This refers to the I.N.C.I. name used to denote theclary sage essential oil. This is traditionally recognised for effectively combating issues related to the female cycle (painful periods, absence of periods, premenstrual syndrome, menopause...). It is also recommended for stimulating hair growth and regulating sebum production.
What is "Salvia Sclarea Oil" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 3, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
An overview of clary sage and its essential oil.
Clary sage is a sun-loving plant that thrives on the arid, limestone hills of France (Provence and Alpes-Maritimes), Southern Europe and North Africa. It belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and its botanical name is Salvia sclarea (Sclarea comes from the Latin clarus : clear, bright). In the Middle Ages, this plant was already being used as a medicinal herb due to its toning and purifying properties. Known for their scent, its leaves have long been used to flavour meat dishes, wine and even to prepare beer in England.
From its large, unevenly serrated leaves and flowering tops, the essential oil and hydrosol are extracted by hydrodistillation. This involves carrying the aromatic molecules or volatile constituents (the essential oil) with steam, then cooling this steam which condenses in the essencier to produce the hydrosol.
Note : Containing a high amount of water, clary sage must be dried for 1 to 3 days before distillation. Moreover, its yield is relatively low compared to its cousin, common sage. Indeed, the essential oil of clary sage has a yield of 1 to 1.8% for a distillation duration of approximately 2 hours.
The cosmetic virtues of clary sage essential oil.
This clear and liquid essential oil, of a light yellow colour with a characteristic and gentle scent, contains over 250 compounds. Thelinalyl acetate is present in majority (around 74%), followed by linalool (around 10%), sesquiterpenes (germacrene-D) and diterpenols (sclareol). In skin and hair care, it is used for various properties.
When applied topically, Clary Sage essential oil helps to reduce skin blemishes; it is recommended for oily skin as well as acne-prone skin. Indeed, it has a purifying and astringent action. It regulates sebum production and mattifies oily skin that tends to shine. Furthermore, its anti-bacterial activity helps to limit the proliferation of microorganisms involved in acne such as Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis.
In the case of excessive perspiration, this essential oil will assist the skin in regulating the flow while reducing the odour. Therefore, it can be used as a natural deodorant.
Scalp Tonic, it stimulates hair growth and helps to regulate sebum production. For this, clary sage essential oil composes our anti-dandruff shampoo. This shampoo treats both types of dandruff thanks to the synergistic action of an antifungal agent that fights against the development of the fungus responsible for the appearance of dandruff and a jujube plant extract that helps to regulate scalp flaking.
Some precautions to take with clary sage essential oil.
The essential oil of clary sage has an oestrogen-like action. For this reason, it is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as in children. Be aware, it is strictly contraindicated in hormone-dependent cancer pathologies, mastoses and fibroids. It can be used in diluted topical application and through respiratory routes. Oral administration, on the other hand, is reserved for the therapist.
Note : It should not be confused with the sage officinalis, an essential oil reserved for doctors due to its neurotoxic and abortive properties.
Sources:
SIENKIEWICZ M. & al. The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii (2015).
CANAC P. & al. Traité d'Aromathérapie scientifique et médicale, les hydrolats (1st ed.). Edition : Sang de la Terre (2018).
