Sage

Sage belongs to the genus Salvia in the mint family. Because “sage” can refer to the entire genus, it is also known as common sage or garden sage.

Its scent is completely different from that of clary sage, which belongs to the same mint family. Whereas sage has a strong, clearly defined, spicy, masculine scent, clary sage has a floral scent with a gentle sweetness.

What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?

The sage discussed here is a natural essential oil distilled from the leaves or above-ground parts of Salvia officinalis. In perfume, sharp herbal notes are layered with facets reminiscent of camphor, mint, damp earth, and pepper, giving a dry, taut aromatic character. Its composition and scent also vary with origin, harvest time, and chemotype. It is a different plant from clary sage (Salvia sclarea), which has sweet facets reminiscent of hay and tobacco, and its scent profile is different as well.