Clearwood ®
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Clearwood is an innovative fragrance ingredient developed by Firmenich and introduced in 2014. Derived through a biotechnological process involving sugar fermentation, it creates a synthetic molecule that mimics and enhances the qualities of natural patchouli oil. This process ensures consistent quality and emphasizes sustainability by using renewable resources, significantly reducing the ecological impact compared to traditional extraction methods. Clearwood provides a unique scent profile with woody, amber, and musky notes, subtly reminiscent of patchouli, ideal for adding depth and richness to perfumes.
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Clearwood is an innovative fragrance ingredient developed by Firmenich and introduced in 2014. Derived through a biotechnological process involving sugar fermentation, it creates a synthetic molecule that mimics and enhances the qualities of natural patchouli oil. This process ensures consistent quality and emphasizes sustainability by using renewable resources, significantly reducing the ecological impact compared to traditional extraction methods. Clearwood provides a unique scent profile with woody, amber, and musky notes, subtly reminiscent of patchouli, ideal for adding depth and richness to perfumes.
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Clearwood is an innovative fragrance ingredient developed by Firmenich and introduced in 2014. Derived through a biotechnological process involving sugar fermentation, it creates a synthetic molecule that mimics and enhances the qualities of natural patchouli oil. This process ensures consistent quality and emphasizes sustainability by using renewable resources, significantly reducing the ecological impact compared to traditional extraction methods. Clearwood provides a unique scent profile with woody, amber, and musky notes, subtly reminiscent of patchouli, ideal for adding depth and richness to perfumes.
🏭 Manufacturer — Firmenich
IUPAC Name: Clearwood does not have a specific IUPAC name as it is a proprietary blend rather than a single compound.
CAS Number: Depending on the country, CLEARWOOD® is identified either by the CAS number 84238-39-1 (China, Europe and Taiwan, China) or by the CAS number 1450625-49-6 (Australia, Philippines, South Korea, USA and Canada).
Molecular Weight: Not applicable due to its nature as a mixture.
Appearance: Liquid with a flashpoint greater than 100°C.
📝 Odor type — Woody
📈 Odor Strength — 1 week on smelling strip
👃🏼 Odor Profile — woody, amber, and musky notes with a subtle patchouli-like undertone.
⚗️ Uses — CLEARWOOD® can be used like Patchouli Essential Oil or as a new woody building block at higher dosages. Although rich in patchoulol, CLEARWOOD® will not replace natural patchouli essence. It will complement it as a new ingredient, a new building block (Firmenich)
Overview and Background
Clearwood is an innovative fragrance ingredient developed by Firmenich, first introduced in 2014. It is derived through a biotechnological process involving the fermentation of sugar, creating a synthetic molecule that mimics and enhances the qualities of natural patchouli oil. This process ensures consistent quality and emphasizes sustainability by utilizing renewable resources, thus significantly reducing the ecological impact compared to traditional extraction methods.
Perfumery Applications
Clearwood provides a unique scent profile characterized by woody, amber, and musky notes with a subtle patchouli-like undertone. It is valued for its soft, clean character, making it highly versatile in perfumery. Clearwood blends seamlessly with a wide range of other fragrance ingredients, allowing it to be used at higher concentrations without overpowering other elements in a composition. This quality makes it ideal for adding depth and richness to perfumes, while its transparency and lightness set it apart from traditional dark woody notes.
Sustainability and Innovation
Clearwood exemplifies Firmenich’s commitment to sustainability and innovation within the fragrance industry. By utilizing white biotechnology, the production of Clearwood avoids the depletion of natural resources and leverages renewable carbon sources. This method aligns with global trends towards eco-friendly and ethically produced fragrance ingredients. Clearwood’s development was driven by the need for a sustainable, consistent alternative to natural patchouli, addressing issues related to the variability and ecological impact of natural patchouli oil.
Industry Recognition
In recognition of its sustainable production process and innovative nature, Clearwood has received several accolades. Most notably, it was awarded the Best Sustainable Ingredient at the Barcelona Perfumery Congress in 2023. This award highlights its significance as a modern, sustainable alternative to traditional fragrance ingredients. Clearwood’s introduction marked a significant advancement in perfumery, leading to further developments in biotechnological ingredients by Firmenich and maintaining their position as a leader in the fragrance industry.
References
Firmenich. (2014). Clearwood: The first bio-based and sustainable perfumery ingredient. Firmenich. Retrieved from https://www.firmenich.com
Explore Azelis. (2023). Clearwood by Scentmate awarded Best Sustainable Ingredient. Retrieved from https://explore.azelis.com
Perfumer & Flavorist. (2023). Clearwood by Scentmate by dsm-firmenich awarded Best Sustainable Ingredient. Retrieved from https://www.perfumerflavorist.com
