Clove Bud Essential Oil, 10 ml

Clove essential oil gives products a warm, spicy scent and is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, candles, massage oils, and body cosmetics. It is obtained by steam distillation of flower buds from clove trees of Asian origin. In fragrance compositions it forms a warming, spicy-woody base that is noticeable even in small quantities. It is therefore considered a potent ingredient and should be dosed with care.

What it brings to the formula

• Warming sensation – according to the manufacturer, it creates a feeling of warmth on the skin and scalp and has a stimulating effect. This is used in massage oils, balms, and scalp treatments.
• Antimicrobial properties – the manufacturer states antibacterial and antiseptic activity that complements the cleansing effect of soaps, shower gels, and shampoos. The effect in the finished product depends on the dosage and the overall formulation.
• Skin soothing – the manufacturer also describes a soothing effect on irritated skin. As this is a fragrance ingredient classified as an irritant, verify this behaviour in the finished product.
• Characteristic scent – the spicy profile is mainly attributed to eugenol and β‑caryophyllene.

Use in formulation

The oil blends with vegetable oils, butters, waxes, and alcohol. It does not dissolve in water, so for tonics, body mists, or aqueous sprays it is incorporated using a solubiliser. In emulsions and balms it is added at the very end, after cooling, to avoid unnecessary evaporation. In candles it is mixed into the melted wax just before pouring.

Dosage is governed by IFRA categories. Each product type has its own maximum permitted percentage, from lip products and toys (category 1) through face creams (category 5) and soaps with shampoos (category 9) to candles and laundry products (category 12). When developing a formulation, always refer to the category your product falls into.

Suitable for products such as

• Bar and liquid soaps, shower gels, and shampoos – a bold spicy scent for rinse-off products.
• Massage oils and balms – the warming character the manufacturer highlights for this oil.
• Scalp treatments – shampoos, conditioners, and treatments with stimulating effects according to the manufacturer.
• Body mists and tonics – with a suitable solubiliser.
• Candles and home fragrances – a warm scent that blends well with other spicy and woody oils.
• Fragrance compositions – as a spicy note.

What is good to know

Clove scent is very pronounced. When building a composition, start with the smallest amounts and refine it after a few days once the scent has settled. In soaps and candles, fragrance ingredients behave differently from in creams, so make a test batch before scaling up.

Frequently asked questions