Clary Sage Essential Oil

INCI Name

Salvia Sclarea Oil

Botanical Name

Salvia sclarea L.

Steam-distilled essential oil from Salvia sclarea rich in linalyl acetate and linalool. Commonly used as a perfuming/ masking agent and valued for its fresh herbaceous profile. In vitro studies report antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; formulate at low levels and follow IFRA guidance.

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Primary Function
Essential Oil
Add'l Function
Active
Antioxidant
Scent Profile
Herbaceous
Herbal
Fresh
Slightly Fruity
Earthy
Is It Natural?
Natural (Steam-Distilled)
Formulate with Confidence

Botanical Building Blocks for Every Blend

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Skin Type Suitability

Combination
Oily
Blemish-Prone
Normal
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Typical Product Use

Fragrance; masking; skin conditioning (aroma)

Product Type(s):

Oil
Serum
Balm
Lotion
Cream
Cleanser
Toner
Mist

Typical Usage Range:

0.1–1% (start at lower end for leave-on facial; follow IFRA for product category limits)

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Supportive Qualities

Traditionally used for soothing, balancing aroma; antioxidant and antimicrobial activity reported in lab studies

Primary Components:

Linalyl acetate; linalool; β-caryophyllene; germacrene D (major: linalyl acetate, linalool)

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Important to Know

May irritate sensitive skin; patch test advised; avoid use if oxidized; discuss use during pregnancy; not phototoxic

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Sourcing Tips

Preferred Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Prefer steam-distilled from flowering tops/leaves; request GC/MS; buy fresh (refrigerate, protect from air/light); organic if possible

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More information*

Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:

Cosmetics Info
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
EWG's Skin Deep
INCIDecoder
SkinSAFE
SpecialChem

*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.