What Is Eau de Cologne Spray?
Eau de Cologne, also called cologne, is a light, refreshing form of fragrance defined by its low concentration of essential oils. Unlike perfume, which uses 25% essential oils or more by volume, Eau de Cologne uses only 3 to 5% essential oils, in a blend of alcohol and water. Because the scent is lighter and the effect more subtle, Eau de Cologne can be applied more liberally than perfume. It is also usually less expensive, because of the smaller amounts of costly oils. Does this Spark an idea?
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Terminology
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"Eau de Cologne" is French for "water of Cologne", and refers to the city of Cologne (or Köln) in Germany. While the term is used today to refer to a class of fragrances, it once referred to a specific fragrance.
History
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Scholars differ about who first created Eau de Cologne. According to the New Perfume Handbook by Nigel Groom, an Italian named Paul Feminis created a blend of citrus and herbal essential oils diluted in alcohol while living in Cologne in the early 18th century (however, other sources say it was the 17th century). Feminis called his concoction Aqua Admirabilis.
The formula for Aqua Admirabilis was changed in the 18th century by John Maria Farina, a relative of Feminis. Farina created a blend of lemon, orange, bergamot and lavender oils distilled in alcohol, calling it "Eau De Cologne" after his hometown. In 1708 Farina described the fragrance this way: "My fragrance is reminiscent of a spring morning in Italy after the rain; of oranges, lemons, grapefruit, bergamot, cedar; of the blooms and herbs of my home."
Today, those who want a piece of history can visit the Farina House fragrance museum in Cologne, where the eighth generation of the Farina family makes the original (and secret) recipe, as they have in the same location for 300 years.
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Functions
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Eau de Cologne was originally made with grape alcohol, which meant it was drinkable. Because cologne has an anti-bacterial effect, it was once recommended for hygienic uses, from dental cleaning and preventing bad breath, to guarding against the bubonic plague. People were also known to imbibe it, and Napoleon is said to have consumed sugar cubes dipped in the stuff.
Today, Eau de Cologne is used as a body splash applied to the upper body. It can also be used to scent linens and handkerchiefs. The alcohol it contains has a refreshing effect, and in some countries is offered to guests to freshen the hands.
Ingredients
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Those who want to try blending Eau de Cologne at home can try using some of the traditional essential oils: bergamot, citron, neroli, orange, rosemary, cardamom and lavender have all been suggested as part of the original scent.
Today
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Today many types of cologne abound, from the original recipe still produced in Cologne, to the hundreds of designer fragrances available at department stores, both mass-market and high-end. One of the oldest commercially available colognes is 4711 Original Eau de Cologne, which is produced in Cologne and was once marketed using the Farina name (however, the scents are different). While the recipe for 4711 is secret, its manufacturers have revealed that their formula contains an uplifting head note of bergamot, lemon and orange, a relaxing heart note of lavender and rosemary, and a soothing base of neroli.
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References
- Photo Credit Natascha Rausch: morguefile.com
