Ingredient Guide
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.
Choosing Sage Fragrances
Sage takes on a different character with sea salt than it does with citrus and tea. Wood Sage & Sea Salt evokes coastal air, while Cologne du Maté offers the freshness of mandarin and maté.
Fragrances to Explore
Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (Jo Malone London)
A cologne centered on ambrette seed, sea salt and sage. Sage is described through its woody, earthy character, with herbs and a suggestion of salt air.
Cologne du Maté (Mizensir)
Mandarin, maté and sage are combined with Paradisone. An eau de parfum for citrus peel and the green scent of tea leaves.
Find Your Next Fragrance
To explore more fragrances through the notes you enjoy, open our Fragrance Finder. Choose “Favorite fragrances & notes”, then search under “Favorite notes”. Select from the suggestions shown and press “Next”. You can start with notes even if you do not have a favorite fragrance.
