Alcohol is used as a solvent to dissolve and dilute the fragrance oils and other ingredients in the perfume, allowing them to be evenly distributed and easily applied to the skin. In addition to its functional properties, alcohol also has a mild, neutral scent that does not interfere with the fragrance of the perfume. Most perfumes contain between 70-90% alcohol by volume, depending on the specific formula and concentration of the fragrance.
Besides alcohol, there are a number of commonly used ingredients in perfumes that contribute to their scent and longevity. These often include:
Essential Oils: These are concentrated oils extracted from natural botanical sources, such as flowers, fruits, leaves, and wood. Essential oils are often used as top, middle, and base notes in perfumes to create a specific fragrance profile.
Aroma Chemicals: These are synthetic fragrance ingredients that are designed to mimic the scents of natural materials or create unique scent profiles. Aroma chemicals are often used to provide additional complexity and depth to a fragrance.
Fixatives: These are ingredients that help to stabilise and extend the longevity of the fragrance. They can be natural or synthetic and are often used in small amounts.
Common fixatives include musk, amber, and benzoin.
Diluents: These are ingredients used to dilute the fragrance oils and reduce the intensity of the scent. In addition to alcohol, other diluents can include water, glycerin, or propylene glycol.
Solvents: These are used to dissolve the fragrance oils and other ingredients in the perfume, allowing them to be evenly distributed. Besides alcohol, solvents can include ethyl acetate, isopropyl myristate, or diethyl phthalate
So now you know :)
