“The alcohol used in perfumes is denatured, which means it's not drinking alcohol. So yes they do! But not Drinkable”
Let's dive into the world of perfumes to understand what Denatured Alcohol is, how perfumes are made and you should take care of your perfumes.
What is Denatured Alcohol?
Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent in perfumes to dissolve and hold the fragrance oils in the formula. It is denatured or made unfit for consumption by adding chemicals that alter its color, smell, and taste, making it extremely bitter.
This is done to prevent people from drinking it, as alcohol can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Denatured alcohol is still safe to use in perfumes, as it is only used in small amounts and is not intended for consumption, and serves as a good base for holding the scent concentration in the perfume.
Do Alcohol Free Perfumes Exist ?
Ethyl alcohol is an essential component in perfume for several reasons. It serves as a base for distilling the fragrance oils and diluting them to the desired concentration. Alcohol is also a good solvent for dissolving aromatic compounds in the perfume formula.
When applied to the skin, the alcohol in the perfume evaporates quickly, releasing the fragrance oils, which then settle on the skin and slowly release their aroma over time. The alcohol also helps preserve the perfume, ensuring that it retains its quality and strength over a long time. In addition to these benefits, the alcohol in perfume provides a burst of freshness when it evaporates, enhancing the overall sensory experience of wearing the scent.
Alcohol in Perfumes: Production Methods of Ethyl Alcohol including Laboratory Synthesis and Bioethanol"
There are several ways to produce ethyl alcohol, but its properties remain unchanged regardless of the production method. One method of production is through laboratory synthesis, which creates synthetic ethanol
Another option is bioethanol, also known as agricultural ethanol, derived from plants such as grains, fruits, and sugar cane. This type of alcohol is often used in "natural" perfumes.
Producing bioethanol involves fermenting sugars or starches from plant sources, refining the ethanol through distillation, and removing any remaining water through dehydration. Finally, the alcohol is denatured to make it unfit for consumption.
What is an Alcohol Free Perfume?
By now, we know that alcohol free perfumes are the most commonly used, composed of two major ingredients Alcohol and Especially Ethyl Alcohol. But the Odorous substance?
The main component of a perfume that gives it its scent is called the odorous substance or concentration. The amount of alcohol and odorous substance in a perfume is inversely related, meaning that as the concentration of odorous material increases, the amount of alcohol decreases and vice versa.
This ratio determines the type of fragrance:
- Perfumes or extracts contain 20% odorous material and 95% alcohol
- Eaue de parfum contains 15% odorous material and 85% alcohol
- Eaue de toilette contains 10% odorous material and 85% alcohol,
- Eaue de cologne contains no more than 5% odorous material and 70% alcohol.
These variations in the concentration of odorous material and alcohol determine the strength and lasting power of the fragrance.
Does Alcohol in Perfume Affect the Shelf Life?
Yep, it does!!!
Perfumes that have a higher alcohol concentration tend to have a longer shelf life, as the alcohol helps to prevent the odorous ingredients from oxidizing.
In general, non alcoholic perfumes can be stored for up to three years after they are produced, but the actual shelf life may vary depending on the specific formulation of the perfume.
Most perfumes also come with a PAO (Period After Opening) label, indicated by an open jar with a number on the packaging. This label tells you how long the perfume can be used after it has been opened.
As perfumes age, they may not lose their intensity, but the fragrance can oxidize and become sour, acidic, metallic, or have plastic overtones, and the color may also turn yellow. To extend the shelf life of your perfume, it is important to follow the PAO and store it in a cool, dry place.
It is recommended to stop using a fragrance even if the PAO has not been exceeded if you notice a change in the scent or color of the perfume.
Instead of discarding the perfume, you can use it in other ways, such as freshening your home, car, handbag, shoes, or laundry. This will help to make the most of your fragrance and give it a new purpose.
How to Make a Long Lasting Perfume ?
To help preserve your non alcoholic perfumes, follow these steps:
- Avoid shaking the perfume, as this can shorten its shelf life.
- Keep the perfume away from humid conditions, as moisture can affect the scent and quality of the fragrance.
- Store the perfume in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and heat, as these can damage the fragrance and cause it to lose its scent or turn yellow. The ideal storage temperature for perfumes is between 50 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the perfume in its original packaging or a dark container to protect it from light exposure.