Creating Aftershave: Mixing Cologne And Ethanol – Safe?

While cologne and aftershave share some similarities, they are distinct products with different purposes. Cologne is primarily a fragrance with a longer-lasting scent, whereas aftershave is a skincare product with antiseptic properties to soothe and protect freshly shaved skin.

Cologne typically contains 3-5% essential oils, while aftershave contains 1-3%, making its scent more delicate and shorter-lasting. Both products contain alcohol, which serves to dilute the essential oils in cologne and acts as an antiseptic in aftershave.

Although you can use cologne as aftershave, simply by cutting it with additives like witch hazel or glycerin, it is not advisable to use pure alcohol as an aftershave due to its potential to irritate the skin.

The amount of ethanol in aftershave

When making DIY aftershave, the recommended ethanol concentration is 90% or higher, often achieved by using Everclear or perfumer's alcohol. It is important to use food-grade or perfumer's ethanol, as denatured alcohol is not suitable for topical use and can be harmful. The ethanol helps to dissolve fragrance oils and other ingredients, and it also provides astringent properties that can help seal small cuts and nicks after shaving.

Some people choose to add ethanol to their aftershave to increase the alcohol sting and enhance the post-shave feeling. When adjusting the ethanol content, it is important to consider the impact on the fragrance and overall performance of the aftershave. Additionally, ethanol can be drying and irritating to the skin, so caution should be exercised when using high concentrations.

The role of ethanol in cologne

Ethanol also has an important function in preserving the fragrance. As a mild solvent, it is unlikely to affect the formula, and its inclusion helps to ensure that the cologne retains its intended aroma over time.

In addition to its role in fragrance delivery and preservation, ethanol also has antiseptic properties. This makes it ideal for use in aftershaves and colognes, as it can help disinfect and protect sensitive skin, especially after shaving. By including ethanol, the risk of bacterial growth in open pores, cuts, and nicks is reduced, providing a sanitising effect.

The inclusion of ethanol in cologne also helps to enhance the intensity of the fragrance. This means that others are more likely to be able to smell the cologne, increasing its impact and presence.

Finally, ethanol is a common choice for perfumers due to its compatibility with essential oils. It does not affect the formula negatively and helps to ensure the desired fragrance profile is achieved and maintained.

In summary, ethanol plays a crucial role in cologne by diluting and preserving the fragrance, providing antiseptic benefits, enhancing fragrance intensity, and ensuring formula compatibility. These functions make ethanol a key ingredient in the creation of effective and desirable cologne products.

How to dilute cologne with ethanol

To dilute cologne with ethanol to make an aftershave, you will need to add a few other ingredients. Firstly, you will need to use perfumer's alcohol or pure grain alcohol (like Everclear) as your ethanol source. You will also need distilled water, fragrance (essential oils or perfume oils), and possibly glycerin and/or witch hazel.

The general consensus is that an aftershave should be made up of around 65% alcohol, 30% water, and 5% fragrance. However, one source suggests that the typical concentration of fragrance in an aftershave is about 10%.

To make your aftershave, simply dilute your fragrance oil in ethanol at around 8-10%. You can then add distilled water to make up the rest of the solution, although this is optional and some sources suggest leaving it out altogether. If you do add water, be aware that too much may cause your mixture to separate or become cloudy. If you are adding witch hazel and/or glycerin, do so at the end, once your fragrance and ethanol are mixed.

It is important to note that you should not use all types of alcohol for this purpose. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, is unsuitable for use in perfumes as it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin.

The difference between cologne and aftershave

While cologne and aftershave are both alcohol-based liquids with added fragrance, there are some key differences between the two.

Firstly, aftershave is designed to be used specifically after shaving, to calm, sanitise, and soothe the skin. It often contains ingredients to hydrate the skin and treat cuts. On the other hand, cologne can be used at any time, and on different parts of the body, such as the wrists.

Secondly, the concentration of scent in cologne is stronger than in aftershave. Cologne typically contains around 3-4% perfume oil, whereas aftershave usually contains about 1-2%. This means that if you were to use cologne on your face in the same way as aftershave, you would be applying too much.

Thirdly, aftershave may contain additional ingredients to treat the skin after shaving, such as aloe vera or menthol, which are not usually found in cologne.

Finally, while aftershave is meant to be used on the face and neck, cologne is designed to be used all over the body and has a longer-lasting fragrance.

In summary, the main differences between cologne and aftershave are their intended use, the concentration of fragrance, the presence of additional skincare ingredients, and the duration of the scent.

Other additives to include in aftershave

Adding ethanol to cologne can be an effective way to make an aftershave, but it is important to be mindful of the potential skin irritation that ethanol can cause. Witch hazel is a good alternative to ethanol as it does not cause excessive irritation and drying.

• Glycerin: This additive is often used in alcohol-based aftershaves to moisturise the skin and prevent excessive drying. It is important to use glycerin in low concentrations, such as 8-10 drops per fluid ounce, to avoid a greasy feel.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel can be used as a dilutant in aftershave and has soothing and moisturising properties.
• Vitamin E Oil: This oil helps to maintain healthy skin and support immune health. However, it is important to note that some studies have linked high-dose exposure to tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E, to tumour growth.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils such as lavender oil or eucalyptus oil can be added for their scent and soothing effects. Lavender oil can promote relaxation, while eucalyptus oil can help with blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow.
• Natural Scents: Natural scents such as green tea, cedarwood, anise, or oatmeal can be used to add a pleasant smell to the aftershave.
• Menthol: Menthol can be added to provide a cooling sensation and freshness to the aftershave. However, it is important to note that menthol can be irritating to the skin, so it should be used in low concentrations.
• Distilled Water: While water is not typically added to cologne, it can be included in aftershave to dilute the other ingredients. However, too much water can cause cloudiness and separation in the mixture.

Frequently asked questions