfumery world it sees regular use in fine fragrance, personal care and home care applications. While not among the cheapest spice extracts on the market its concentrated nature means only small amounts are needed so it is viewed as cost effective for most commercial formulas.
What Does Clove Bud Sfe Smell Like?
Perfumers place Clove Bud Sfe in the spicy family. Off a blotter the material opens with the instantly recognizable bite of fresh clove bud: warm, slightly sweet and tinged with a subtle medicinal edge typical of eugenol. The profile is smoother and less smoky than many steam-distilled clove oils giving it a refined, almost polished quality.
In the classical top-middle-base framework clove facets usually sit in the heart of a composition. They appear quickly after the initial top notes fade yet linger long enough to bridge into the drydown. Clove Bud Sfe follows this pattern, asserting itself within minutes and holding steady for several hours before softening into a gentle, woody-spicy trace.
Projection is moderate, meaning it radiates a clear aura without overwhelming the space. Longevity is solid for a heart note, generally remaining detectable on a blotter for six to eight hours depending on concentration and accompanying materials.
How & Where To Use Clove Bud Sfe
Clove Bud Sfe is a pleasure to handle: it stays liquid, pours cleanly and its aroma jumps out of the bottle with no burnt edges or heavy residues.
Perfumers reach for it when they want an authentic clove accent that feels smoother than steam-distilled clove oils. It shines in carnation, caraway and other floral spice accords, adds warmth to classic oriental or ambery bases and gives gourmand blends a gentle bakery twist. If a formula already carries smoky or leathery notes this extract can replace harsher clove fractions to keep the profile elegant.
Usage levels typically fall between trace amounts and 5 percent of the concentrate. In very low dosages it quietly boosts rose, ylang or orange flower without revealing itself. Around 1 percent it becomes a clear clove heart note, while higher levels tilt the whole composition toward spicy warmth and can read medicinal if unchecked.
Application versatility is broad: fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, shower gels, candles and most household cleaners all tolerate it well. It may discolor pale soap bases slightly over time so test batches are wise for white bars. High eugenol content can also clash with delicate citrus top notes if overdosed.
Prep work is minimal. A 10 percent ethanol or dipropylene glycol (DPG) solution makes weighing and blending easier and lets you evaluate it in blotter tests with finer control. No filtration or heating is needed since the material stays fluid at room temperature.
Safety Information
Certain precautions and considerations need to be taken when working with this material.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a low-percentage solution and smell from a blotter instead of the bottle.
- Avoid direct inhalation: work in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing concentrated vapors.
- Personal protective equipment: wear gloves and safety glasses to shield skin and eyes from accidental contact.
- Health considerations: eugenol-rich materials can provoke skin irritation or sensitization and prolonged exposure to high concentrations may be harmful. Consult a medical professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always review the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and follow IFRA guidelines for any applicable usage limits to ensure your formulas remain both effective and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Clove Bud Sfe stays true to its original scent for roughly two to three years before noticeable fading or oxidation set in. The clock starts the moment the supplier fills the drum so jot that date on your label for easy reference.
A refrigerator extends shelf life but is not strictly required. A cool dark cupboard away from heaters windows and hot lights is usually enough. Steady temperature means fewer swings that pull air in and out of the bottle, which slows oxidation.
For both neat material and pre-dilutions use bottles that seal tight with polycone caps. These liners compress against the glass and keep vapors from sneaking out or air from creeping in. Dropper tops look handy yet seldom seal well and can drip, so leave them for test vials only.
Keep containers as full as possible. Topping up with inert gas or transferring to a smaller bottle once you have used half the contents reduces the oxygen sitting on the surface and preserves the clove sparkle.
Store each batch in an amber or aluminum container away from acids strong bases and oxidizers. Moisture is not a big enemy here but a dry shelf is still good practice. Always label every bottle with the material name date of receipt and any hazard pictograms required by local law.
As a plant-derived extract Clove Bud Sfe is readily biodegradable, yet its high eugenol load can stress aquatic life in concentrated form. Small trial leftovers can go in regular household waste if first absorbed onto paper or clay kitty litter then sealed in a bag. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal facility or be included in a flammable organics pickup. Never pour bulk quantities down the drain.
Summary
Clove Bud Sfe is a liquid CO2 extract of dried clove buds that delivers the classic warm spicy bite of eugenol without the harsh edges of many steam-distilled oils. It behaves like a polished heart note, lifting carnations boosting ambery bases and adding tasty depth to gourmands.
The material is easy and fun to work with, remains fluid at room temperature and fits into fine fragrance, soaps, candles and even cleaning formulas. Just watch the dose so it does not overpower delicate accords and factor in its mid-range price when planning large scale projects.
Stable for a couple of years if kept cool and well sealed, versatile across scent families and instantly recognizable on a blotter, Clove Bud Sfe earns its spot on the perfumer’s bench as a go-to for authentic clove warmth.