What Is Sclarene 80%/Dpg?
Sclarene 80%/Dpg is an aroma chemical created for use in fine fragrance, personal care and home scent products. It was introduced by Givaudan, one of the largest suppliers of perfume materials in the world, although similar grades can be sourced from other specialty houses. The name tells two things at once: roughly eighty percent of the blend is the active ingredient called Sclarene while the balance is dipropylene glycol, a neutral carrier that makes handling easier.
Sclarene itself is produced through a series of controlled chemical steps that start from plant-derived building blocks, followed by purification until a clear liquid is obtained. At room temperature the material stays perfectly fluid with no crystals or cloudiness, so it pours readily straight from the drum or bottle.
In day-to-day perfumery work Sclarene sits in the “toolbox” of most creators. Because the normal usage level rarely exceeds one percent of the finished perfume, a small supply lasts a long time which helps keep costs manageable even for smaller brands. Shelf life is quite forgiving; stored in the right conditions the ingredient can hold its scent quality for four to five years before any noticeable drop in freshness.
Pricing lands in the mid-range compared with other woody specialties. It is not as cheap as common cedarwood bases yet far less costly than cutting-edge captive molecules. The overall value makes it attractive for both luxury and mass-market formulations.
Sclarene 80%/Dpg’s Scent Description
Sclarene 80%/Dpg belongs to the woody family, the same broad group that includes notes like cedar, vetiver and sandalwood. On a smelling strip the first impression is a very dry clean woodiness that feels almost pencil-shaving fresh. Within seconds a faint camphoric breeze appears, giving a cool lift, followed by a subtle warm metallic shimmer reminiscent of sun-heated metal railings. As it settles, a gentle amber tone begins to glow underneath, adding quiet richness without turning sweet.
The scent profile mainly lives in the base note zone. In simple terms perfumes unfold in waves: bright top notes that flash off quickly, heart notes that bridge the opening and drydown, then base notes that anchor the whole experience. Sclarene plays the anchor role. It does not shout at the start yet becomes more obvious as lighter elements fade, supporting the composition for many hours.
Projection sits in the moderate range; it will not fill a room but creates a firm aura close to the wearer. Longevity is where Sclarene shines. On a blotter the woody signature can be detected for several days, and on skin it easily lasts into the next morning, especially when paired with musks or amber materials that share its tenacious character.
How & Where To Use Sclarene 80%/Dpg
Perfumers reach for Sclarene 80%/Dpg when they need a dry clean wood note that also acts like a silent anchor. It slides easily into cedar, sandalwood or modern amber accords where it lifts clarity and adds staying power. In musky bases it brightens the blend and gives a faint metallic sheen that keeps heavy musks from feeling flat. Because it is not overtly musky, it can boost musk effects without turning the whole scent into laundry musk.
The ingredient shines in woody fougères, masculine orientals and fresh ambers yet it also works in feminine florals that need a slim wood spine. A trace can dry out a sweet rose or balance a creamy ylang accord. Many perfumers prefer it over classical synthetic woods like Iso E Super when they want a crisper wood tone and more tenacity.
Typical use is 0.05 – 1 percent of the total concentrate, with most formulas sitting around 0.2 percent. At this level the note feels subtle and mainly works as a fixative. Push it toward 2 percent and the camphor and metallic side become obvious, giving a contemporary twist that can be polarising. Above 3 percent the blend can turn sharp and thin so care is needed.
Overdosing also risks masking delicate florals and accelerating nose fatigue for the wearer. If you want strong signature yet keep balance, combine Sclarene with smoother woods like Javanol or Ambrofix which round off the edges.
Prep work is simple. Make a 10 percent solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for precise weighing and faster blending. The material mixes well with most oils but a brief warm water bath can help if it thickens in winter. Always label the dilution and note the date for stock control.
Safely Using Sclarene 80%/Dpg
Dilution is key so prepare a working solution before you evaluate the scent. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because the vapour, while mild, can still overwhelm your nose. Work in a well ventilated space to prevent buildup of fumes and wear nitrile gloves plus safety glasses to keep splashes away from skin and eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals, Sclarene can irritate sensitive skin or trigger an allergic response in rare cases. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding get medical advice before long sessions in the lab. Short contact with low levels is generally safe yet extended exposure or handling high concentration raises the chance of irritation.
Wash skin immediately if contact occurs and change gloves once they become scented. Keep the undiluted bottle sealed when not in use and wipe spills with paper towels that can be thrown away in closed waste containers.
Always read the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and check back for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dose in finished products and keep records of your usage rates for each formula. Safe practice protects both the perfumer and the final wearer.
How To Store & Dispose of Sclarene 80%/Dpg
Keep the original bottle tightly closed and place it in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but helpful if you live in a warm climate or plan to hold stock for several years. Sudden temperature swings can cause condensation so let a chilled bottle reach room temperature before opening.
Top the container up whenever possible so less air sits above the liquid because oxygen speeds up oxidation and dulls the scent. Polycone caps give a snug seal that beats standard screw tops and dropper bottles allow too much air exchange, so save droppers only for short term evaluation samples.
If you make a working dilution use clean amber glass, fit a fresh polycone cap and write the ingredient name, percentage, date and any hazard icons right on the label. Clear markings prevent mix-ups and make later disposal easier.
Store Sclarene away from strong acids, bases or bleaching agents that could react with it. Keep absorbent pads or paper towels nearby so small spills can be wiped up fast then sealed in a bag for disposal.
Although the material is classed as non-hazardous to the environment it is also non-biodegradable, so never pour leftovers down the sink. Small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter or sand, placed in a sealed plastic bag and thrown out with household trash according to local rules. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste facility or back to your supplier’s take-back program.
Summary
Sclarene 80%/Dpg is a clear liquid aroma chemical from Givaudan that delivers a dry woody note touched with camphor, metal and a soft amber glow. Used in fractions of a percent it quietly boosts musks and fixes a blend, yet at higher levels it adds a crisp contemporary wood signature of its own.
Perfumers value its long tenacity, good stability in most product bases and moderate cost compared with other high impact woody materials. The scent profile is quite specific so overdosing can push a formula into sharp territory, meaning a light hand and supportive woods usually give the best result.
Shelf life reaches several years when bottles are kept cool and full, with polycone caps preventing air creep. Handling is straightforward though basic gloves, ventilation and careful disposal remain essential because the ingredient does not break down easily in nature.
You can order commercial drums direct from Givaudan or pick up smaller volumes from specialty fragrance suppliers and reputable third-party resellers who stock the same CAS numbers. Whether you are a hobby blender or developing a launch-ready fragrance, Sclarene 80%/Dpg is a reliable tool for adding lasting modern wood warmth to your palette.