Which ALCOHOL do PERFUMERS use?

Summary

This video explains the different types of alcohol used in perfumery, focusing on ethanol as the primary ingredient. It highlights the importance of using cosmetics-grade denatured alcohol (SD40B) or perfumer's alcohol for safe and effective perfume-making. The video also warns against using substances like vodka, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, and methanol due to their detrimental effects. Additionally, it briefly discusses adding water to perfumes, recommending distilled or deionized water in small amounts. This comprehensive guide helps beginners understand which alcohols are best suited for creating perfumes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alcohol in perfumery refers to ethanol, which is used to dissolve fragrant raw materials.
• 😀 Denatured alcohol is alcohol made undrinkable by adding chemicals, and some types are safe for use in perfumery (e.g., SD40B).
• 😀 Always avoid using vodka in perfumes because it contains too much water (about 60%) and lacks the required alcohol concentration.
• 😀 Witch hazel contains too little alcohol and has additional ingredients that are unsuitable for perfumes.
• 😀 Never use methanol in perfumes, as it's highly toxic and easily absorbed through the skin.
• 😀 Grain alcohol is a form of ethanol, and it’s fine to use in perfumery as long as it’s not denatured with harmful chemicals.
• 😀 Everclear, a high-proof grain alcohol, is safe to use in perfumery (190 proof/95% ethanol).
• 😀 Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) should never be used in perfumes due to its harsh effects on the skin and unpleasant smell.
• 😀 Water can be added to perfumes, but only in small amounts (1-2%) using distilled or deionized water to avoid affecting the fragrance.
• 😀 For best results, use cosmetics grade denatured alcohol or trusted perfumer’s alcohol for crafting perfumes.

Q & A

What is ethanol, and why is it important in perfumery?

Ethanol is a specific type of alcohol, chemically defined as an alcohol where an OH group is attached to an ethyl group. In perfumery, ethanol is the primary alcohol used because it effectively dissolves fragrance materials, helps the fragrance evaporate at the right rate, and is safe for cosmetic use.

What makes denatured alcohol unsafe for use in perfume?

Denatured alcohol is made unfit for human consumption by adding toxic or unpleasant chemicals. Some types of denatured alcohol can be harmful, so it's important to use only cosmetics-grade denatured alcohol, such as TSDA, which contains non-toxic denaturants like tert-butyl alcohol.

What is the difference between ethanol and isopropyl alcohol?

Ethanol (the type of alcohol used in perfumery) and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) are chemically different. Isopropyl alcohol can irritate the skin and has a strong odor, making it unsuitable for use in perfumes.

Can I use vodka to make perfume?

No, vodka is not ideal for making perfume. It only contains about 40% ethanol, meaning it has too much water, which can interfere with the fragrance and performance of the perfume.

What is the role of water in perfume-making?

Adding a small amount of distilled or deionized water (1-2%) to perfume can improve the feel on the skin and possibly affect the scent diffusion. However, it's a subjective choice and should be used sparingly to avoid affecting the perfume’s composition.

Why should I avoid using witch hazel in perfumes?

Witch hazel contains only 10-20% alcohol, which is insufficient for perfumery. It also contains other compounds that can affect the fragrance and overall quality of the perfume.

What is Everclear, and can I use it in perfumes?

Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol that contains 95% ethanol (190 proof), which is suitable for use in perfumes. It is food-grade, making it safe for cosmetic use and a good alternative to cosmetics-grade denatured alcohol if it's unavailable.

What is the recommended alcohol concentration for perfumery?

The recommended alcohol concentration for perfume-making is at least 95% ethanol. This high concentration ensures that the fragrance oils are properly dissolved and that the perfume will have the desired evaporation and diffusion qualities.

What is the difference between TSDA and regular denatured alcohol?

TSDA (Trade Specific Denatured Alcohol) is a specific type of denatured alcohol that is safe for use in cosmetics. It is denatured using non-toxic agents like tert-butyl alcohol, unlike regular denatured alcohol, which may contain harmful chemicals.

Can methanol ever be used in perfumes?

No, methanol is highly toxic and should never be used in perfumes. It is easily absorbed through the skin and can be dangerous even in small amounts. Always avoid methanol when making perfume.