Katrina Rosales
Rubbing alcohol, which is made with isopropyl alcohol, is not recommended for perfume-making because it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. However, some people have experimented with using 70% ethyl alcohol, which is available at drugstores, as a quick substitute for perfumer's alcohol. While it is not ideal due to its lower concentration of ethyl alcohol and higher water content, it may be possible to use it as a temporary base for perfumes.
Can I use 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol for perfume?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness as a perfume base | Likely not as effective as 90% ethyl alcohol, which is considered ideal. |
| Scent | May add a harsh or strong scent to the perfume blend. |
| Solubility | May cause solubility problems, with many materials dropping out of solution. |
| Skin irritation | May be extremely irritating to the skin. |
| Safety | Safe to use on the skin. |
| Odor | Has its own odor, which may interfere with the desired scent of the perfume. |
| Evaporation | May evaporate too quickly. |
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What You'll Learn
Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell and can irritate the skin
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a common household item with a variety of uses. However, its strong smell and potential skin irritation make it unsuitable for certain applications, such as perfumery.
The distinctive odour of rubbing alcohol can be off-putting to some, and it tends to linger in the air and on surfaces even after evaporation. This strong smell can interfere with the desired fragrance of a perfume. While some people claim that the smell of rubbing alcohol dissipates after a few minutes, others have found that it continues to smell terrible even after curing for a month.
In addition to its strong smell, rubbing alcohol can also be harsh on the skin. It has a drying effect and can cause a burning sensation when applied to sensitive areas, such as shaved skin or open acne. This makes it less suitable for use in perfumes, which are often applied to the skin.
Furthermore, rubbing alcohol contains a high percentage of water, which can interfere with the dissolution of raw materials in perfume-making. The added water can also affect the "lift" of the scent, potentially impacting the overall fragrance.
While some people suggest that rubbing alcohol can be used as a cheap alternative to perfumer's alcohol, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, especially if you have sensitive skin or are creating a complex fragrance.
If you are considering using rubbing alcohol for perfumery, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and always perform a small patch test on your skin to ensure it is safe for you.
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It contains a high percentage of water, which can interfere with perfumes
Rubbing alcohol is not suitable for use in perfumes due to its high water content, strong smell, and harsh effects on the skin.
Rubbing alcohol is primarily composed of isopropyl alcohol, which has a strong and distinctive odour. This creates an unpleasant “harsh” smell that can interfere with the desired fragrance of a perfume. While the smell of rubbing alcohol fades over time, it can take a month or more for it to dissipate, and even then, it may not disappear completely.
Additionally, the high water content in rubbing alcohol can cause solubility issues. Many materials will not dissolve properly in rubbing alcohol, leading to distorted perfumes. This is a significant problem, as perfumes require the proper dissolution of various ingredients, such as essential oils, fragrance notes, and other raw materials.
The high water content in rubbing alcohol can also affect the projection and longevity of the perfume. Water can interfere with the evaporation rate of the alcohol, potentially impacting the strength and duration of the scent.
Furthermore, rubbing alcohol can be irritating and harsh on the skin. This is a critical consideration, as perfumes are often applied directly to the skin. The harshness of rubbing alcohol may lead to skin irritation, rashes, or other undesirable reactions.
While some people have experimented with using rubbing alcohol as a temporary base until they obtain perfumer's alcohol, it is generally not recommended due to the issues mentioned above. Perfumer's alcohol, which is primarily ethanol, is specifically designed for use in perfumes and provides a more suitable base for combining with essential oils and fragrance notes. It has a more neutral odour and better solubility, ensuring a more pleasant and effective perfume creation.
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It may not mix well with other ingredients
Rubbing alcohol is not suitable for use in perfumes because it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. It may also be difficult to dissolve your raw materials in it. Rubbing alcohol contains a high percentage of water, which can interfere with your perfume.
Some fragrance oils are diluted in an oil base and will not be able to dissolve in any form of alcohol. As most rubbing alcohol is 75% isopropyl, it would add a very harsh smell to your blend.
Perfumer's alcohol is a blend of alcohol and some additives used as a base for perfumes. It is excellent for combining with essential oils and fragrance notes to produce aromatic perfumes. It creates a perfect marriage of absorption and evaporation for all your mixing adventures.
The higher the proof of alcohol, the better. Since alcohol and its evaporative qualities are what matter, the purer the alcohol, the better.
Therefore, 70% ethyl alcohol may not be the best option for making perfume as it may not mix well with other ingredients due to its high water content.
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It evaporates too quickly
Rubbing alcohol is not suitable for use in perfumes as it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. Rubbing alcohol also contains a high percentage of water, which can interfere with your perfume.
The main problem with 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol as a perfume base is that it evaporates too quickly. Perfumes require a high-proof alcohol, as the more pure the alcohol, the better. The ideal is 90% ethyl alcohol. 70% ethyl alcohol will not provide a clear impression of the scent of an essential oil diluted by a specific amount.
Perfumer's alcohol is ethanol, whereas rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. Perfumer's alcohol has less of a chemical odor and is better for creating aromas. Rubbing alcohol is diluted and evaporates too quickly.
The higher the proof of alcohol, the better it is for perfumes. The more pure the alcohol, the better. Rubbing alcohol is not pure enough and will not be an effective base for perfume.
Solubility is also a problem with 70% ethyl alcohol. Many materials will not dissolve in this grade of ethanol, and the perfume will be distorted.
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Perfumes require high-proof alcohol
The use of 70 ethyl rubbing alcohol for perfume is not recommended. Rubbing alcohol uses the chemical "Isopropyl alcohol" instead of ethanol, which has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. It also contains added water, which can interfere with your perfume.
One commonly used type of high-proof alcohol for perfumes is ethanol, specifically the variety known as SD-40b, a cosmetic-grade Trade-Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA). SD-40b is widely used and recommended due to its effectiveness and safety for cosmetic applications. It offers a high evaporative rate and superior solvent properties for both essential oils and water-based fragrances.
Another option for high-proof alcohol in perfumery is Everclear, a brand of high-proof grain alcohol. It can be used as a substitute for TSDA, especially for beginners who may have difficulty obtaining it. However, it is important to note that Everclear is not easily accessible in all regions.
When choosing an alcohol for perfume-making, it is essential to avoid denatured alcohol that is not specifically intended for cosmetic use. Denatured alcohol is made unfit for human consumption with the addition of poisons or unpleasant-tasting chemicals, and using the wrong type can make your perfume toxic. Instead, look for cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol or Perfumer's Alcohol from a trusted manufacturer that specifically states it is for perfume-making.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not advisable to use 70% ethyl alcohol as a perfume base. While it is possible to use ethyl alcohol, it should be at least 90% ethyl. 70% ethyl alcohol will likely have added ingredients that may impede the scent of essential oils.
The added ingredients in 70% ethyl alcohol will likely cause solubility problems. Many materials will drop out of the solution, distorting the final product.
The general consensus is that the higher the percentage of alcohol, the better. Perfumer's alcohol is often 200 proof, which is 99.88% ethanol.
Perfumer's alcohol is the best alternative. It is designed to be used as a base for perfumes and combines well with essential oils and fragrance notes.
Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, which has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. Perfumer's alcohol is ethanol, which has less of a chemical odour.
