Why is alcohol used in perfume

When one thinks of alcohol, one immediately imagines a clinical and sterile environment like a hospital, and the strong anti-bacterial scent that alcohol brings with it. Immediately one cannot associate this clinical scent with the ultimate fragrances and perfumes that we so adore. Alcohol has also not received the best reviews in the cosmetic industry, due to the associated idea of alcohol drying and irritating the skin, and again associating rubbing alcohol with the compound used in perfumes.

However, alcohol has been utilised in perfumes, fragrances, colognes, after shaves and other aroma enhancing liquids, since as early as the 12th century. Although the use was not widespread during those earlier times, the northwest of Europe identified the positive properties of alcohol, and sucessfully experimented and manufactured fragrances with it. It was only in the latter 14th century that the idea spread to England and the use of alcohol in preparations began to flourish there too.

Ethyl Alcohol is the most commonly used alcohol in perfumeries, and the process of denaturing, is when it is rendered unsuitable for ingestion, to ensure that it cannot be converted into use in alcoholic beverages. The evaporation rate of alcohol is very rapid and therefore ideal for use in perfumes, and is combined with a fusion of oils, anti-oxidants and vitamins to nourish the skin, and reacts very well to other ingredients in the mixing process, helping to merge oils and aromas together. As it does have a rapid evaporation rate, it also tends to have a cooling effect on the skin, and provides a great base for perfumes. The various notes in fragrances, which diffuse at different rates, are actually aided by the use of alcohol, which not only circulates the aromas, but also lifts the notes allowing them to reach their peak aromaticity.