What Is Myrrh Sfe?
Myrrh Sfe is a liquid aroma ingredient created through supercritical CO2 extraction of myrrh gum. The process uses high pressure and moderate heat to pull out fragrant molecules while leaving unwanted waxes behind. This keeps the smell close to the raw resin yet gives a cleaner profile than traditional solvent extracts.
The material is marketed by DSM-Firmenich, although smaller suppliers sometimes offer similar CO2 myrrh extracts under generic names. In the trade these versions usually perform in the same way but can vary slightly in purity and odor.
At room temperature the extract looks like a thick amber liquid that pours slowly. It mixes well with alcohol and most perfume oils so weighing and blending are straightforward.
Perfumers reach for Myrrh Sfe when they want a balsamic note that is smoother and less dusty than classic myrrh resinoid. You will see it in fine fragrance, scented candles and even some mild soaps. The ingredient is available year round and is not considered rare.
When stored in a cool dark place the shelf life is roughly two to three years before the top notes start to fade. Compared with many natural specialties it sits in the mid price bracket. This makes it affordable for everyday work yet still refined enough for prestige formulas.
Myrrh Sfe’s Scent Description
Myrrh Sfe falls into the balsamic family. On a blotter the first impression is sweet and resinous with a gentle herbal twist. Within seconds a smooth liquorice note pushes forward joined by soft smoky wisps that recall burnt sugar rather than campfire smoke. As the blotter dries the scent deepens into warm amber and faint vanilla tones while a clean woody undertone keeps it from feeling heavy.
Perfumers break a fragrance into top middle and base notes. Tops flash off in minutes, middles form the heart of the perfume and bases linger for hours. Myrrh Sfe lives solidly in the base zone though its CO2 method captures a little of the natural top sparkle. This means it anchors a blend yet also contributes early interest.
Projection is moderate. It will not shout across a room but creates a noticeable aura within personal space. On skin the aroma can last six to eight hours depending on dose and surrounding notes, leaving a soft amber veil late in the drydown.
How & Where To Use Myrrh Sfe
Perfumers reach for Myrrh Sfe when they want a sweet balsamic base with a built-in liquorice twist. It fits well in amber, gourmand and modern chypre themes, adding depth without the dusty edges of classic resins. In an oriental vanilla accord it rounds the sweetness and brings a faint smoke that keeps the mix from becoming syrupy. In woods blends it can soften rough cedar or patchouli while giving a smooth link to sweet top notes.
Typical usage sits between 0.1 % and 3 % of the finished concentrate, though some niche formulas push up to 5 % for a richer trail. At trace levels the scent reads as a clean herbal sparkle with only a hint of liquorice. At mid doses the full balsamic body blooms and the smoky nuance shows. Above 4 % the material can dominate and may flatten brighter notes, so balance is key.
Myrrh Sfe pairs well with vanilla, tonka, benzoin, black tea, tobacco, frankincense and tar accords. It also bridges surprising partners like raspberry or dark chocolate, turning them into adult gourmand effects. You would choose it over myrrh resinoid when you need better clarity, lower color or easier solubility in alcohol. You might avoid it in very light citrus colognes where its weight could feel out of place.
For soaps and detergents the extract is stable but test in the final base because high pH can thin its sweetness. In candles it gives steady throw yet can darken pale wax if overdosed.
Preparation is simple: warm the bottle to room temperature, stir or roll to break any cold-weather crystallization then weigh directly into alcohol or dipropylene glycol. No pre filtering is needed but keep pipettes separate since the smell lingers.
Risks of over-use include a heavy medicinal tone and loss of sparkle in the top notes. Always build the formula in stages, smell on blotter and skin and adjust once the blend rests overnight.
Safety Information
Always dilute Myrrh Sfe before evaluation and avoid smelling it straight from the bottle. Work in a well ventilated space to reduce vapor build-up. Wear gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes.
Some people may experience skin irritation or sensitization when handling balsamic extracts. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before working with any fragrance material. Brief contact with low levels is generally considered safe but long or repeated exposure to high concentrations can be harmful.
Clean spills right away with paper towel followed by soap and water. Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place away from flames or strong oxidizers. Dispose of unwanted material through approved chemical waste channels never down the sink.
Always read the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check back for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product type to protect both maker and end user.
How To Store & Dispose of Myrrh Sfe
Store Myrrh Sfe in airtight amber glass or aluminum bottles kept in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators or direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but can slow oxidation and preserve the delicate top notes for an extra season. If you chill the bottle let it warm to room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Use polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions because the pliable liner gives a tight seal. Dropper bottles often leak vapors and admit air so they are best avoided. Whenever possible decant into a container that can be filled close to the rim; the smaller headspace limits oxygen contact and helps maintain color and odor fidelity.
Label every container with the full name Myrrh Sfe, the date it was filled, and any safety phrases or pictograms required by your supplier’s SDS. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and speeds emergency response if a spill occurs.
Although the extract is mainly natural resin it can persist in water and may stress aquatic life, so never pour leftovers down the sink. For a few milliliters wipe up with paper or vermiculite then place the absorbent material in sealed household trash. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste handler that can reclaim the solvent or incinerate the residue. Rinse empty bottles with a small amount of alcohol, combine the washings with your waste container, allow the glass to dry, then recycle where facilities exist.
Summary
Myrrh Sfe is a liquid CO2 extract of myrrh gum offering a sweet balsamic scent with smooth liquorice and soft smoky nuances. It bridges top sparkle with long-lasting amber depth, making it a versatile base note for gourmand, chypre and oriental styles.
The material is valued for its cleaner profile, good solubility in alcohol and moderate cost compared with traditional resinoids. It remains stable for two to three years when kept cool and tightly sealed, though refrigeration can stretch that window. Formulators should watch dosage since high levels can flatten brighter notes.
DSM-Firmenich supplies Myrrh Sfe in commercial drum sizes, and smaller hobby-friendly quantities are available from specialty fragrance resellers or generic CO2 producers. Whether you craft fine perfume or scented soap it offers an elegant way to add depth and warmth without the dusty edge of classic myrrh.