Colognes' Alcohol And Vodka: Which Is The Better Option?

Vodka or alcohol are both used as bases for cologne, but which is better? Vodka is usually around 40% alcohol and not a high enough proof for cologne or perfume as you are looking for 95%+ alcohol. Alcohol (ethanol) is used in perfumes to dilute a fragrance concentrate and create a sprayable consistency. It also helps the perfume disperse well on the skin and evaporate. There are different types of alcohol that can be used, but the most widely used and recommended variant is SD-40b, a specific grade denatured with tert-butyl alcohol.

Vodka is not suitable for perfume as it's mostly water

Vodka is not a suitable base for perfume as it is mostly water. Vodka is usually around 40% alcohol and not a high enough proof for perfumery—you need 95%+ alcohol. Vodka will be half water, and you may have trouble getting oils to blend fully.

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 and evaporate.

High-proof, food-grade ethanol is the easiest alcohol to obtain for perfume-making. Vodka or Everclear (a pure 190-proof alcoholic beverage) are often used in perfume-making because they are clear and don't have a "boozy" odor. However, as mentioned, vodka does not have a high enough alcohol content.

When choosing an alcohol for perfume-making, it is important to select one that is cosmetic-grade and not diluted. It should be 95%+ ethanol content. Everclear is a good option, with its strongest proof being 95% ethanol, and since it is food-grade, it is suitable for use in perfumery.

It is also important to note that not all alcohols are suitable for perfume-making. Denatured alcohol, for example, is made unfit for human consumption with the addition of poison or bad-tasting chemicals. While some denaturants are not harmful, it is best to avoid anything labelled solely as "denatured alcohol" as you risk the perfume becoming toxic. Instead, look for cosmetic-grade Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA), specifically the SD-40b variant.

Everclear is usable because it's 190 proof, which is pure ethanol

When it comes to creating fragrances, Everclear is a popular choice due to its high alcohol content. With 190 proof (95% ABV), it is effectively pure ethanol, making it ideal for perfume-making. Its neutral flavour profile and high purity set it apart from other options, such as vodka, which contains mostly water.

Everclear, produced by Luxco, is a well-known brand of rectified spirit, also known as grain alcohol or neutral spirit. It has been available since the 1920s and gained a “notorious reputation” due to its high alcohol content. While it is commonly used for college parties, it also has various applications beyond consumption. For instance, its high ethanol content makes it suitable for household cleaning, disinfecting, and as a stove fuel.

The key advantage of Everclear for fragrance creation is its purity. With a neutral flavour and aroma, it serves as an excellent base for infusing and extracting flavours to make tinctures and extracts. Its high alcohol content also means it can effectively project scents, enhancing their strength and longevity.

However, it is important to note that Everclear is not available for purchase in all regions. Due to its high alcohol content, the sale of the 190-proof variant is prohibited in some U.S. states, and Luxco offers a slightly lower-proof version in those areas. Additionally, Everclear cannot be purchased online or shipped directly to residential addresses, and its availability varies depending on state regulations.

Rubbing alcohol is not suitable for perfume as it contains a high percentage of water

When creating perfume, it is essential to use a type of alcohol that can act as an effective solvent, helping to create a sprayable consistency and aiding in the dispersion and evaporation of the fragrance on the skin. Rubbing alcohol's high water content can hinder its ability to dissolve raw materials and other ingredients used in perfume-making, leading to potential issues with the final product's consistency and fragrance projection.

Additionally, the presence of water can affect the scent's "lift" and may cause cloudiness in the fragrance due to the formation of a colloid. This interference can be particularly noticeable when creating alcoholic perfumes, which require a high concentration of ethanol (95% or higher) for effective dispersion and evaporation.

For these reasons, it is recommended to use cosmetic-grade alcohol specifically intended for perfumery, such as Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol (TSDA) or perfumer's alcohol, which are designed to meet the unique requirements of fragrance creation. These specialised types of alcohol ensure optimal performance and help create a high-quality perfume product.

High-proof, food-grade ethanol is the easiest alcohol to obtain for perfume-making

When it comes to creating fragrances, the type of alcohol used can significantly impact the quality and longevity of the scent. While vodka may be an option for those looking for a quick fix, it is not suitable for perfume-making as it contains mostly water. For a professional-grade fragrance, high-proof, food-grade ethanol is the best option. Here's why:

Firstly, high-proof food-grade ethanol, such as 190 or 200 proof, is easily accessible and safe to use. It does not contain the toxic denaturing agents found in specially denatured alcohol (SDA), which is typically used by perfume manufacturers. These denaturing agents, like tert-butyl alcohol, can be irritating to the skin and eyes. High-proof food-grade ethanol, on the other hand, is generally recognised as safe by the FDA and is also used in skincare products.

Secondly, ethanol is an excellent carrier for fragrance ingredients. Its high evaporation rate allows aromatic compounds to shine and ensures that your perfume dries quickly when applied to the skin, leaving behind a lasting scent. This is because alcohol serves as a diluent, enhancing and carrying the fragrance with it as it evaporates. Additionally, food-grade ethanol is a great solvent, seamlessly blending a wide range of aromatic compounds and essential oils, resulting in a well-mixed perfume.

Another benefit of using food-grade ethanol is its purity. Unlike other types of alcohol, it is free of additives and impurities that can alter or dilute the fragrance of your perfume. This means that your scent will be true to its intended aroma. Furthermore, ethanol acts as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of your fragrance creation.

Lastly, high-proof food-grade ethanol is versatile and can be used by both professionals and hobbyists. It is perfect for crafting exceptional scents, whether you're an artisan or simply exploring the world of perfumery as a passion.

In conclusion, high-proof, food-grade ethanol is the easiest alcohol to obtain for perfume-making. It is safe, effective, and provides a superior base for creating long-lasting and professionally-crafted fragrances. With its high evaporation rate, solubility, and purity, it is the ideal choice for anyone looking to create their own unique and captivating perfumes.

Methanol is toxic and should never be used in perfumes

Methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used in a variety of household and industrial products, including perfumes. However, due to its high toxicity, it should never be used in perfumes or any other products intended for human use.

Methanol toxicity can occur through ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation. The most common route of exposure is by accidentally or intentionally drinking liquids containing methanol, such as windshield washer fluid. It can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as fumes. The initial symptoms of methanol intoxication include central nervous system depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, and confusion. As little as 10 mL of pure methanol when ingested can cause permanent blindness by destroying the optic nerve. A dose of 15 mL is potentially fatal, although the median lethal dose is typically around 100 mL.

The toxicity of methanol is due to its metabolic products, primarily formic acid and formate, which are created when the body breaks down methanol. These by-products cause an accumulation of acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis), leading to serious adverse health effects such as blindness, kidney failure, and even death. The prognosis for methanol poisoning is poor, especially if the patient experiences coma or seizure along with severe metabolic acidosis.

While methanol has similar appearance and odor to ethanol (drinking alcohol), it is far more toxic and can be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using methanol in any products intended for human use, including perfumes. The use of methanol in perfumes or other cosmetic products poses a significant health risk and should be strictly prohibited.

To summarize, methanol is a highly toxic alcohol that should never be used in perfumes or any other products that come into contact with humans. Its metabolic by-products can lead to serious health issues, including blindness and death. Given the dangers associated with methanol exposure, it is essential to exercise caution and ensure that it is not included in any cosmetic or household products.

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