Aroma chemicals – Traditionally organic compounds extracted from nature but more recently synthetic derivatives are compounded or mixed together to form what is known as perfume oil. Simpler fragrances use less aroma chemicals and more complex fragrances use up to 150 different ingredients. Perfumers are highly skilled professionals with an advanced sense of smell who formulate ‘recipes’ for fragrances in much the same way as chefs would create dishes.

Perfume is made by mixing a perfume oil or perfume compound with a carrier – typically ethanol or alcohol. Concentrations vary from 3% – 25% of perfume oil and the higher the ratio of oil the more intense and long lasting the perfume will be.

Alcohol works by dissolving the perfume oil into a liquid and acts as a carrier of the fragrance. This allows the user to apply the perfume more liberally to the skin. Perfume on its own is very overpowering and therefore difficult to apply on its own. Once on the skin the alcohol evaporates leaving the perfume scent behind.

Ethyl alcohol with the least impurities is ideal. In the process of distilling alcohol other chemicals such as methanol are formed – These are not ideal in perfume making as their strong, foul odours interfere with the fragrance negatively.  We recommend using the purest ethanol available – Check and compare the certificate of analysis for impurities.

1. Alcohol is merely the carrier or solvent of perfume. Once perfume oil or perfume compound is mixed with alcohol it becomes a perfume spray. Fragrances are given different names depending on their concentration. Below is a guide to the naming protocol associated with perfume sprays:

• Eau de Cologne is between 2-5% Perfume oil.
• Eau de Toilette is between 4-10% Perfume oil
• Eau de Parfum is between 8-15% Perfume oil
• Perfume or Extrait is between 15-25% Perfume oil

A solvent is a liquid that has the ability to dissolve a solute into a solution. Perfume oil is the root ingredient of all perfumes and needs to be dissolved into solvent to form a liquid that is easily applied to the body. Alcohol is the ideal solvent for perfume oil as it evaporates quickly once applied and has little negative impact on the smell of the perfume.