Heidi Norton
Diluting perfume with alcohol is a great way to create a unique scent or reduce the intensity of a fragrance. When diluting perfume, it is important to use perfumer's alcohol, which is specifically formulated for this purpose. This type of alcohol has a quick evaporation rate, effectively carrying the fragrance without altering the scent. It is crucial to choose pure, undenatured ethanol to avoid potential skin irritation. The process of dilution involves adding base notes, such as essential oils, to the perfumer's alcohol, followed by top notes to achieve the desired fragrance strength. The diluted perfume should then be stored in a cool, dark place for optimal maturation. While alcohol is a popular choice for dilution, other options like Di Propylene Glycol and natural oils are also available, each offering unique characteristics to the final scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of diluting perfume | To make it easier to work with, to reduce wastage, to make it easier to smell, to act as a preservative, to make it sprayable, to reduce skin irritation and allergies, and to increase the range of the scent. |
| Type of alcohol | Perfumer's alcohol, SD-40b (cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol), grain alcohol, 190-proof ethyl alcohol, vodka, or fractionated coconut oil. |
| Notes on alcohol type | - Alcohol should be cosmetics grade and not diluted (95%+ ethanol content). |
- Never use rubbing alcohol or methanol as they are toxic and can irritate the skin.
- Denatured alcohol should only be used if it is cosmetic grade TSDA.
- If using water, it must be deionized or distilled. | | Ratios | Common ratios of perfume to alcohol are 15% to 30%, 8% to 15%, 4% to 8%, 3% to 5%, and 1% to 3%. A 50-50 ratio can also be used, but it is important to produce a small amount of this mix to allow for adjustments. |
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What You'll Learn
The best type of alcohol to use
The type of alcohol used in perfume dilution is important. The most commonly used solvent/carrier in perfumery is 190-proof ethyl alcohol, also known as perfumer's alcohol. This type of alcohol is typically used to fully dilute ingredients and functions as a preservative. It also allows the perfume to be sprayed and helps to lift the fragrance.
Perfumer's alcohol is essentially ethyl alcohol that has been denatured, meaning something has been added to make it unfit for human consumption. While denatured alcohol is used in most perfumes, it is important to note that not all denatured alcohols are suitable for perfumery. The specific type of denatured alcohol used in perfumes is cosmetic-grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA). The most widely used and recommended variant is SD-40b, a specific grade denatured with tert-butyl alcohol.
It is important to avoid using certain types of alcohol for perfume dilution. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in rubbing alcohol, is unsuitable due to its strong smell, harshness on the skin, and difficulty in dissolving raw materials. Methanol is another alcohol that should be avoided, as it is extremely toxic and readily absorbed by the skin.
Some perfumers may choose to add a small amount of water to their perfumes to make them less harsh on the skin and improve the 'lift' of the scent. However, adding water can cloud the fragrance, and it must be deionised or distilled water.
For those seeking a natural option, it is possible to obtain a permit for un-denatured alcohol and dilute it with distilled water or fractionated coconut oil. However, this may impact the shelf life of the perfume and require the addition of a preservative.
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How to dilute perfume with alcohol
Diluting perfume with alcohol is a common practice, but it's important to choose the right type of alcohol and to use the correct ratios to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dilute perfume with alcohol:
Choose the Right Alcohol
The most common type of alcohol used in perfumery is 190-proof ethyl alcohol, also known as perfumer's alcohol. This alcohol has been denatured, meaning something has been added to make it unfit for human consumption. While denatured alcohol is generally safe for topical use, it's important to avoid using 'denatured alcohol' labelled products as they may contain harmful toxins. Instead, look for cosmetic-grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA), specifically SD-40b, which is widely used and recommended. If you cannot obtain TSDA, you can use perfumer's alcohol from a trusted manufacturer. Alternatively, you can use 190-proof Everclear or grain alcohol, which is ethanol derived from grains and plants and can be organic. Ensure that the alcohol you choose is not diluted and has an ethanol content of 95% or above. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) as it has a strong smell, is harsh on the skin, and may interfere with dissolving raw materials.
Prepare Your Workstation
Before beginning the dilution process, gather your materials and create a clean and organised workspace. You will need a small decanter or container for mixing, as well as a measuring tool, such as a dropper or a scale that measures in grams. Ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated, as the fumes from the alcohol can be strong.
Calculate the Ratio
The ratio of alcohol to perfume will depend on the concentration you wish to achieve. A common starting point is a 50-50 ratio of alcohol to perfume. However, you may need to adjust this depending on the desired strength and sillage (the trail of scent left by the perfume). For example, an eau de parfum may have a higher concentration of perfume, ranging from 8% to 15%, while an eau de toilette may have a lower concentration, ranging from 4% to 8%. You can use online calculators or dilution charts to determine the appropriate ratio for your desired concentration.
Mix the Perfume and Alcohol
Once you have determined the ratio, carefully measure out the desired amount of perfume and alcohol. Combine them in your decanter or container and mix thoroughly. It is important to start with small batches to avoid wasting ingredients. You can always scale up once you have achieved the desired concentration and scent profile.
Test and Adjust
After mixing, test your diluted perfume by applying a small amount to your skin or a tissue. Assess the strength and scent projection. If needed, adjust the ratio by adding more perfume or alcohol to achieve the desired effect. Remember that with alcohol-based perfumes, a little goes a long way, so you may need less than you think.
Storage and Usage
Once you are happy with your dilution, store your perfume in a cool, dark place, and ensure it is labelled clearly. Alcohol-based perfumes typically have a shorter longevity than oil-based perfumes, but they carry the scent further as the alcohol evaporates. When applying, remember that a small amount will radiate outward, enveloping you in a cloud of scent.
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Why you shouldn't use rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, which contains the chemical isopropyl alcohol, is not a suitable choice for perfume dilution. Here are several reasons why:
Firstly, isopropyl alcohol has an unpleasant and strong smell, which can be harsh on the skin. This can interfere with the scent of the perfume and create an undesirable sensory experience. Even after evaporation, the initial harsh scent may linger, resulting in an unpleasant fragrance.
Secondly, the high percentage of water in rubbing alcohol can pose issues. Water can negatively impact the performance and stability of the perfume. It may also hinder the dissolution of raw materials and fragrance oils, which are often diluted in an oil base, such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or safflower oil. These oils will not be able to dissolve in any form of alcohol, including rubbing alcohol, affecting the overall consistency and effectiveness of the perfume.
Additionally, it is important to prioritize the safety of the final product. Rubbing alcohol may contain added toxins or chemicals that are unfit for human consumption or skin contact. Using such alcohol may inadvertently introduce harmful substances into your perfume, potentially causing irritation or other adverse reactions.
Furthermore, the use of rubbing alcohol can limit your options for additional ingredients. Some countries have regulations that restrict the maximum allowable percentage of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in perfume products. Using rubbing alcohol as your base may constrain your ability to incorporate certain desired ingredients while adhering to legal requirements.
Lastly, the functionality and effectiveness of your perfume may be compromised. Rubbing alcohol may not adequately project or carry the scent of the perfume. Its ability to lift and radiate the fragrance outward may be inferior to that of specific perfumer's alcohols, resulting in a weaker and less desirable perfume.
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How to dilute without alcohol
Diluting perfume without alcohol is possible, but it is important to note that the most common solvent/carrier used in perfumery is alcohol, specifically 190-proof ethyl alcohol, also known as perfumer's alcohol. Alcohol is effective because it acts as a "'lifter'" to the scent and helps the material to evaporate, allowing for a fuller profile of the scent.
If you are looking to dilute perfume without alcohol, one option is to use a carrier oil. Carrier oils are suitable for aromatherapy and massage but are less ideal for perfumery unless you are creating an oil-based fragrance. This is because carrier oils do not aid evaporation, which can impact the scent profile of the perfume. Examples of carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and isopropyl myristate.
Another option for diluting perfume without alcohol is to use Di Propylene Glycol (DPG), a solvent commonly used in the fragrance industry to dilute otherwise insoluble materials. DPG is more versatile than perfumer's alcohol because it can be used in bases other than alcoholic fragrances, such as creams, detergents, candles, and soaps.
Additionally, if you are diluting a perfume that is too strong, you can try spraying it onto a cotton pad or tissue paper and then using that to dab it onto your skin or clothing. This will help to reduce the intensity of the scent.
Finally, if you are creating a fragrance blend with natural ingredients and do not want to use alcohol or other solvents, you can compound your fragrance neat. This involves starting with the more robust materials that need to be heated and then adding the rest in order of volatility once you have removed it from the heat.
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How to calculate the correct dilution ratio
Diluting perfume requires a carrier, such as alcohol or oil, to dilute the fragrance. The type of carrier used influences the length of time a perfume lasts and the range at which others can smell it. Alcohol-based perfumes, for example, carry the scent further because the alcohol evaporates and radiate the scent outward. On the other hand, oil-based perfumes are moisturising and stick to the skin longer, resulting in a longer-lasting scent.
When diluting perfume, it is important to use the correct type of alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, for example, is not suitable for perfumery because it contains isopropyl alcohol, which has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. It also contains added water, which can interfere with the perfume. Instead, perfumers' alcohol, which is ethanol-based, is commonly used. This alcohol is denatured, meaning something has been added to make it unfit for consumption. Perfumers' alcohol is also good for evaluating the odour profile of materials when training your nose.
When calculating the correct dilution ratio, perfumers often dilute their materials to 20%, 10%, or sometimes even 1% or 0.5% before adding them to a blend. This can be done using a weight/weight dilution calculator. The dilution ratio depends on the type of perfume being made. For example, an extrait perfume typically has a fragrance concentration of 15% to 30%, while an eau de parfum has a concentration of 8% to 15%. It is important to keep the units of measurement consistent when calculating dilutions, as they can be made in drops, ml, or grams.
In addition to alcohol, Di Propylene Glycol (DPG) is a common odourless solvent used to dilute perfumes. It is completely soluble in water, alcohol, and some oils, and it has fixative properties. However, DPG is not suitable for natural perfumery as it is derived from petrochemicals. Benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol are other options for diluting perfumes, but they are restricted for use in natural perfumery as they are aromachemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumers alcohol is ideal for diluting perfume as it is formulated specifically for making perfumes. It evaporates quickly, carrying the fragrance without altering the scent profile. Make sure to use pure, undenatured ethanol.
For a standard mixture, use about 10-30% of essential oil or fragrance oil in total. For example, add 10 drops of top notes to 30 ml of perfumer's alcohol. If you are using fragrance oil, you can start with a ratio of 3ml of fragrance to 30ml of perfumer's alcohol.
Alcohol lifts a fragrance. As the alcohol evaporates, the scent will radiate outward. Alcohol is also a good preservative and is necessary if you want to be able to spray your perfume.
Alcohol dries out the skin. Oil-based perfumes are moisturizing and have a longer-lasting scent.
