Clary Sage
Clary sage is a gentle, herbal essential oil extracted from the flowering tops of the clary sage plant. It is popular in UK skincare and haircare for its soothing, balancing aroma and skin-calming properties. You will often find it in natural facial mists, cleansers, serums and scalp treatments.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, clary sage essential oil is used for its ability to help balance sebum production and soothe the skin. Its gentle astringent action makes it a favourite in toners and mattifying products, while its pleasant herbaceous scent provides natural fragrance in clean-beauty formulations. When diluted properly it blends well with carrier oils and other botanicals to create calming facial oils, hair serums and bath products.
Key benefits
- Helps balance oily and combination skin
- Soothes and calms sensitive or irritated skin
- Provides a pleasant natural herbaceous scent
- Supports healthy-looking scalp and hair
- Works as a gentle astringent in toners
- Adds a relaxing note to aromatherapy skincare
Best for
oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
Where it comes from
Clary sage oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of Salvia sclarea, a biennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and now cultivated in parts of Europe including the UK.