What Is Tea White China Sfe?
Tea White China Sfe is a natural extract obtained from Chinese white tea leaves. It is put on the market by DSM-Firmenich who employ a specialised supercritical CO₂ process, yet other suppliers sometimes offer comparable CO₂ or solvent-extracted white tea materials under similar names. The DSM-Firmenich version is valued for being produced at low temperature and high pressure, conditions that capture a true-to-leaf scent while keeping impurities to a minimum.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear to very pale golden liquid that flows easily. It dissolves readily in alcohol and most perfume oils which makes it user friendly in the compounding room. Because the extract comes from a botanical source batches can vary slightly in hue or minor odour nuances, something perfumers often welcome for its subtle naturality.
White tea notes have become popular over the past two decades so this material sees regular use in fine fragrance and functional products alike. It is stable in soap bases, candles and most water-based cleaners which broadens its appeal beyond niche perfumery.
When stored tightly closed in a cool, shaded spot the extract keeps its olfactory integrity for around two years. After that point the odour softens but rarely turns off-note if it has been protected from air and light.
Cost wise it sits in the mid-range for natural CO₂ extracts: not as pricey as rare florals yet noticeably dearer than standard aroma chemicals derived from petroleum. Most creative teams consider it affordable enough for wide use while still lending a touch of luxury.
Tea White China Sfe’s Scent Description
Perfumers usually slot Tea White China Sfe into the floral family, though it straddles several facets. On a fresh blotter the first impression is airy and aromatic, reminiscent of freshly brewed white tea with dewy spring leaves. A gentle green nuance blends with crisp apple-like fruitiness, quickly followed by a soft floral veil that hints at peony or jasmine petals.
As the minutes pass the greener notes mellow and a faint hay-like warmth surfaces, giving the accord a serene herbal depth without turning earthy. The overall profile stays light, clean and subtly sweet, free from the bitterness sometimes found in black tea extracts.
In the traditional top, middle and base framework this ingredient performs mainly as a middle note. It contributes a bright opening sparkle but reaches full character about ten minutes in, then lingers for several hours before fading without leaving heavy residue. That makes it ideal for adding body to top-heavy citrus blends or lifting heavier florals.
Projection is modest to moderate: it creates a delicate aura that feels present yet never overpowers. Longevity on skin or fabric hovers around four to six hours, longer in candle wax or soap where the tea facets remain noticeable during the entire burn or wash cycle.
How & Where To Use Tea White China Sfe
Perfumers reach for Tea White China Sfe when they want a delicate leafy lift that feels more refined than a straight green note and less tannic than black tea absolutes. It excels at bridging zesty top notes to soft floral hearts, adding a translucent cushion that keeps a composition airy. In a white floral bouquet it expands jasmine or orange blossom while preventing heaviness. In citrus colognes it replaces part of the usual hedione or leafy aldehydes, supplying a calm tea breeze instead of a sharp green flash.
The extract also plays well in modern woody musks, especially those aiming for a spa-like “clean linen” aura. Just a trace can brighten cedar or iso E, turning a potentially dry base into something more inviting. Conversely, if the brief calls for a gourmand apple-tea accord, a higher dose around 2 % in the concentrate gives enough fruit nuance to tie apple, pear or lychee notes together.
Typical usage sits between 0.1 % and 5 % of the finished fragrance oil. At 0.1 % it whispers freshness without announcing itself. Between 1 % and 3 % it becomes distinctly tea-like, letting the fruity green facets shine. Above 4 % the material can flatten the formula, muting brighter citrus and risking an almost herbal soapiness, so moderation is key.
Functional bases usually tolerate Tea White China Sfe well. In cold-process soap it holds up through saponification though some of the light floral sparkle is lost. In candles the note remains faithful yet may need a slight booster of cis-3-hexenol or linalool to regain lift. It dissolves readily in ethanol and most carrier oils so no pre-solubiliser is required for fine fragrance. For water-based cleaners a brief vortex with an APG surfactant helps prevent ring-out.
Before compounding weigh the extract at room temperature since chilling can thicken it. If the batch shows any sediment simply warm to 30 °C and swirl, then filter through a paper funnel. Store all weighed aliquots in amber glass to curb light-driven oxidation which can dull the fruity nuance.
Safety Information
Always dilute Tea White China Sfe before evaluating the scent on a blotter. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated area to limit inhalation. Gloves and safety glasses protect against accidental splashes that could irritate skin or eyes.
Like many natural extracts this material contains a complex mix of constituents, some of which may trigger sensitivity in predisposed individuals. Short contact at low concentration is generally considered safe yet prolonged handling or high-level exposure can lead to redness, dryness or respiratory discomfort. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare professional before working with fragrance ingredients including this one.
In case of skin contact rinse with plenty of mild soap and water. If eye exposure occurs flush with clean water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists. Spills should be absorbed with inert material such as sand or vermiculite and disposed of following local regulations.
Always consult the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and follow any concentration limits set by the International Fragrance Association. These documents are updated as research evolves so review them regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and safe practice.
How To Store & Dispose of Tea White China Sfe
Store Tea White China Sfe in clean amber glass bottles kept in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. A domestic fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C works even better as the lower temperature slows oxidation and helps the tea nuance stay fresh. Whether you refrigerate or not let the bottle reach room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Choose closures that seal tightly. Polycone caps hug the glass neck and block air far more effectively than rubber droppers which often let volatile notes escape. For everyday dilutions keep separate working bottles fitted with polycones and leave the bulk stock untouched until you need to refill.
Try to store the material in containers that are almost full. A minimal headspace means less oxygen in contact with the liquid which delays colour change and keeps the fruity floral tone lively. If you must keep the bottle partially full top the space with argon gas or transfer the leftover to a smaller vial.
Label every container clearly with the full name, date packed, batch number if provided and hazard pictograms from the supplier SDS. Good labelling prevents mix-ups and speeds up emergency response if a spill occurs.
When the extract is no longer usable never pour it down the drain. Small hobbyist quantities can be mixed with cat litter or sand, sealed in a robust bag then disposed of with household waste where local rules allow. Larger volumes need to go through an approved chemical waste handler. The natural components are readily biodegradable but the high biological oxygen demand can overload septic or municipal systems, so controlled disposal is essential.
Wash empty bottles with warm soapy water, rinse well then recycle the glass where facilities exist. Caps that held oil should be binned unless your recycler accepts them. Always follow regional regulations and the guidance in the latest SDS.
Summary
Tea White China Sfe is a liquid CO₂ extract of Chinese white tea leaves that captures airy green fruity aroma with a soft floral lift. It works best as a middle note adding transparent freshness to citrus, floral or clean wood blends and it holds steady in soaps, candles and household cleaners.
Its popularity stems from the balanced price and the natural yet modern character that fits wellness-inspired scents. Stability is good for two years if the bottle stays cool, full and shaded, though minor batch differences can occur because it is plant derived. Usage levels above 4 % may weigh a formula down so most perfumers keep it lower.
Commercial buyers can source the ingredient directly from DSM-Firmenich in kilogram lots while small labs and hobbyists often turn to specialty retailers or general aroma suppliers who re-bottle it in smaller sizes. Whether you need a few millilitres for testing or a drum for production the material is widely available and brings a calm tea breeze to any fragrance palette.