What Is Tea Black Sfe?
Tea Black Sfe is a natural extract obtained from black tea leaves using supercritical carbon dioxide. The process places carbon dioxide under high pressure and moderate heat so it acts like both a liquid and a gas, pulling aromatic molecules from the leaf without the need for harsh solvents. DSM-Firmenich developed and markets the material, yet a few smaller aroma houses also offer comparable tea extracts under different trade names.
At room temperature the ingredient is a pourable liquid, usually clear to light brown depending on batch. Because it is produced at low temperatures the extract keeps the leaf’s nuanced character and arrives free of plant debris, making it ready for the perfume lab straight from the drum.
Perfumers reach for Tea Black Sfe whenever they want to recreate the brisk snap of fresh tea or add subtle smokiness to woods and florals. It shows up in fine fragrance, candles, body washes and even household cleaners so it can be considered a fairly common specialty material rather than an exotic rarity. When stored sealed in a cool dark place it stays usable for roughly two years before its brightness begins to fade.
In budget terms Tea Black Sfe sits in the medium bracket. It costs more than simple aroma chemicals like linalool yet remains affordable compared with rare absolutes or niche natural isolates, which makes it attractive for both prestige and mass market briefs.
Tea Black Sfe’s Scent Description
This ingredient is generally filed under the floral family, though its character leans strongly into the tea nuance rather than petals. Off a smelling strip the first impression is a crisp leafy dryness that instantly conjures a freshly opened packet of tea. Within seconds a gentle bitterness, hints of hay and a wisp of smoke emerge, giving the note depth and a faint nod to pipe tobacco. As it settles the profile warms, revealing subtle wood and a soft malty sweetness that keeps the accord round and pleasing rather than sharp.
In classical perfume structure notes are grouped as top, middle or base depending on how fast they evaporate. Tea Black Sfe sits squarely in the middle zone. It makes its presence known shortly after the volatile top notes lift yet stays long enough to bridge into the drydown, so it can almost act like a lightweight base as well.
Projection is moderate: it radiates clearly within the first hour without overwhelming nearby notes. Longevity on blotter is solid for a natural extract, typically six to eight hours before tapering to a faint woody shadow.
How & Where To Use Tea Black Sfe
Perfumers reach for Tea Black Sfe when a composition needs the brisk realism of freshly brewed tea or a gentle smoky thread to bind woody and floral notes. It excels in green tea accords, fougères that call for a dry leafy core and modern gourmands that want a refined roasted edge. Compared with synthetic tea materials like methyl ionone derivatives this extract feels rounder and more natural so it is often chosen for prestige work.
At low traces the material lends lift and a subtle bitter bite that sharpens citrus openings and keeps sweet florals from turning syrupy. Around 1–2 % of the total formula it becomes distinctly tea-like, pairing nicely with jasmine sambac, mate absolute or cedarwood for an afternoon-tea illusion. Pushed toward 4–5 % the smoky and woody facets dominate, which can darken a perfume beautifully yet risks flattening lighter top notes.
The ingredient shows its best side in eau de parfum strength where its medium volatility allows it to bridge top and base. In candles and soaps it survives heat and alkaline environments better than many delicate naturals, giving a clear tea message even after curing. It is less successful in very bright colognes where its earthy depth can feel out of place unless dosed with great care.
Over-use brings two main problems: an astringent mouthfeel that some testers find harsh and a dry tobacco nuance that can clash with fruity accords. If a trial blend starts to smell like wet paper the fix is usually to drop the Tea Black Sfe level then back-fill with softer woody notes such as Iso E Super or cashmeran.
No special pre-treatment is needed; the extract is already filtered and arrives as a pourable liquid. It dissolves readily in perfumer’s alcohol and most oil bases though a brief warm-water bath helps if the lab is cold. Keep pipettes and bottles scrupulously clean because the smoky character lingers and can contaminate delicate materials nearby.
Typical usage sits anywhere from a trace up to 5 % of the concentrate depending on the target product and desired impact. Start low, smell after dilution then climb in small steps to avoid overshooting the sweet spot.
Safety Information
Always dilute Tea Black Sfe before evaluating it. Avoid sniffing it straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to prevent inhaling concentrated vapors. Wear gloves and safety glasses so the liquid never contacts skin or eyes.
Like many natural extracts it can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before frequent handling. Short whiffs of low-strength solutions are generally safe yet prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to respiratory or dermal issues.
If accidental skin contact occurs wash the area with mild soap and plenty of water. Should it splash in the eyes rinse for at least fifteen minutes then consult a healthcare professional. Spills on benches can be wiped with paper towels followed by ethanol to remove lingering scent.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance always review the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet and revisit it regularly as thresholds can change. Adhere to current IFRA limits for each product category to ensure finished goods meet global safety standards.
How To Store & Dispose of Tea Black Sfe
Tea Black Sfe keeps best when it sits in a cool dark cabinet away from direct sun and heat sources. A fridge around 4 °C can stretch its shelf life further but is not vital as long as room temps stay moderate. Choose amber or opaque glass to shield the liquid from light and fit the bottle with a tight polycone cap. Dropper tops often leak air so swap them out for screw lids the moment the sample arrives.
Air exposure is the enemy of freshness. Decant large stocks into smaller bottles or top up headspace with inert gas so the extract does not oxidise between projects. Label every container clearly with the material name batch number hazard statements and date of opening. Keep the bottles upright in a tray that will catch drips and store them away from acids oxidisers and open flames.
For short term lab work make a 10 % dilution in perfumer’s alcohol and keep that vial sealed just as tightly. Use separate pipettes for Tea Black Sfe so its smoky note never sneaks into delicate florals.
Disposal is usually straightforward because the extract is of plant origin and readily biodegradable. Small leftovers can be stirred into plenty of warm soapy water then flushed down the drain if local regulations allow. Larger quantities or alcohol-based dilutions should enter a chemical waste stream alongside other fragrance materials. Never pour neat liquid onto soil or into public water systems. Rinse empty bottles with alcohol let them dry and recycle the glass where facilities exist.
Summary
Tea Black Sfe is a liquid CO2 extract of black tea leaves that captures the dry leafy smoke of a fresh brew while staying gentle and round. It sits in the middle note zone giving perfumes a realistic tea accent that bridges bright tops and woody bases. Perfumers value it for green tea accords fougères and any brief that needs a refined roasted thread.
The ingredient is moderately priced so it finds a place in prestige fine fragrance yet remains affordable for soaps candles and detergents. It holds up well to heat and alkaline environments though prolonged light or oxygen will dull its crisp edge over time. Use between a trace and 5 % of the concentrate balancing against possible astringency and tobacco nuances.
DSM-Firmenich supplies Tea Black Sfe in bulk drums while several third-party resellers and niche aroma houses offer smaller lab-friendly packs for hobbyists or early stage testing. Whether you blend at home or in a large facility a well stored bottle of this smoky tea note can lift many styles of scent without breaking the budget.