Katrina Rosales
When it comes to perfume, your skin is the final ingredient. Fragrance molecules interact with the unique biochemical makeup of your skin, including its pH level, oil content, and hormone composition, to create what perfumers call the final accord – the true scent that develops on your skin. This is why perfumes tend to smell different on each person and why it's important to find fragrances that work with your unique biochemistry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to apply perfume | Apply directly to the skin, preferably on the neck, wrists, or inner elbows |
| Storing perfume | Store at room temperature, in its box |
| Effect of clothing | Avoid spraying perfume on clothes as it might discolour them |
| Effect of temperature | Shifts in temperature can cause unexpected chemical reactions and alter the colour of the perfume |
| Effect of skin type | Dry skin retains perfume longer than oily skin |
| Effect of skin pH | More acidic skin breaks down fragrance molecules faster |
| Effect of diet | Spicy foods can interact with fragrance molecules, while fruits and vegetables create a cleaner scent foundation |
| Effect of hormones | Hormonal changes can cause the same perfume to smell differently |
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What You'll Learn
Dilution of perfume oil
When it comes to diluting perfume oils, there are several methods and materials to consider. Diluting perfume oils is often done to make them safer for direct skin application, or to prepare them for use in products like candles, creams, detergents, or other oils. Here are some key points to consider:
Methods of Dilution
Dilution ratios and methods can vary depending on the specific perfume oil and the intended use. Some common carriers or solvents used for dilution include:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO): A colorless and scentless oil that can be used as a base for oil-based perfumes.
- Jojoba Oil: A carrier oil that can be used to dilute perfume oils, often sold with dilution instructions.
- Perfumer's Alcohol: Commonly used for alcohol-based perfume sprays, it helps the perfume material evaporate, providing a fuller scent profile.
- Di Propylene Glycol (DPG): A solvent commonly used in the fragrance industry to dilute insoluble materials. However, it is derived from petrochemicals, so it may not be suitable for natural perfumery.
- Other Solvents: Benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol are sometimes used to aid the blending of hard-to-work-with materials, but they are aromachemicals, limiting their use in natural perfumery.
Best Practices
When diluting perfume oils, it is important to follow these best practices:
- Avoid Using Drops: Always use a scale when diluting or blending to ensure an accurate and repeatable formula. A jewellery scale is a good option for beginners.
- Dilution Ratios: Typically, a 10% dilution ratio is used for most materials, but for strong materials like Ethyl Vanillin, a 1% ratio is sufficient. Adjust the ratio according to the specific materials and desired scent concentration.
- Experimentation: When experimenting with new formulas, consider the cost of the materials and the desired batch size. Dilution allows for the use of smaller amounts of expensive materials.
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Skin chemistry and perfume
Skin chemistry and how it interacts with perfume is a fascinating subject. The phrase "skin chemistry" is used to explain why perfumes smell different on different people. The uniqueness of skin chemistry across individuals is influenced by factors such as diet, skin moisture, personal bacterial biome, and other environmental factors.
The natural, unique scent of a person can be attributed to their pheromones, which are secreted in the body's erogenous areas. Applying perfume can be likened to layering a scent over the body's natural scent, and the compatibility of these two scents varies. Sweat, for instance, interacts with perfume oils and can affect how the perfume smells to the person wearing it and to those around them.
The texture or type of skin does not change how a perfume smells but can influence how long the scent lasts. Perfumes adhere better to well-moisturized or oily skin. On dry skin, fragrance molecules struggle to adhere due to the lack of oil or moisture, causing them to evaporate faster. Applying lotion before perfume can help combat this issue.
Additionally, the surrounding atmosphere and temperature can influence how skin chemistry interacts with a fragrance. While extensive research has been conducted on the characteristics of living skin, there is still much to uncover about the biochemical behaviour of perfume once it comes into contact with the skin.
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How to apply perfume
While perfume oil can be applied directly to the skin, it is important to note that some fragrance oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil or base such as lotion, alcohol, soap, or oil. It is recommended to refer to the product page, label, or website for information on dilution ratios and skin-safe usage.
Now, here are some tips on how to apply perfume:
Firstly, prepare your skin. Take a shower or bath to open up your pores and warm your skin, making it more receptive to the perfume. Dry off by gently patting your skin, especially the pulse points, as perfume adheres better to dry skin. You can also apply an unscented body lotion or moisturizer to create a smooth base for the fragrance to latch onto.
Next, apply the perfume before putting on your clothes. Target your pulse points, which are areas where veins are closest to the skin, making them warmer and ideal for fragrance projection. These include the neck, wrists, inner elbows, chin, and collarbones. Spraying perfume on these areas will also allow you to smell the scent throughout the day.
When spraying, hold the bottle 10 to 20 cm away from the desired point. Avoid excessive spraying, as this can lead to waste. Instead, spritz the perfume onto your pulse points or spray it in front of you and walk through the mist. This technique ensures an even distribution across your body.
Additionally, you can spritz your hair with perfume. Hair can hold fragrance longer than skin due to its porous nature. Just be cautious with the amount, as over-spritzing can dampen your hair.
Lastly, consider the climate and storage of your perfume. Intense heat can cause the natural oils in your skin to break down the perfume faster, so it is recommended to apply scent to clothing or accessories in hot climates. Store your perfume in a cool, dark place, preferably in its original box, to prevent unexpected chemical reactions and preserve its freshness.
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Storing perfume
Firstly, avoid storing perfume in the bathroom. The humidity from the shower or bath can oxidize delicate ingredients, causing the scent to turn, the colour to change, or both. High temperatures can also cause the chemical composition of perfumes to break down, leading to alterations in scent and potential spoilage. Instead, keep perfume in a dry, dark area, such as a closet, cabinet, or drawer. Some people even store their perfume in the fridge for longevity, although this may not be practical for everyone.
Secondly, minimize the perfume's exposure to air. Oxygen can cause oxidation and chemical reactions that alter the fragrance. Avoid leaving perfume bottles uncapped for extended periods, and consider using smaller-sized bottles for daily use so you can finish them faster and reduce the time they remain open. While shaking a bottle of perfume before application is often recommended, excessive shaking can introduce air bubbles and potentially alter the composition of the fragrance. Instead, gently roll the bottle between your palms to mix the ingredients without vigorous shaking, preserving the original scent.
Thirdly, store perfumes in their original boxes whenever possible. The original packaging of perfumes is designed to protect the fragrance from external elements, providing an extra layer of protection against light exposure and temperature changes. Although it may be tempting to transfer perfumes into more aesthetically pleasing containers, it's best to keep them in their original bottles, as these are designed to protect the fragrance from light exposure and air contact.
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Diet's impact on skin's natural scent
A person's diet can influence the natural scent of their skin and how perfume interacts with it. Consuming certain foods and beverages, such as spicy meals, garlic, onions, alcohol, and caffeine, can cause an individual to sweat more and produce stronger body odour. These compounds can seep through the pores and alter how a fragrance smells on the skin. For instance, perfumes may become more intense or sharp on individuals who frequently consume strong-flavoured foods. Similarly, a diet high in processed foods and sugar can make the natural scent of the skin slightly sour and affect how fragrances blend with the skin.
On the other hand, individuals who consume a significant amount of protein, especially red meat, may experience a slight shift in body odour due to metabolic byproducts. People on keto diets may also notice changes in their body odour, with perfumes smelling different or not lasting as long, possibly due to alterations in skin oils.
Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods tends to result in a lighter and fresher natural scent. This dietary preference makes perfumes with floral, citrus, and green notes smell particularly crisp and clean on the skin. Staying hydrated also helps perfumes cling to the skin, enhancing their scent and longevity.
In summary, dietary choices can influence skin chemistry and natural scent, thereby affecting how fragrances interact with the skin. While it is not necessary to drastically change one's diet for the sake of perfume, making conscious choices about food and fluid intake can help optimise the scent and longevity of perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it's recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as FCO (fractionated coconut oil) or jojoba oil, or by adding it to bath and body products like shampoo, lotion, or soap.
Apply perfume to areas exposed to the air, such as the neck, wrists, or inner elbows. You can also use an unscented moisturiser before applying to prevent your natural oils from breaking down the perfume faster.
Fragrances react with your skin's natural oils, pH, and temperature, creating a unique scent profile. This is why perfumes smell different on different people.
Store perfume in its original box at room temperature, as it is sensitive to environmental changes. Avoid exposing it to steam or ultraviolet rays, which can alter its freshness and colour.
