Lance Carson
The percentage on a perfume bottle, such as 87 vol, indicates the amount of alcohol in the fragrance. This is usually a high percentage, with even the lightest colognes containing around 80% alcohol. The percentage does not refer to the ratio of alcohol to oil but to the concentration of alcohol itself. This alcohol is often diluted with water, and the remaining portion comprises the actual perfume blend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | 87% volume of ethanol/alcohol |
| Calculation | For every 100 mL of perfume, 87 mL (87%) of it is ethanol |
| Concentration | Indicates the amount of alcohol the fragrance contains |
| Comparison | Higher the concentration, lower the alcohol content |
| Dilution | Alcohol is diluted with a dilutant or distilled water |
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What You'll Learn
87 vol indicates the amount of alcohol in the perfume
The number 87 on a perfume bottle, followed by the abbreviation "vol," indicates the percentage of alcohol in the fragrance. This is a crucial factor in determining how long the scent will last and how potent it is when applied. The higher the alcohol content, the stronger the projection of the fragrance, and the longer it will linger in the air and on the skin. Typically, perfumes contain a high volume of alcohol, which is why the scent is so potent and why the liquid evaporates quickly when applied to the skin. This high alcohol content also ensures that the fragrance is evenly distributed across the skin, providing a consistent and long-lasting aroma.
In the case of 87 vol, it indicates that the perfume contains 87% alcohol. This is a fairly standard concentration for perfumes, and it strikes a balance between longevity and the potential for skin irritation. A higher alcohol content can lead to faster evaporation, requiring more frequent reapplication, while a lower concentration may not project the scent as effectively. This concentration of alcohol is also a key factor in the perfume's ability to blend and diffuse the various fragrance notes. The alcohol acts as a carrier for the perfume compounds, ensuring that the top, middle, and base notes are released at the right moments and in the correct proportions.
The remaining percentage in the perfume consists of fragrance oils and other solvents. These oils are what provide the unique scent to the perfume and are often a carefully guarded secret of the perfumer or brand. The fragrance oils are typically a blend of natural and synthetic compounds, each contributing to the overall aroma and character of the perfume. The other solvents ensure that the alcohol and oils mix properly and may also help to stabilize the liquid, preventing separation or degradation over time.
It is worth noting that the alcohol used in perfumes is not the same as that found in beverages. Perfumes use a denatured form of alcohol, which is made unfit for human consumption but is completely safe for external use. This type of alcohol is also found in cosmetics and skincare products. The process of denaturing involves adding substances to pure ethanol to make it undesirable for drinking. These additives can include bitterants to make it unpalatable, as well as chemicals that can cause nausea and headaches if ingested.
The concentration of 87% alcohol in a perfume is a common and effective choice for many fragrances. It provides a good balance between the strength of the scent and the potential for skin irritation. However, it is important to remember that the effects of perfume can vary from person to person, and some individuals may find certain perfumes with high alcohol content irritating or allergenic. Therefore, it is always advisable to perform a patch test when trying a new perfume, especially one with a high alcohol content, to ensure it suits your skin.
In summary, the 87 vol marking on a perfume bottle indicates a significant alcohol content, which plays a vital role in carrying and projecting the fragrance. This concentration is common and offers a balanced performance, ensuring the scent is noticeable and long-lasting without being overwhelming. Understanding the meaning of 87 vol can help consumers make informed choices, especially if they have sensitive skin or prefer a more subtle fragrance.
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The higher the alcohol percentage, the less perfume oil
The percentage volume on a perfume bottle indicates the amount of alcohol the fragrance contains. For instance, a volume of 87% indicates that the perfume contains 87% alcohol.
Perfumes with a higher alcohol content will have a lower concentration of perfume oil. This is because perfumes usually contain more alcohol than oil, with alcohol acting as a carrier for the oil, which is the actual fragrance. The higher the alcohol content, the more projection, and the larger the scent bubble and sillage. This is because the alcohol evaporates off the skin, carrying the scent with it.
However, a higher alcohol content does not necessarily indicate a better perfume. While it may increase projection, the perfume oil is the scent, and so a higher concentration of oil will create a more intense fragrance. Alcohol is also volatile, and so perfumes with a higher alcohol content will not last as long on the wearer or in terms of shelf life.
In addition, the quality of the perfume alcohol matters. Some companies may use cheaper ingredients to water down their fragrances. However, some ingredients, such as vegetable glycerin, can be added to hold the oils together and slow down evaporation.
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The alcohol percentage affects the longevity of the scent
The "87 vol" on a perfume bottle refers to the amount of alcohol in the fragrance. In this case, it indicates that the perfume contains 87% alcohol by volume. The alcohol percentage in a perfume is important as it affects the longevity and strength of the scent.
Alcohol is a key ingredient in perfumes as it allows the fragrance to project and carry the scent. It does this by evaporating off your skin, carrying the scent molecules with it. The higher the alcohol content, the more scent is carried and the larger the scent bubble and sillage. This is why perfumes with higher alcohol content, like eau de toilettes, are often longer-lasting. The alcohol also affects how heavy or light the fragrance feels on the skin.
However, it is important to note that the concentration of the perfume oil or essence also plays a significant role in the longevity of the scent. The more concentrated the perfume, the lower the alcohol content, and the higher the raw materials (oils, essences, etc.). Perfumes with higher concentrations of oil tend to stick to the skin more, increasing longevity but decreasing projection. This is why parfum or perfume extracts have a smaller scent bubble but last longer.
Additionally, the type of alcohol used can impact the longevity of the scent. For example, ethanol, a common alcohol used in perfumes, is very volatile and keeps for less time both in terms of shelf life and longevity on the wearer. This is why perfume extracts are typically sold in smaller bottles, as only a small amount is needed for the fragrance to last.
The presence of other ingredients in the perfume, such as water, preservatives, or other additives, can also affect the overall longevity and projection of the scent. These ingredients can dilute the alcohol and impact how it interacts with the fragrance compounds. Therefore, the alcohol percentage is just one factor that influences the strength and duration of a perfume.
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87% alcohol is achieved through dilution
The '87 vol' on a perfume bottle indicates the amount of alcohol the fragrance contains, with the remaining volume made up of perfume oil, water, preservatives, and other ingredients.
Achieving 87% alcohol through dilution involves a process of carefully mixing a strong spirit (such as 91% isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol) with a weaker spirit or water. The target alcohol percentage can be reached by performing calculations using the formula C1 * V1 = C2 * V2, where C represents concentration and V represents volume.
For example, to dilute 91% isopropanol down to 87% alcohol, you would need to perform the following steps:
- Subtract the target concentration from the initial concentration: 91% - 87% = 4%.
- Multiply the result by the volume of the strong spirit: 4% x 3L = 0.12L.
- Finally, divide this result by the target concentration: 0.12L / 87% = 0.14L.
This calculation tells you that you need to add 0.14L of water to dilute the 3L of 91% isopropanol to 87% alcohol.
It's important to note that when mixing alcohol and water, the total volume of the solution may shrink due to a process called alcohol contraction, where alcohol molecules fit neatly between water molecules. This contraction is usually not very large, but it's something to keep in mind when diluting alcohol.
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The remaining portion after dilution comprises the perfume blend
The percentage on a perfume bottle, such as 87 vol, indicates the amount of alcohol in the fragrance. The higher the percentage, the higher the alcohol content and the lower the concentration of the perfume blend.
The remaining portion after dilution, therefore, comprises the perfume blend, which can include essential oils, absolutes, resins, and other materials. Diluting these materials before blending makes them easier to work with, especially when dealing with small amounts or expensive ingredients.
One common solvent used for dilution in the fragrance industry is Di Propylene Glycol (DPG), which can be used in a wider range of bases compared to perfumers' alcohol. Benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol are also used in fragrance compounds to aid the blending of challenging materials, although these restrict their use for natural perfumers.
The dilution process can impact the final concentration of the perfume, and it is important to consider the strength and character of the individual materials. For example, one drop of citrus may have a very different effect compared to one drop of a resinous material. Diluting all materials at the same percentage can help in understanding their individual properties before final formulation.
Additionally, the dilution of perfumes can affect the release of the fragrance. Studies have shown that micelle size and shape are influenced by perfume content and dilution, which in turn can impact the fragrance delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
87 vol means 87% volume. It indicates the amount of alcohol in the fragrance.
The remaining 13% is made up of the perfume blend, which can include fragrance oil, preservatives, and water.
A higher percentage of alcohol does not necessarily mean that the fragrance is better. The more concentrated the perfume, the lower the alcohol content. Alcohol is volatile and keeps for less time, so a higher concentration of alcohol may reduce the longevity of the scent.
