Lance Carson
Alcoholic perfumes are made by diluting a fragrance concentrate with ethanol. The ethanol acts as a solvent, creating a sprayable consistency and helping the perfume disperse well on the skin. When making an alcoholic perfume, it is important to add some alcohol to the final product. The type of alcohol used is crucial, with most perfumes made using a specific type of denatured alcohol called cosmetic-grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA). To avoid toxicity, it is important to avoid using denatured alcohol containing poisons or harmful chemicals. When adding alcohol to perfume oils, it is recommended to maintain a ratio of 70% alcohol to 30% perfume oil to ensure the mixture sprays effectively. This combination results in the same scent profile with improved projection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of adding alcohol to perfume oils | To make the perfume sprayable |
| Type of alcohol to use | Perfumer's alcohol, ideally SD-40b (a specific grade denatured with tert-butyl alcohol) |
| Ratio of perfume oil to alcohol | 25% perfume oil to 75% alcohol; a 30% oil and 70% alcohol blend may be too thick and viscous to spray |
| Adding water | Optional; a few % of water can make the perfume less harsh on the skin but may cloud the fragrance; if added, must be deionised or distilled |
| Carrier oils | Do not alter the scent of the fragrance oil; provide longevity and skin protection |
| Glycerin | Acts as a natural fixative; makes the scent last longer |
| Legal requirements | In the US, if ordering more than 5 gallons of perfumer's alcohol per year, a permit must be filed with the Tax & Trade Bureau |
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What You'll Learn
The right type of alcohol to use
When making alcoholic perfumes, it is important to add alcohol to your final product. The type of alcohol used is crucial, as some forms are unsuitable or even toxic.
The most widely recommended type of alcohol for perfumes is SD-40b, a specific grade of denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol has been made unfit for human consumption, often with the addition of chemicals. While some denatured alcohols may contain poisons, SD-40b is a cosmetic-grade alcohol specifically intended for use in cosmetics. It is often sold as \"perfumer's alcohol\" and can be used as a base for perfumes.
Another option is 190-proof grain alcohol, which can be obtained from the fermentation of grains and other plants. It may also be labelled as \"organic\" if the source material was grown organically. If you are based in the United States, 190-proof Everclear is considered the best option for homemade perfumes, although it is illegal in many states.
It is important to avoid using certain types of alcohol in perfumes. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in rubbing alcohol, is unsuitable due to its strong smell and harshness on the skin. Additionally, methanol is toxic and readily absorbed by the skin, so it should never be used in perfumes.
Some people add a small amount of water to their perfumes to make them less harsh on the skin. If you choose to do this, be sure to use deionised or distilled water, as regular tap water can cause cloudiness in the fragrance.
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The ideal oil-to-alcohol ratio
It is important to note that the type of alcohol used is crucial. The most commonly used and recommended variant is SD-40b, a specific grade of denatured alcohol. This type of alcohol is made specifically for use in cosmetic products and is safe for the skin. Other types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, can be harsh on the skin and interfere with the raw materials in the perfume.
Some people also add a small amount of water (a few percent) to their perfumes. This can make the perfume less harsh on the skin and help the 'lift' of the scent. However, it is important to use deionised or distilled water, as regular tap water can cloud the fragrance.
When mixing oils and alcohols, it is essential to start with small batches and experiment until the desired result is achieved. It is also crucial to ensure that all materials and work surfaces are clean to avoid contamination.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some oils may not be compatible with atomizer bottles, as they can cause clogging. Therefore, it is important to research the specific oils and alcohols being used and their compatibility before proceeding with mixing.
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Whether to add water
Whether or not to add water to perfume oils is a matter of debate. Some sources claim that adding a small amount of water, only a couple of per cent, can make the perfume less harsh on the skin and help the 'lift' of the scent. However, it is also argued that adding water can risk clouding the fragrance due to the formation of a colloid. If you do decide to add water, it must be 'deionised' or 'distilled' water, as regular tap water will not work.
It is important to note that some types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, already contain added water, which can interfere with the perfume. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using rubbing alcohol for perfumery.
Additionally, some people choose to use vodka, which is a type of alcohol, to mix with essential oils and distilled water. However, one source expressed dissatisfaction with the results, as there was still an alcohol smell present in the mixture.
Ultimately, the decision to add water or not is a personal choice. While some perfume manufacturers choose to add a small amount of distilled or deionised water to their perfumes, others, like Lux & Terra, do not. It is worth experimenting with different techniques and ingredients to find the combination that works best for your specific needs and preferences.
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The dangers of using the wrong alcohol
When it comes to creating perfumes, using the wrong type of alcohol can have several negative consequences. It is important to understand the dangers associated with the use of inappropriate alcohol to ensure the safety of the final product. Here are some key points to consider:
The most common type of alcohol used in perfumes is ethanol, which helps create a sprayable consistency and aids in the dispersion and evaporation of the fragrance. However, using the wrong type of alcohol, such as methanol, can be extremely harmful. Methanol is toxic and readily absorbed by the skin, making it unsuitable for use in perfumes. It poses a serious health risk and should be strictly avoided.
Another type of alcohol to avoid is "denatured alcohol." Denatured alcohol is made unfit for human consumption by adding poisons or unpleasant-tasting chemicals. While not all denaturants are harmful, using a product labelled solely as "denatured alcohol" is risky. It may contain poisons that can make your perfume toxic. The exception is cosmetic grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA), specifically designed for use in cosmetic products.
Rubbing alcohol is another type of alcohol that should never be used in perfumery. It contains isopropyl alcohol instead of ethanol and has a strong smell. It can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation. Additionally, you may encounter difficulties in dissolving your raw materials in rubbing alcohol due to its chemical composition.
When selecting alcohol for perfume-making, it is crucial to choose cosmetic or food-grade alcohol with a high ethanol content (95% or higher). Using low-proof alcohol, such as vodka, will not yield satisfactory results. Instead, opt for grain alcohol or Everclear, a high-proof grain alcohol produced in the United States with 95% ethanol content, suitable for perfumery.
In conclusion, using the wrong alcohol in perfume-making can lead to potential health risks, skin irritation, and an ineffective final product. It is essential to carefully select the appropriate type of alcohol, ensuring it is fit for cosmetic use and has the necessary approvals and certifications.
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How to obtain perfumer's alcohol
Perfumer's alcohol is a blend of alcohol and additives used as a base for perfumes. It is an excellent carrier for essential oils and fragrance notes to produce aromatic perfumes. The carrier you use will influence how long a perfume lasts and how far the scent travels. An alcohol carrier will carry the scent further because the alcohol evaporates and takes some of the fragrance with it.
Perfumer's alcohol is ethanol, which is different from isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin, so it is not suitable for perfumery. Grain alcohol is ethanol obtained by the fermentation of grains and other plants. Everclear is a brand of high-proof grain alcohol made in the USA. Its strongest proof, 190-proof, corresponds to 95% ethanol, and since it's food grade, it's suitable for use in perfumery.
If you are unable to obtain Everclear, you can try other options. If you live in Britain, Balkan 88% alcohol vodka can be used as it is quad-filtered and has no taste or smell. You can also try sourcing 200-proof ethyl alcohol like Culinary Solvent, which is allowed in many states that disallow Everclear 190-proof for sale. However, be cautious when buying perfumer's alcohol online or from hardware stores, as some products contain toxic additives.
Some brands sell proprietary Perfumer's Alcohol blends in countries where you need a license to obtain pure ethanol, such as the UK. You can also use SD-40b or another cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
A ratio of 70% alcohol to 30% perfume oil is commonly used. However, some people have achieved success with a 60/40 ratio. It is important not to exceed 25% perfume oil, as the final perfume may not spray properly beyond this concentration.
It is recommended to use cosmetic grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA), with the most widely used variant being SD-40b. Perfumer's Alcohol can also be used, but it is important to ensure it is purchased from a trusted manufacturer. If obtaining alcohol specifically made for perfumery is too difficult, 190 proof Everclear can be used.
Yes, some people add a small amount of water (around 10%) to make the perfume less harsh on the skin and help the 'lift' of the scent. However, adding water may cloud the fragrance. If you choose to add water, it must be deionised or distilled, as regular tap water will not work.
