What Is The Difference Between Sage vs Clary Sage Essential Oil?

The world of aromatherapy can be intriguing and eye opening at the same time. With so many similar essential oil names out there, even experts are often left confused. One such confusion is around sage and clary sage essential oil. Both of them have similar names but very different uses and benefits. From soap makers to perfumery experts are often left confused about the two. In this article, we decided to breakdown the differences between clary sage vs sage oil. With key differences and simple tables, we aim to throw light on how sage and clary sage essential oil are both different and unique in their own ways. So here we go. 

What Is Sage Essential Oil?

Sage essential oil is a botanical treasure extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis. Experts use a traditional process of steam distillation to extract sage essential oil. Its powerful aroma and strong antibacterial properties make sage oil a favorite amongst soap makers, candle makers and aromatherapy experts. Many spiritual healers also rely on sage essential oil for purifying the aura. No wonder burning sage leaves has gained such a traction in modern households too. 

What is Clary Sage Essential Oil?

Clary sage essential oil is soft, green and all things spa-dreams are made of. This natural essential oil is derived from the leaves of Salvia Sclarea found in different tropical regions. Clary sage essential oil is a colorless liquid extract that soap makers, aromatherapists and candle makers cherish for a floral scent. The aroma of clary sage essential oil is a perfect combination of slightly floral, deep and green notes. 

What Is The Difference Between Sage And Clary Sage Essential Oil?

When it comes to studying clary sage vs sage oil, there are prominent differences in terms of aroma, botanical details, origin, chemical composition and benefits. Here’s a complete breakdown of the same. 

Botanical Details And Origin

Sage essential oil is obtained from a small kitchen plant called Salvia officinalis which has long leaves. Clary sage essential oil on the other hand comes from a larger flowering plant called Salvia Sclarea. While sage plant can easily be decorated on kitchen window, clary sage takes ample amount of space to grow and flourish. 

Aroma and Perfumery Notes

The fragrance of sage essential oil is strong and sharp. It smells a lot like camphor and a few drops are enough to fill any space with herbal scent. Clary sage essential oil, on the other hand, is mild, floral and slightly green. It also holds some deep earthy notes that build its overall scent profile. Talking about natural perfumery, sage oil is usually preferred as a top note whereas clary sage oil is preferred as a middle note. 

Color And Appearance

Both, sage and clary sage essential oil, are thin liquid extracts with colorless to pale yellow appearance. Both of them can be easily poured and do not mix with water. 

Chemical Composition

The naturally occurring chemical compounds in sage and clary sage essential oil are the deciding factors for their distinctive aroma and benefits. Sage essential oil is usually higher in compounds like camphor and thujone. Clary sage essential oil, on the other hand, contains linalool which contributes to its sweeter aroma. These differences in chemical composition also makes sage oil more sensitizing than clary sage essential oil. 

Aromatherapy Benefits

Owing to the sharp and invigorating aroma of sage essential oil, it is mostly used for cleansing and energizing. Clary sage essential oil is milder and sweeter and helps unwind and relax after a long tiring day. Simply put, if sage essential oil is your morning doze of coffee, clary sage essential oil is the night-time chamomile tea. 

Soap Making Benefits

Soap makers use both sage and clary sage essential oil in soap making recipes for their diverse benefits. Interestingly, sage oil has a sharper aroma to begin with but it fades away as the soap cures. Does that mean sage essential oil isn’t suitable for soap making? Absolutely not! It adds natural oil controlling and antibacterial properties to handmade soaps. Hello, clean skin! 

On the contrary, clary sage oil is a more versatile essential oil for soap making. It adds skin soothing properties to soap bars along with a lasting floral aroma. The scent of clary sage essential oil doesn’t disappear during the cure stage. This makes it a good option to naturally scent your handmade soap bars. 

Skin Care Benefits

Talking about clary sage vs sage oil, differences in skin care benefits and uses deserves special mention. Sage essential oil isn’t suitable for people with sensitive skin or for products like moisturizers or serums. Formulators mostly use it for body wash or cleansers. This isn’t the case with clary sage essential oil. It is more gentle and is often included in body lotions or body butters for a mesmerizing aroma and soothing properties. 

Price

Both are natural oils renowned for numerous benefits. When it comes to the price comparison, clary sage oil costs almost double of sage oil. The wholesale rate for clary sage essential oil is approximately US $162 per kg or US $74 per lb. The wholesale rate for sage essential oil is around  US $95 per kg or US $44 per lb. This is also because of the higher yield in sage plant vs clary sage plant. 

Is Clary Sage The Same As Sage?

No, clary sage and sage are both different essential oils coming from two different plants. Their similar names might create confusion and make many to believe that they are both the same. However, the reality is quite different. Sage oil is stronger and sharper whereas clary sage oil is milder and softer for the olfactory experience. 

Concluding Thoughts

Clary sage and sage essential oil might sound like siblings or twins but they are those distant cousins that hardly hold any similarities (except the last name, maybe). Sage essential oil is lesser expensive and is mostly used to create an energizing environment. Clary sage essential oil, on the other hand, is more expensive and used for relaxation.

No matter what your pick is, make sure to buy both sage and clary sage essential oil from a reputed wholesale essential oil supplier like Aromachology oils. Get flexible packs sizes, negligible MOQs and bulk deals on both these bulk natural oils. Explore our collection today and shop wholesale!