Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a herbaceous essential oil with a soft, herbal aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from flowering tops, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Geranium. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Ester |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flowering tops |
| Origin | France, Russia, Bulgaria |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8016-63-5 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 months) |
| Cats | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Moderate — Seol et al., 2010 -- published clary sage research.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
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Compare Clary Sage with
Frequently asked questions
What does Clary Sage essential oil smell like?
Clary Sage has a soft, herbal aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Clary Sage?
For topical use, keep Clary Sage at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Clary Sage safe to use during pregnancy?
Clary Sage is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Clary Sage safe to use around children?
Clary Sage is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Clary Sage safe around pets?
For cats — generally lower-risk when well diluted and diffused sparingly; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Clary Sage blend well with?
Clary Sage pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Geranium, Frankincense (Carterii), Cedarwood (Atlas).