What Is Elemi Philippines Sfe?
Elemi Philippines Sfe is a natural fragrance ingredient obtained from the gum of Canarium luzonicum, an evergreen tree native to the Philippine islands. DSM-Firmenich produces the branded version discussed here, though a handful of other aroma houses offer similar supercritical extracts under different names.
The material is made by supercritical CO2 extraction. Carbon dioxide is pressurised and warmed just past its critical point so it behaves like both a gas and a liquid. In this state it draws out the aromatic molecules from the raw gum at low heat, leaving behind waxes and heavy residues. The result is a cleaner, more vivid concentrate than traditional steam-distilled elemi oil.
At room temperature you will find Elemi Philippines Sfe to be a mobile liquid that ranges from water-clear to pale straw yellow. It pours easily and blends well with most perfume solvents and bases.
Perfumers lean on this extract whenever they want a bright spicy lift that lasts longer than raw citrus yet feels lighter than classic resins. It turns up in masculine woods, modern fougères and zesty colognes, but also sneaks into some household products and candles thanks to its good stability.
Stored in a cool dark place in a full container the extract keeps its character for roughly two to three years before the top notes start to fade. Compared with precious absolutes it sits in the mid-price bracket, making it accessible for both niche and mass-market formulas.
Elemi Philippines Sfe’s Scent Description
This ingredient lands squarely in the spicy family yet brings a strong citrus accent that keeps it feeling airy.
Off a blotter the first impression is a lively crack of pink and black pepper, quickly chased by a squeeze of fresh lemon. Within seconds a crisp green nuance rises, hinting at crushed leaves and pine needles. As the minutes pass the scent gains a gentle resinous depth that recalls frankincense without the smoky heaviness.
In perfumery we speak of top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the quick hello, middle notes build the heart, and base notes linger the longest. Elemi Philippines Sfe straddles the top and early heart. It fires off sparkling freshness for the first hour then settles into a mild pepper-wood glow that threads through the composition for several more hours.
Projection is moderate. It pushes out clearly at first but soon sits closer to the skin, which makes it perfect for adding light yet noticeable lift without taking over a blend. Longevity on a blotter is four to six hours before the final traces fade.
How & Where To Use Elemi Philippines Sfe
Perfumers reach for Elemi Philippines Sfe when they need a crisp spicy sparkle that sits between citrus and resin. It can replace part of a lemon or pepper top note while contributing extra tenacity, so is a favourite in fresh woods, modern fougères, athletic colognes and incense accords that must avoid heaviness.
In a citrus accord 0.1-0.5 % in concentrate is often enough to lift bergamot or grapefruit without skewing the profile into obvious spice. At 1-2 % it becomes a clear pepper-lemon statement ideal for gin-tonic themes or fresh spicy cocktails. Above 3 % the material turns greener and more resinous which can overshadow delicate florals yet works well in masculine woods and incense blends.
Elemi Philippines Sfe blends smoothly with cedar, vetiver, frankincense, pink pepper, ginger, galbanum and most citrus oils. It also bridges gaps between aldehydes and ambery bases giving a clean vertical effect. Compared with classic steam-distilled elemi the SFE version is drier and longer lasting so it is preferred when a formula needs lift that survives into the heart.
The main risk of over-use is a sharp terpene note that can read medicinal or pine-cleaner. In clear colognes keep total level in finished fragrance under 0.5 % to avoid this. In deeper woody or incense styles you can push to 1 % but test on skin because the pepper facet may tingle.
The extract arrives pourable and fully miscible with ethanol and most neutral bases so no special solubiliser is required. If working in cold conditions warm the bottle gently in a water bath to ensure homogeneity before weighing. As with any CO2 extract filter through a fine mesh if you see waxy particles.
Typical usage in fine fragrance is traces to 5 % of the concentrate with 1 % being a common sweet spot. In soaps and detergents similar levels apply though performance testing in the final matrix is advised to confirm stability and odor impact.
Safety Information
Always dilute Elemi Philippines Sfe before evaluating its scent and avoid smelling it straight from the bottle. Work in a well-ventilated area to limit inhalation of concentrated vapors and wear gloves plus safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
Like many natural extracts this material contains skin sensitising components. Some users may experience irritation or allergic response especially at higher concentrations. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before handling the ingredient.
Brief exposure to low levels is generally considered safe but prolonged contact or high airborne concentrations can be harmful. Keep work surfaces clean, recap containers promptly and wash any spills with soapy water.
Dispose of unwanted material according to local regulations for organic solvents and never pour large amounts down the drain. Store the extract tightly closed in a cool dark place away from ignition sources to prolong shelf life and reduce oxidation.
Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically as updates can occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum concentration in each product category to ensure the finished fragrance remains safe for consumers.
How To Store & Dispose of Elemi Philippines Sfe
Keep Elemi Philippines Sfe in a cool dark cupboard, shielded from direct sun and any source of heat. A constant room temperature works well, yet refrigeration at 5-10 °C slows oxidation and can add several extra months of freshness.
Choose amber glass bottles with tight polycone caps. These liners create an air-tight seal that dropper tops cannot match. If you buy the extract already diluted, transfer it to the same style of bottle as soon as possible.
Try to store the liquid in containers that are almost full. Less headspace means less oxygen so the pepper-citrus top note stays crisp. When you need a small working sample decant into a separate vial rather than opening the main stock each time.
Label every container clearly with the full ingredient name, the date you opened it and key safety phrases such as “Irritant” or “Sensitiser.” This protects anyone who may handle the bottle later and speeds up emergency work if a spill occurs.
If the material reaches the end of its life do not tip it down the sink. Small amounts can be mixed with cat litter or sawdust then sealed in a plastic bag before disposal with household waste, provided local rules allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical recycler or hazardous-waste facility.
As a natural CO2 extract Elemi Philippines Sfe is partly biodegradable but its concentrated form can harm aquatic life. Always aim for controlled disposal routes and rinse empty bottles with alcohol before recycling the glass.
Summary
Elemi Philippines Sfe is a supercritical CO2 extract of Philippine elemi gum that delivers a zesty pepper-lemon kick with a touch of green resin. Sitting between citrus and spice it freshens woody, fougère and incense blends while lasting longer than most top notes.
Perfumers value the ingredient for its clean profile, moderate cost and good stability in soaps, candles and fine fragrance. It adds sparkle at 0.1-0.5 % or becomes a clear signature at higher levels but can smell medicinal if pushed too far.
Stored cool and tightly sealed it keeps its character for two to three years. Remember to check IFRA limits and watch for skin sensitivity in leave-on products.
Commercial quantities come direct from DSM-Firmenich or through bulk distributors. Hobbyists will find smaller bottles from specialist perfume supply shops and generic CO2 producers who offer similar grades. A little goes a long way so even a 5 g vial can serve many trials.