The Sobering Truth Behind Alcohol-Based Beauty
Edited Ethanol
What’s used in fragrance products like perfume, cologne, and body mist typically contains denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. Denaturants are substances added to render it unsuitable or unfit for human consumption. Why? To deter people from ingesting it. Denaturing is commonly applied to alcohol, exempting it from certain taxes and regulations for beverage alcohol.
What Is Denatured Alcohol?
In the context of denatured alcohol, denaturants are chemicals deliberately mixed with ethanol to make it toxic or unpalatable. Common denaturants include methanol (methyl alcohol), isopropanol, denatonium benzoate, and other chemicals that may impart a foul taste and strong odor or induce nausea if ingested.
Alcohol in Perfume
Alcohol-based formulations often provide an intense and longer-lasting fragrance that can project a scent from a distance. The fragrance lingers but can become unpredictable when layering other scented products without overpowering your vessel. It often contains a higher concentration of alcohol than the scent itself. Although fast-drying, sensitive skin types may experience dry skin and irritation. Alcohol-based perfume is ideal for traditionalists who appreciate the characteristics of these formulations.
Benefits of Alcohol-Free Products
Water and oil-based perfumes offer gentler formulations suitable for sensitive skin or those prone to irritation. Without alcohol, we can formulate blends that include skin-nourishing ingredients that hydrate and moisturize, plus the synergy and freedom to layer scent with other products.
Oil-Based Products
Instead of alcohol or water, oil-based perfume uses a carrier oil and fragrance. They’re more concentrated than their alcohol-based counterparts and don’t immediately vaporize once applied to the skin. Oil-based products have an extended duration and a longer-lasting effect that’s rich and intense on the skin.
Benefits
concentrated, compared to water and alcohol-based products
longer-lasting scent on the skin
moisturizing additions suitable for dry skin and other benefits to your vessel
easy layering with other products with the ability to personalize the final scent
less irritating to the skin, suitable for sensitive vessels
develops more stable fragrance notes, evolving gradually over time
Considerations
absorption time into the skin can vary with non-comedogenic ingredients compared to alcohol-based
texture can vary with non-comedogenic ingredients
Water-Based Products
Water-based products offer an alternative to traditional perfumes formulated with other ingredients like preservatives and emulsifiers. Its fragrance is lightweight and provides a refreshing feel on the skin, preferred by those who want a subtle scent. In most uses, water-based products are ideal for room spray, face mists, and body spray.
Benefits
hydrating and quickly absorbed by the skin, leaves no residue
compatible for use with other scented products
gentle on the skin, suitable for a wide range of vessels
water is a natural and renewable resource
Considerations
shorter duration compared to alcohol-based products
packaging may require components for contamination prevention and stability
preservatives required to prevent microbial growth, especially for botanical and natural formulations
limited, not all fragrance compounds are compatible with water-based formulations
When it comes to fragrance, all vessels are different. We formulate alcohol-free perfume that’s either oil or water-based, depending on the product function. Helpful additions that boost your vessel set us apart from other perfume makers, opting for blends that elevate you, your surroundings, and the mind.
