What Is Elemi Philippines Sfe?
Elemi Philippines Sfe is a supercritical CO2 extract obtained from the gum of the Canarium luzonicum tree, an evergreen native to the Philippine archipelago. Although the Elemi gum itself has been used in traditional fragrance blends for centuries, the SFE grade first reached the perfume industry in the mid-1990s when advances in extraction technology made low-temperature processing possible.
During production, pressurised carbon dioxide passes through the raw gum at about 73 bar and a mild 30 °C. In this supercritical state the gas behaves like a solvent, drawing out the aromatic molecules without dragging along waxes or thermally degrading the material. When the pressure returns to normal, the CO2 evaporates and leaves behind a high-purity liquid extract.
The finished ingredient pours as a clear to pale yellow mobile liquid that remains fluid at room temperature, making it easy to weigh and dose in the lab. Because the extraction preserves a broad spectrum of volatile and semi-volatile molecules, the profile feels truer to the original resin than conventional steam-distilled oil.
Elemi Philippines Sfe is considered a natural ingredient since it is derived solely from plant gum with CO2 acting as a processing aid. It sees moderate to frequent use among perfumers who want a cleaner more vibrant alternative to traditional Elemi oil, particularly in contemporary masculine blends. Price wise it sits in the mid range: not prohibitively costly yet noticeably dearer than bulk citrus oils.
What Does Elemi Philippines Sfe Smell Like?
Most evaluators slot this material into the citrus family because its opening impression leans fresh and lemony. Off a blotter it starts with a bright burst of sparkling lemon peel laced with a crisp green nuance reminiscent of crushed leaves. Almost at once a dry peppery spice peeks through adding a gentle bite that feels similar to pink peppercorn rather than hot black pepper.
As the minutes pass the freshness softens and a resinous undertone emerges, hinting at frankincense without the churchy heaviness. This subtle balsamic thread gives the material a surprising depth while keeping the overall character light and airy.
In classical note terms Elemi Philippines Sfe behaves like a top to early heart note. It lifts a composition in the first moments then bridges smoothly into mid-development before tapering off. Projection is moderate: it radiates clearly in the opening yet never shouts across a room. Longevity on a strip reaches four to five hours which is impressive for a lively citrus-spice profile, a testament to the gentle extraction method that retains heavier scent molecules.
How & Where To Use Elemi Philippines Sfe
This is one of those materials that makes life in the lab pleasant: it pours easily, blends without fuss and brings an instant lift to a formula. The fresh lemon-pepper sparkle lands on blotter and skin with zero rough edges so you can judge its impact almost as soon as it hits the base alcohol.
Perfumers reach for Elemi Philippines Sfe when a citrus opening needs extra definition or when a woody heart feels flat. A couple of drops create a vivid green-lemon flash that bridges nicely between bergamot in the top and cedar or frankincense below. In modern masculine woods or spicy colognes it often replaces part of pink pepper to trim the sweet berry tone and add cleaner bite. It also shines in gin accords, tea effects and any composition looking for a natural twist on the classic hesperidic theme.
Typical usage sits anywhere from a trace up to about 3 percent of the concentrate, with 5 percent reserved for splash colognes or functional products that can tolerate stronger spice. At 0.1 percent you mainly get a soft citrus lift, while doses above 1 percent reveal more balsamic depth and faint incense warmth that can steer the whole perfume into a resinous territory.
Outside fine fragrance the extract is stable in soaps, shampoos and candles, though in heavy detergent bases you may need to nudge the level higher to keep the opening audible. It blends readily with standard solvents; most people dissolve it directly into ethanol or dipropylene glycol with no additional prep work.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for a few basic precautions to keep both perfumer and product safe.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution in ethanol or a suitable carrier before smelling so you can assess the scent without overwhelming your senses.
- Never sniff straight from the bottle: undiluted vapors concentrate in the neck of the container and can irritate mucous membranes.
- Ensure good ventilation: blend and evaluate in a fume hood or well-aired space to avoid inhaling high concentrations.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: liquid contact with skin or eyes may cause discomfort or sensitisation so barrier protection is recommended.
- Health considerations: some individuals develop irritation or allergic reactions even at low levels so discontinue use if redness or itching occurs. Consult a healthcare professional before handling if pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high exposure can be harmful.
Always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage in each product category. Regulations evolve so check back periodically to confirm you remain in compliance.
Storage And Disposal
When stored well Elemi Philippines Sfe stays true to its scent for roughly three to four years before the brighter notes begin to fade. A fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C extends that window by at least another year although room temperature is perfectly acceptable if the area is cool and shaded.
Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or radiators. Light and warmth speed up oxidation which dulls the lemon sparkle and can nudge the colour toward amber. Filling the bottle as close to the top as possible also slows this process by limiting the amount of air trapped above the liquid.
Choose containers with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The conical insert forms a tight seal that stops slow evaporation of the lighter molecules. Dropper bottles look handy but they make a poor barrier and often leak around the pipette collar.
Label every container with the material name concentration date made and any hazard icons suggested on the latest safety data sheet. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and remind you at a glance if gloves or goggles are needed.
Disposal is straightforward yet should respect local regulations. Small laboratory leftovers can be soaked into an inert absorbent such as kitty litter then placed in a sealed bag for chemical waste collection. Larger quantities should go to a licensed disposal facility that handles aromatic solvents. While CO2 extraction leaves no residual solvent the essential oil fraction itself is slow to biodegrade in water so do not pour it down the drain.
Summary
Elemi Philippines Sfe is a supercritical CO2 extract of Philippine Elemi gum that offers a bright lemon peel opening backed by peppery spice and a hint of incense. It acts as a fresh top to early heart note adding lift to woody spicy and citrus accords and it pours easily which makes it fun to play with in the lab.
Perfumers like it for its clean vertical profile longer staying power than most citrus materials and compatibility with both fine fragrance and functional bases. Cost sits in the middle range so you can experiment without breaking the budget yet it still feels special enough to make a formula stand out.
Just remember that the ingredient can oxidise over time so store it cool and keep the bottle full. Test its stability in heavy detergent bases and mind the peppery edge at high dosages. Handle these points and you have a versatile natural note that earns its spot on the bench in everything from modern colognes to resinous incense blends.