Finding a signature fragrance is usually all about the scent accord. Should it be citrusy and floral, or woody and sweet? Settling on the notes is important, as you want a combination that works well with your body chemistry. Still, it’s not the only factor to consider. The composition also plays a big role in how the fragrance will perform. The world of fragrance is evolving, and recently, alcohol-free perfumes are becoming more noteworthy and in demand.
But what exactly is an alcohol-free fragrance? Outside of essential oils, alcohol is a staple component of perfumes and scented sprays. With more brands leaning into alcohol-free formulas, it’s time to demystify the category once and for all. Ahead, two fragrance experts give us the scoop on these unique types of perfumes.
Featured Experts
- Lena Korres is a chemical engineer and co-founder of Korres
- Matthew Berkson is the CEO of Maison Louis Marie
What is an alcohol-free perfume?
As the name states, an alcohol-free perfume is a fragrance that’s made without alcohol—of any kind. “These types of fragrances don’t contain ethanol or any other type of alcohol,” says Matthew Berkson, CEO of Maison Louis Marie. According to Berkson, alcohol is commonly used in perfumes as a solvent and carrier for different scent compounds. Fragrances without it are put into two categories: water-based or perfume oils.
Aside from being an excellent solvent, Lena Korres, a chemical engineer and co-founder of Korres, notes that alcohol can also act as a preservation booster, allowing the perfumer to eliminate the use of other preservatives in the final product.
How are alcohol-free perfumes made?
“There are a few forms of alcohol-free perfumes, such as solid waxes and balms, but the most common types are oil-based fragrances or perfume oils,” says Korres. That said, creating these kinds of fragrances depends first and foremost on the product type. “Every base, like oil, solid wax, or a watery emulsion, has a different approach when it comes to solubilizing the fragrance oil, stabilizing it, and making it long-lasting,” she says.
What are the benefits of alcohol-free perfumes?
While alcohol has its advantages, the biggest issue is evaporation. Compounds with alcohol evaporate quickly and are not ideal when you want a long-lasting signature scent. “Generally speaking, alcohol-free fragrances stay closer to your body, making the scent more sensual and personal,” says Berkson. Alcohol-free perfumes also tend to be more suitable for those with sensitive skin. Some alcohols can dry out and irritate the skin, causing an unpleasant experience. Alcohol-free perfumes offer a different experience, but if you’re prone to sensitivity, an oil-based fragrance can be a better option.
Alcohol-perfumes to try
