Clary sage is a hardy, fuzzy-looking, bi-annual, perennial plant. It can grow to a height of 45-100 centimeters with long rods of flowers and square stalks. The blossoms provide a particularly fragrant and abundant nectar that attracts bees and butterflies. Clary sage was considered a sacred herb by the Romans who used it as a “well-being plant.” It is primarily found in southern Europe, western Asia, northern Africa and throughout the United States. Once the plant has fully matured, a molecule called “sclareolide” is extracted from the flowers and used in skincare for its soothing benefits.
Skincare benefits of Sclareolide
In cosmetics, a purified molecule of sclaerolide (from clary sage) is used to soothe the skin.