Seamus Hammond
Alcohol is a key ingredient in perfumes, often serving as the base for fragrances. The type of alcohol used in perfumery is typically ethanol, produced through the fermentation of grains, fruits, or sugarcane, followed by distillation. This process results in a high-concentration alcohol that is suitable for use in perfumes. However, ethanol has been associated with potential health risks, including skin dryness, irritation, and accelerated ageing. As a result, there has been a growing trend towards alcohol-free perfumes that utilize natural, renewable ingredients, offering a gentler and more sustainable alternative. When choosing an alcohol for perfume-making, it is important to select a suitable type, such as perfumer's alcohol or cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol, and avoid non-cosmetic or non-food-grade options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common types | Perfumer's Alcohol, SDA 40B, Everclear, Ethanol |
| Ethanol content | 95%+ |
| Proof | 190-200 |
| Other names | Ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol |
| Skin effects | Skin dryness, irritation, acceleration of ageing |
| Health effects | May disrupt the skin microbiome |
| Environmental effects | Contributes to environmental degradation, emission of greenhouse gases, depletion of natural resources, water pollution |
| Denaturing agents | Methanol, isopropyl alcohol, bittering agents |
| Water content | Typically not added, but some manufacturers add a couple of percent |
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What You'll Learn
Ethanol is the most common type of alcohol used in perfumes
In perfumes, ethanol serves as the primary base, often constituting the majority of the liquid in the bottle. It acts as a binding agent, bringing together essential oils and water to create a stable mixture. When sprayed, the ethanol evaporates, leaving only the scent of the essential oils behind. This property of ethanol is what gives perfumes their characteristic long-lasting scent and helps to preserve the product over time.
The ethanol used in perfumery is typically denatured, meaning it has been treated with substances like methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or bittering agents to make it unfit for consumption. Denaturing agents may impart a slight odour to the ethanol, which some perfumers dislike, but others find it allows the fragrance to shine through without an overpowering alcohol scent.
While ethanol is the most common choice, it is not the only alcohol used in perfumery. Some perfumers use grain alcohol, which is essentially ethanol derived from the fermentation of grains and plants. This type of alcohol is often chosen for its organic and sustainable qualities. However, the primary concern with grain alcohol is ensuring it is of high enough purity, with an ethanol content of 95% or more, to be suitable for perfumery.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards alcohol-free perfumes due to the potential health benefits associated with them. Ethanol-based perfumes can disrupt the skin's natural ecosystem, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Additionally, the production of ethanol contributes to environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. As a result, some companies are exploring alternative ingredients, such as natural antimicrobial agents, to extend the shelf life of perfumes without the use of alcohol.
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Vodka is not suitable for perfume-making
Another option for perfume-making is to use grain alcohol, which is ethanol obtained by the fermentation of grains and other plants. It should be noted that what matters for perfumery is that the alcohol is cosmetics grade and not diluted—it should be 95%+ ethanol content. One brand of extremely high-proof grain alcohol is Everclear, made in the USA. Their strongest proof, 190-proof, corresponds to 95% ethanol, and since it's food grade, it's suitable for use in perfumery.
It is important to avoid using rubbing alcohol for perfume-making, as it uses the chemical "isopropyl alcohol" instead of ethanol. Isopropyl alcohol is unsuitable for use in perfumes since it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. Additionally, you may encounter difficulties dissolving your raw materials in it. Moreover, rubbing alcohol contains added water, which can interfere with your perfumes.
While ethanol is commonly used in perfume-making, it is important to be aware of its potential negative side effects on skin and hair health. Ethanol has the propensity to strip the skin of its natural oils, accelerating ageing and causing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity in reactive individuals. Research indicates that alcohol in perfumes can disrupt the skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining skin health and resilience.
In summary, vodka is not suitable for perfume-making due to its low alcohol content, and there are several alternative options available for creating fragrances, each with its own advantages and considerations.
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Methanol is toxic and should never be used in perfumes
Perfumers use ethanol or grain alcohol as the primary base for perfumes. This is because ethanol is an effective preservative that helps to create a long-lasting scent. However, ethanol must be denatured to make it unsuitable for consumption, and this is often done by adding methanol. While methanol is sometimes added to ethanol to make it unfit for consumption, it should never be used on its own as a base for perfumes.
Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can be extremely dangerous to humans. It is a central nervous system depressant and can cause death, blindness, kidney failure, and metabolic acidosis. Even small amounts of methanol can be fatal, with a median lethal dose of 100 mL, and as little as 10 mL causing blindness. The toxicity of methanol is due to its metabolic products, which cause an accumulation of acid in the blood. Initial symptoms of methanol poisoning include drowsiness, confusion, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea.
The danger of using methanol in perfumes is heightened by the fact that it can be absorbed through the skin. This means that even if someone is not ingesting a perfume containing methanol, they can still be exposed to toxic levels of the substance. In addition, methanol has a similar appearance and odor to ethanol, so it may be difficult for someone to realize they have been exposed to methanol until symptoms appear.
The treatment for methanol poisoning includes the administration of ethanol or fomepizole as an antidote, as well as hemodialysis to remove methanol and formate from the blood. Early treatment is critical to a good outcome, and outbreaks of methanol ingestion have occurred due to contamination of drinking alcohol.
Given the extreme toxicity of methanol and the potential for serious health consequences, it is clear that methanol should never be used as an alcohol base in perfumes. There are safer alternatives available, such as ethanol or grain alcohol, which can effectively preserve the fragrance and create a long-lasting scent without posing a risk to human health.
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Everclear is a high-proof grain alcohol that can be used in perfumes
Perfumes are made using ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol. This is achieved by adding an ethyl group to the alcohol -OH. Ethanol is found in many everyday products, including alcoholic drinks, biofuel, and perfume.
Perfumers often rely on alcohol to create a long-lasting fragrance and preserve the product. However, ethanol can have negative side effects on skin and hair health, and may accelerate ageing. As such, some companies are now gravitating towards alcohol-free perfumes.
When making perfumes, it is important to use a type of alcohol that is suitable for the skin. Rubbing alcohol, for example, uses the chemical "isopropyl alcohol" and is unsuitable for use in perfumes as it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. Vodka is also not suitable for perfume-making as it is mostly water and not high enough proof.
Everclear is a brand of high-proof grain alcohol made in the USA. Its strongest proof is 190, which corresponds to 95% ethanol and is suitable for use in perfumery. This level of proof is considered high enough for perfumery, and while it is not used in the industry, it can be used by beginners.
Perfumers can also use perfumer's alcohol blends, which are sold in countries where a license is required to obtain TSDA, such as the UK. These blends are excellent for beginners.
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Some companies sell perfume-making kits with perfumer's alcohol
Perfumers alcohol is a popular choice for making perfumes at home. It is a blend of ethanol, denatured alcohol, and other substances such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or bittering agents, which make it unsuitable for consumption. This type of alcohol is often used as a base for perfumes and helps to carry the fragrance oils. It is designed to be used by both professionals and amateurs in the creation of perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, room sprays, and diffuser oils.
Perfumers alcohol is available from various suppliers and can be purchased online or in-store. Some companies, such as Tillbrook, offer perfume-making kits that include perfumers alcohol. These kits provide a convenient way for beginners to create their own fragrances at home. The kits typically include a bottle of perfumers alcohol, as well as other necessary tools and ingredients, such as spray bottles, pipettes, and essential oils.
The Tillbrook Perfumer's Alcohol kit, for example, offers a 16 fl oz bottle of perfume-grade alcohol that can be used to create up to 15 standard-sized bottles of perfume or cologne. The alcohol in this kit is sustainably sourced, with minimal alcohol scent, effective mixing properties, and a clear, professional-grade consistency. It is an ideal option for those seeking a cost-effective way to create their own fragrances at home without compromising on quality.
Another option for purchasing perfumers alcohol is through companies like Craftastik, which offer perfumers alcohol specifically designed for fragrance creation. Their product is a combination of alcohol denat, isopropyl myristate, and dipropylene glycol, creating a skin-friendly dilutant that keeps the solution clear and cloudless. Craftastik's perfumers alcohol can be used for both hobbyists and experienced home fragrance makers, offering versatility and a high-quality result.
When using perfumers alcohol to make perfume, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines. Typically, you would mix the perfumers alcohol with your chosen fragrance oil, stirring slowly and allowing the blend to stand undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. After this maturation period, distilled water can be added, and the mixture is then stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks to allow the perfume to develop further. Finally, the pure perfume is filtered through a coffee filter to remove any sediment, resulting in a clear and fragrant perfume.
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Frequently asked questions
The best alcohol to use for making perfume is perfumer's alcohol, specifically ethyl ethanol with a concentration of 90% or higher. SD-40b is a widely used and recommended variant.
Perfumer's alcohol is a blend of alcohol and additives that are used as a base for fragrances. It is often used as a substitute for Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA).
You should avoid using non-cosmetic or non-food grade denatured alcohol, especially methanol, which is toxic and can be absorbed by the skin. Rubbing alcohol is also unsuitable due to its strong smell and harshness on the skin. Vodka is another alcohol to avoid as it is not a high enough proof for perfumery.
