What Is Rosemary Sfe?
Rosemary Sfe is a concentrated aromatic extract obtained from the stems and leaves of the rosemary plant. It is produced by DSM-Firmenich using supercritical CO2 extraction, a gentle method in which carbon dioxide under high pressure and moderate heat acts as a solvent. Because the process runs at low temperatures, the resulting liquid keeps the plant’s natural scent profile intact with very little thermal damage.
Although DSM-Firmenich owns the trademarked name Rosemary Sfe, other suppliers may offer similar supercritical CO2 rosemary extracts under different labels. Regardless of the source, the material normally appears as a clear to pale amber liquid that flows easily at room temperature, making it simple to weigh and blend.
Perfumers reach for this ingredient when they want a realistic rosemary note that is cleaner and less medicinal than the essential oil. It is seen in fine fragrance but also in soaps, shampoos and scented home products, so availability through fragrance distributors is good. Shelf life is around two to three years when the container is kept tightly closed and protected from light and air.
Cost sits in the middle range for natural extracts. It is not prohibitively expensive, yet it is pricier than common synthetic aromatics because of the specialized extraction process and the large amount of botanical biomass needed.
Rosemary Sfe’s Scent Description
This material falls under the aromatic family, a group known for fresh, herbal, often slightly camphoraceous notes.
On a blotter, Rosemary Sfe opens with a crisp green snap that instantly says garden-fresh rosemary. Within moments a resinous pine nuance comes forward, giving body and depth. As the scent settles, soft woody and balsamic facets appear, rounded by a hint of pepper and a whisper of eucalyptus that keeps the profile airy rather than heavy. Compared with standard rosemary oil it carries less of the sharp camphor edge and more of the smooth, sap-like warmth you get from crushing a fresh sprig between your fingers.
In the typical perfume pyramid notes are grouped into top, middle and base. Top notes greet the nose first and fade quickly, middle notes form the heart, while base notes linger longest. Rosemary Sfe sits squarely in the middle zone. It rises fast enough to brighten an opening yet has enough weight to stay present for much of the wear.
Projection is medium; it diffuses clearly without shouting. On a blotter you can expect four to six hours before it tapers to a faint, woody echo, making it a dependable heart note that bridges bright citruses and deeper woods or musks.
How & Where To Use Rosemary Sfe
Perfumers reach for Rosemary Sfe whenever they need a clean herbal lift that feels natural yet polished. It sits comfortably in the heart of Mediterranean colognes, modern fougères, spa inspired blends and functional products where a kitchen garden vibe is welcome.
At low dosages around 0.05-0.2 percent it behaves like a top-note modifier, sharpening citrus, lavender and light woods without drawing attention to itself. Between 0.2 and 1 percent the material steps forward as a recognisable rosemary note that can anchor a green accord or replace harsher eucalyptus types. Pushing past 2 percent brings out its resinous body and slight pepper nuance which pairs well with pine, frankincense and cedar but may feel too medicinal in delicate florals or gourmands. The practical ceiling in most fine fragrance is about 3 percent, though functional products sometimes use up to 5 percent.
Over-use can lead to a stiff camphor edge and reduce the perceived freshness of citruses around it. It can also flatten musk bases by competing for the same diffusion space, so balance with soft balsams or a drop of sweet orange to regain roundness.
The liquid pours easily yet contains trace waxes that settle over time; a quick shake before measuring ensures homogeneity. Many perfumers pre-dilute 1:1 in ethanol or dipropylene glycol which makes micro-dosing simpler and improves blending with other naturals. Keep the mixture below 40 °C during compounding to avoid driving off the brighter volatiles.
Rosemary Sfe is oxidation-resistant compared with the essential oil, still it benefits from antioxidant packs in long-life functional bases. It withstands soap curing and survives most candle waxes without discoloration.
Safety Information
Always work with diluted samples when evaluating Rosemary Sfe. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead waft the scent toward your nose on a smelling strip. Handle the material in a well-ventilated space to limit inhalation of concentrated vapors and wear nitrile gloves with safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
The extract is generally regarded as safe at low fragrance levels yet it contains natural constituents that can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies in some users. Brief exposure to low concentrations is unlikely to cause harm, but prolonged or high-level contact increases risk of irritation, headache or respiratory discomfort. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before working with any aroma chemical including this one.
Rosemary Sfe is flammable and should be kept away from open flames or hot plates. In case of accidental skin contact wash with mild soap and water; if irritation persists seek medical advice. Spills can be absorbed with inert material and disposed of according to local regulations.
Always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your distributor and review it periodically as revisions are common. Follow the current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category to keep your formulas both compliant and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Rosemary Sfe
Keep Rosemary Sfe in a tightly closed amber or stainless-lined bottle tucked into a cool dark cupboard. Room-temperature storage is acceptable yet a dedicated perfume fridge set around 5-10 °C slows oxidation and extends shelf life beyond the typical two to three years.
Oxygen is the main enemy. Choose bottles that you can keep almost full and top them up with an inert gas blanket or small glass marbles as the volume drops. Avoid dropper tops as they leak air; polycone caps form a reliable seal and survive repeated openings without distortion.
If you prepare working dilutions store them in the same way. Label every container clearly with the name Rosemary Sfe, the concentration, the date it was made and the relevant hazard pictograms so anyone picking it up knows what is inside.
The liquid remains stable under normal indoor conditions yet should sit away from heat sources, sunlight, strong acids or alkalis that could alter its scent profile. Do not freeze as ice crystals can push waxy fractions out of solution and create haze.
Small spills wipe easily with paper towel followed by a mild detergent rinse. Collect larger quantities with inert absorbent such as vermiculite then bag and dispose of through your local hazardous waste stream. Rosemary Sfe is biodegradable over time but never pour it down the drain because concentrated oils can harm aquatic life and foul plumbing.
Empty bottles that once held pure material should be triple rinsed with solvent before recycling. Keep all waste logs on file in case regulators ask for disposal records.
Summary
Rosemary Sfe is a liquid aromatic extract produced by DSM-Firmenich using supercritical CO2 that captures the true fresh woody character of garden rosemary without the harsh camphor punch of the essential oil.
In perfume work it slots into the heart of Mediterranean colognes, fougères and spa-style blends adding green lift a resinous core and a balsamic warmth that lasts four to six hours on blotter.
The ingredient is valued for its cleaner profile, decent oxidation resistance and versatility across fine fragrance and functional bases though it costs a bit more than common synthetics and can stiffen a formula if overdosed.
Stability is good when stored cool and full. It survives soap cure, most candle waxes and moderate heat in manufacturing yet still benefits from antioxidants in long-life products.
Commercial buyers can order directly from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors while hobbyists will find smaller packs through specialty fragrance suppliers that stock branded or generic CO2 rosemary extracts.