What Is Coffee Sfe?
Coffee Sfe is a liquid aroma material obtained from roasted Coffea arabica beans through super-critical CO2 extraction. The process keeps temperature and pressure low enough to capture the full bouquet of fresh coffee while avoiding burned or bitter off notes.
The grade most often referenced comes from DSM-Firmenich, yet the name is now used more widely and you may come across equivalent extracts from other suppliers. All are based on the same principle: green arabica beans are lightly roasted, then treated with pressurised carbon dioxide that lifts the aromatic molecules out of the ground beans without leaving solvent residues.
At room temperature the ingredient pours as a deep amber liquid that can look almost syrupy. It dissolves well in alcohol and most perfume oils, which makes it easy to blend into both fine fragrance and functional products.
Perfumers reach for Coffee Sfe whenever they want a true-to-life roasted coffee note, so you will see it in gourmand perfumes, candles, shower gels and even detergents that aim for a warm welcoming vibe. Usage volumes remain moderate because the material is quite potent, but it is by no means rare in modern formulas.
When stored tightly closed, away from light and heat, the extract keeps its character for around two years before the top notes begin to dull. Compared with other natural coffee ingredients it sits in the mid price bracket: not cheap, yet far less expensive than hand-made absolute.
Coffee Sfe’s Scent Description
This material falls squarely into the gourmand family. Off a blotter it opens with the unmistakable aroma of freshly pulled espresso: rich roast, slightly nutty, edged with dark caramel. Within seconds a fruity tone peeks through, hinting at red berries and dried plum that add lift and prevent the note from feeling charred.
As the scent settles, a mellow leathery facet joins in and wraps the roast in a soft balsamic glow. The heart stays warm and aromatic rather than smoky, which makes it easier to pair with florals, woods or sweet notes without overpowering them.
In the classic perfumery pyramid we treat Coffee Sfe as a middle-to-base note. It flashes a lively top for the first few minutes, then anchors the composition for several hours. On skin you can expect five to six hours of presence. Projection is moderate: noticeable at arm’s length in the first hour, then drawing closer to the wearer without vanishing completely.
How & Where To Use Coffee Sfe
Perfumers reach for Coffee Sfe when they want the comfort of a café note without the sharp bitterness of espresso. It shines in gourmand blends next to vanilla, cocoa or caramel while also pairing well with woods, leather or smoky notes to add depth. A few drops can turn a simple amber accord into a mocha-toned treat or give a tobacco composition a fresh roasted twist.
Typical use falls anywhere from trace amounts up to about 5 percent of the concentrate. At very low levels Coffee Sfe reads as a soft roasted warmth almost like freshly ground beans in the air. Dial it to 1-2 percent and the balsamic sweetness steps forward bringing a mild fruity glow. Push it higher and the leathery side arrives, which can be beautiful in niche work but may overpower lighter florals or citruses.
Over-dosing risks a heavy burnt edge that dulls the rest of the formula and can also darken the finished juice. It may stain clear soap bases or pale candles so run a small test batch first. Because the material is a pure extract it can feel viscous; warming the bottle in a lukewarm water bath helps it pour. Many studios keep a 10 percent ethanol or dipropylene glycol dilution on hand for quick blending and accurate weighing.
Coffee Sfe works in fine fragrance, shower gel, shampoo, soap, softener, detergent and candles. It holds up well through hot-process soap making and candle burn yet some top-note sparkle will fade under high heat so balance it with brighter materials where needed.
In short, think of Coffee Sfe as a mid-note enhancer that brings cozy realism. Use it sparingly at first, adjust in small steps and always smell on skin or fabric to judge its full dry-down.
Safely Using Coffee Sfe
Dilution is key. Always mix Coffee Sfe down before smelling or weighing. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because concentrated vapors can irritate the nose and eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling lingering fumes. Protective gloves and safety glasses keep splashes off skin and eyes.
Like many natural extracts Coffee Sfe can cause skin irritation or trigger a sensitivity in some people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a doctor before handling any aroma material. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally safe but prolonged or high-level contact may cause headaches, nausea or dermatitis.
Wipe spills at once since the dark liquid can stain benches and clothing. Store only in glass or stainless steel containers; plastics may absorb the scent. Label dilutions clearly and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to slow oxidation.
Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and follow its advice. Check current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage in each product type and update your records whenever those limits change.
How To Store & Dispose of Coffee Sfe
Keep Coffee Sfe in a tightly sealed glass bottle placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or sunny windows. Refrigeration is optional yet helpful if you plan to keep the material for more than a year. Lower temperatures slow oxidation so the aroma stays rich and clear longer.
Use polycone caps for both the neat oil and any dilutions. The soft liner forms a strong seal that stops air from creeping in. Dropper tops often let air and moisture enter so avoid them unless you are working with very small test volumes. Try to store bottles as full as possible by moving leftovers into smaller containers to cut down empty head space.
Label every bottle with the name Coffee Sfe, the CAS number 8001-67-3, date of purchase and any safety symbols from the SDS. Clear labels save time in the lab and keep others safe.
If the extract thickens with cold simply warm the bottle in a lukewarm water bath for a few minutes. Shake gently before use to remix any settled solids. Keep containers upright to stop leaks that might stain shelves.
Coffee Sfe is derived from natural coffee beans so small rinse water from clean-up can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water. Do not pour large volumes or highly concentrated waste into sinks. Mix unwanted bulk with absorbent material such as kitty litter, seal it in a bag then place it in chemical waste according to local rules. Glass bottles can be rinsed, aired out then recycled where facilities allow.
Summary
Coffee Sfe is a liquid arabica coffee extract obtained through supercritical CO2 that captures a smooth roasted scent with balsamic and faint leathery tones. Perfumers prize it for adding cozy café realism to gourmands, woods or tobacco themes without harsh bitterness.
The material sits in the middle note range with moderate projection and wear time. Stability is good but it still benefits from cool dark storage to keep oxidation at bay. Cost is mid to high versus other naturals yet its niche character often justifies the spend.
DSM-Firmenich supplies Coffee Sfe in commercial volumes while many online aroma shops and reseller houses offer smaller packs for hobbyists or pilot batches. Whether you are building a chocolate latte accord or giving depth to a woody base, this versatile extract earns its place on the bench as long as you handle dosing and storage with care.