FlavScents AInsights Entry for Clary Sage Essence (CAS: 84775-83-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Clary sage essence is a natural complex material derived from the flowering tops and leaves of the Salvia sclarea plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for clary sage essence is 84775-83-7. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its use in fragrance and flavor industries, often referenced in IFRA standards and other regulatory documents. The composition of clary sage essence can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Clary sage essence is renowned for its distinctive, herbaceous, and slightly floral aroma with hints of amber and tobacco. It is often described as having a sweet, nutty, and balsamic undertone. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, making it a popular choice for both fragrance and flavor applications. In terms of sensory roles, clary sage essence is typically used as a modifier or an impact note, providing depth and complexity to formulations. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its characteristic scent is easily recognizable even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Clary sage essence is primarily obtained from the Salvia sclarea plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated in various parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The essence is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's flowering tops and leaves. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under various regulatory frameworks, provided it meets specific purity and processing criteria.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, clary sage essence is used to impart a warm, herbal, and slightly sweet note to a variety of products. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as herbal teas, alcoholic beverages, and confectionery. The functional role of clary sage essence in flavor systems is often as a background realism enhancer or a character modifier. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. Clary sage essence is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Clary sage essence is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, used across various fragrance families, including fougère, chypre, and oriental. It serves as a middle note, providing a warm, herbal, and slightly musky character. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary from trace amounts to several percent, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to both the top and middle phases of fragrance evaporation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

The key constituents of clary sage essence include linalyl acetate, linalool, geraniol, and sclareol. These compounds contribute significantly to its characteristic aroma and functional properties. The composition of clary sage essence can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, clary sage essence is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status for its constituents. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have specific guidelines for natural flavor and fragrance materials. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Clary sage essence is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but typical use levels are well within safe margins. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered safe under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Clary sage essence is valued for its unique aromatic profile and versatility in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other herbal and floral notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired character. Formulators should consider the variability in composition due to sourcing and processing when designing products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on clary sage essence is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance industries. While industry-typical practices are well-known, some specific numeric values, such as precise odor thresholds, may not be fully documented. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, but formulators should remain aware of regional differences in regulatory requirements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• As a complex natural material, includes section 5a

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-04-16 09:43:23 GMT (p2)